[3] Life at the American gold mines in northern Korea: When tigers reigned
Situated in the mountainous region of northern Korea, the Oriental Consolidated Mining Company (OCMC) was surrounded by rough, unforgiving terrain that was both isolated and beautiful. Many of the immediate rugged peaks were bare, their forests stripped by the concession’s incessant need for timber. Further away, other hills and mountains were still covered with trees and thick brush — a…
![[3] Life at the American gold mines in northern Korea: When tigers reigned](/img/7006027)
The Oriental Consolidated Mining Company (OCMC) operated in the mountainous northern region of Korea, where the landscape was characterized by rugged peaks and isolated beauty. The mining concession faced challenges due to the need for extensive timber, which led to deforestation of many of the surrounding areas. However, the untouched hills and mountains remained home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, small mammals, pheasants, pigeons, ducks, and geese.
The skies were dominated by large birds of prey, while the forests harbored predators drawn to the abundant food sources.
One such individual who experienced life at the OMC mines was Charles John Pedersen. Born in Busan in 1904, Pedersen would spend his first and only winter at the mining concession when he was just four years old. His father worked at the site, and Pedersen recounted his experience: "I spent my first and last winter at the mines when I was 4 years old.
The region was known for severe weather due to the confluence of the Siberian steppes and Korean monsoons." The harsh winter conditions, combined with the dangerous terrain and wildlife, made for a challenging environment in which to survive, let alone work.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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