Songju

According to archaeological research, human settlements in Sonju already existed in the Stone Age . At the beginning of the 1st millennium, there was a small proto-state tribal association, which later became part of the Sonsan Kaya tribal union, one of the tribal unions of the large Kaya proto-state. Later, this territory became part of the ancient Korean state of Silla . In 757 , after administrative reform, the Sinan county of the status “hyung” (Sinanhyun) was formed on the site of modern Sonju, which was subsequently replaced by the county of Pykchin with the status of “kun” (Pykkingun). In 940, the county became part of the Gyeongsang (Gyeongsangbu) district, and in 980, Gwang Phong (Gwangphongun) county was formed here. During the era of the Koryo dynasty, several administrative reforms were carried out that changed the borders and name of this territory. In 1308, Songju received its modern name and status “mok” (Songjumok), however, two years later, Songju again became a part of Gyeongsangbu (in 1400 , during the Joseon era, Songjumok was restored). In 1614, the territory came under the control of Koryeon (Koryeonghyun) county. In 1631, Sonju received the status of “yp”, in 1640 - again “mok”. In 1895, Sonju finally received the status of "kun". Since then, the county’s territory has changed shape several times, the last change occurred in 1989. ^[one]

Songju is located in the southwestern part of Gyeongsangbuk-do province. In the south it borders with Koryeon County, in the east and north with the city of Gimcheon , in the southwest with the province of Gyeongsangnam-do , in the west with the city of Daegu and in the northwest with the county of Chilgok . The northwestern part of the county is mainly flat areas formed by the course of the Naktong River and its tributaries. The landscape of the rest of the territory is mostly mountainous. For agriculture, 21% of the county is used.

The climate of the county, as well as the entire region, is monsoon. The average annual temperature is 14.1 ℃, the average annual rainfall ranges from 850–1300 mm, with most of this amount occurring in the rainy season (June-September). ^[2]

The culture of Songju is closely connected with the early medieval cultures of Kai and Silla. There are many ancient temples, shrines, burials of the nobility of those times. During the Joseon era , Jeonju was one of the centers of Confucianism on the Korean peninsula. Here in 1583, the Confucian Academy of Hooyon Sovon was founded. In 1864, the academy was closed, but in 1984 it was reopened. Education at this academy continues today. ^[3] A number of festivals take place in Songju, in particular the Songju Cultural Festival, which takes place annually in October. During this festival, a parade takes place along the city streets, competitions are held in traditional Korean sports, and performances by folk groups. ^[four]

The main attractions of Songju are:

• Kayasan Mountain National Park is a popular tourist destination. The national park was established in 1972. The highest point is Chilbulbon peak (1,433 m). ^[5] . Here are the ruins of two ancient Buddhist monasteries - Simvons and Popsus.
• The stone statue of the virocana in Kimbonni is an example of the art of the masters of the times of the United Silla ( 9th century ). ^[6]
• The tombs in Sonsanni - one of the oldest cultural monuments of Kaya . Included in the list of Historic Places of Korea at number 86. ^[7]

Songju has the following characters: ^[8]

• Tree: Gingko
• Flower: Forsythia
• Bird: Dove
• Mascot: funny chamdori melon

Songju is a twin city of the following cities:

•   Gwangakku , Seoul , Republic of Korea (2005)

• County official website