Life at the American gold mines in northern Korea [3]: 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…
![Life at the American gold mines in northern Korea [3]: When tigers reigned](/img/7047970)
The Oriental Consolidated Mining Company (OCMC) operated in the mountainous northern region of Korea, nestled among unforgiving terrain. This area was characterized by its isolation and natural beauty, with barren peaks and forests that had been decimated by the continuous demand for timber. Further afield, other hills and mountains retained their foliage, providing a secluded refuge for deer and other small mammals.
The skies were graced by various bird species, including pheasants, pigeons, ducks, and geese, which found their way onto the dining tables of the miners alongside the forest-dwelling deer.
The miners were not the only creatures that inhabited this rugged landscape. Large birds of prey dominated the skies, while other predators lurked in the forest, drawn by the abundance of game. On occasion, humans became part of the predator-prey dynamic. The author, Charles John Pedersen, born in Busan in 1904, recounted his only experience of the mining concession during his fourth winter at the age of four.
He described the region's reputation for harsh weather conditions resulting from the convergence of Siberian and Korean influences.
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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