Sosan

In the Samhan era, Sosan was part of the Mahan tribal association, then the Chiriguk tribal union was here. Later, this territory became owned by the state of Baekje . Later, in the era of the Silla dynasty, in 755, this area became part of Puson County. During the Koryo dynasty, in 1284 , in the territory of modern Sosan, the Soju (Sojumok) region arose, and somewhat later, in 1310, the Soryeon (Soryonbu) district. In 1413, during the Joseon era, the county of Sosan (Sosangun) arose. The status of the city was obtained by Sosan in 1989.

Sosan is located in the western part of Chungcheongnam-do province, it borders with Honson , Yesan and Tanjin counties in the east, and Taean counties in the west. It is washed by the Yellow Sea . The terrain is mostly flat in the coastal zone, in the east - closer to the center of the Korean Peninsula - hilly. The territory of the city includes 29 small islands, of which 24 are uninhabited. ^[one]

The traditional Koktugaxi Nori puppet show is Sosan's hallmark. It is included in the list of intangible heritage of the country. Koktugaxi nori is believed to have originated in the Koryo era. At that time, it was sharply satirical, it was ridiculed by aristocratic strata of the population.

In addition, several festivals are held in Sosan, including folklore festivals, historical festivals, and art festivals. The most noticeable of them:

• Art Festival named after An Gyong - during this festival, literary readings, performances by folklore groups, and exhibitions of artists are held.
• The Pekkarite Festival - held every year in January - is a peasant festival dedicated to the celebration of the new year. You can see traditional Korean rituals and prayers for a rich harvest in the coming year.
• Historical festival of the fortress in Hemimön - mass theatrical performances are held that tell the life of the city during the Joseon Dynasty.
• Bird Festival - has an environmental focus, takes place annually in October, at the height of the migration season of local birds.

Natural:

• Kayasan Mountains - include several peaks above 500 m. In these mountains, many hiking trails are laid, including routes specifically for women and children. On the slopes of the mountains there are many ancient monuments, mainly Buddhist monasteries. Other famous mountains located on the territory of Sosan are Tobisan and Phalbonsan).
• Yonghyun Valley - located in the Kayasan Mountains. The length of the valley is about 5 km. It is one of the main directions of mountain tourism in these parts. Several picturesque waterfalls.
• Sosan beaches - the coast near Sosan is open for tourists to visit. The beaches are sandy; behind the strip of beaches, low dunes, covered with pine forests, begin. The most famous beaches of Sosan are Kopado and Polcheonpho.

Historical:

• Buddhist monasteries of Kasimsa ( VII century ), Musuns ( XIV century ), Cheongjans ( VII century ). Several smaller medieval Buddhist temples.
• Fortress in the district of Hami (Hamipi). It was built in the XV century , served as a military camp during the Joseon Dynasty . The buildings are well preserved to this day.
• An ancient Confucian school in the Thonmundon district - founded at the beginning of the 15th century.
• Rock-carved Buddha images in Unsanmyeon. It is believed that these images were made in the era of the state of Baekje in the VI century .

• Flower: chrysanthemum - symbolizes the kindness of the inhabitants.
• Tree: pine - represents the ability of citizens to resist adversity.
• Bird: teal-kloktun - symbolizes a harmonious union of city residents.

^[2]

•   Tenri , Nara Prefecture , Japan - since 1991
•   Qinhuangdao , China - since 1997
•   Clifton , NJ , USA - since 1999

• Sim Subon (심수봉), singer.

• Cities of South Korea

• Official website of the city (English)
• Galbijim Wiki Encyclopedia Page
• Sosan Cultural Center