South Chungcheong

\n South Chungcheong (Chungcheongnam-do; 충청 남도; 忠清南道) is a province (Do) in the west of South Korea. The province was formed in 1896 from the southwestern half of the former Chungcheong province, remained a province of Korea until the country's division in 1945, then became part of South Korea. The provincial capital and largest city is Daejeon, which is separately administered as a provincial-level Metropolitan City. The province is part of the Hoseo region, and is bounded on the west by the Yellow Sea, on the north by Gyeonggi province, on the south by North Jeolla province, and on the east by North Chungcheong province. One third of the province's area is under cultivation. Apart from agriculture marine products are of importance. There are 220 square kilometres of exposed beach which is used to produce salt by solar evaporation. There is coal mining, but gold and silver mines are also found in South Chungcheong, as is Monazite (a rare thorium bearing mineral) and zircon. With 845 metres, Mount Gyeryong is the most notable elevation. It is located in a national park which is noted for its unique rock features. Apart from the stone formations there is a number of old temples. In 1978 the Taean Marine National Park was opened. It includes some of the country's best bathing beaches. Apart from Daejeon, other major or notable cities in South Chungcheong include Cheonan, Asan, Janghang, Gongju, and Nonsan. Area: 8,352 square kilometres Length of coastline: 3200 kilometres, including about 250 scattered islands The administrative districts of South Chungcheong-do are comprised of 6 cities, 9 counties, 22 towns, 147 townships and 37 wards. Population: 1,840,410 (2000 census).