Nonsan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nonsan 논산시
Municipal City
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	논산시
• Hanja	論山市
• Revised Romanization	Nonsan-si
• McCune-Reischauer	Nonsan-si
Flag Emblem of Nonsan
Motto(s):  City of Strawberrys
Location in South Korea
Country	South Korea
Region	Hoseo
Administrative divisions	2 eup, 11 myeon, and 2 dong
Area
• Total	554.82 km2 (214.22 sq mi)
Population  (October, 2022)
• Total	112,939
• Density	220/km2 (600/sq mi)
• Dialect	Chungcheong
Time zone	UTC+9 (Korea Standard Time)

Banya-San Park.

Nonsan is a city in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. It is located at 36°12′N 127°5′E / 36.200°N 127.083°E / 36.200; 127.083. The name "Nonsan" comes from a small garden called "Nolmoe." This garden sits in the middle of farm fields, surrounded by rice paddies and mountains. The city is part of the larger Daejeon area.

History of Nonsan

Nonsan has a long and interesting history.

Early History

During the Samhan period, a very old time in Korea, Nonsan was likely part of the Mahan confederacy. Later, during the Baekje kingdom, the area was known as Hwangdeungyasan-gun. A very important battle, where the Silla kingdom defeated Baekje, is thought to have happened near Nonsan. After this, during the Silla period, Nonsan was split into two towns: Deogeun and Hwangsan.

Modern Nonsan

The train station in Nonsan was built in 1911. This was the same year that the railway line through the Nonsan plain was finished. The modern city of Nonsan was officially created in 1914. It was formed by joining four smaller areas: Yeonsan-gun, Eunjin-gun, Noseong-gun, and Seoksung-gun.

During the Korean War, a camp for prisoners of war (POWs) was set up in Nonsan by the U.S. and South Korean forces. On June 18, 1953, many POWs at the Nonsan camp, and other camps, left the camps and joined the local people. They did this to avoid being sent back to North Korea.

Getting Around Nonsan

Nonsan has a good transportation system.

Public Transport

The city is connected by South Korea's national railroad system. You can also travel by city, regional, and national bus lines. An expressway links Nonsan to Daejeon and other cities. Many streets in Nonsan have special paths for bikes, which are often next to sidewalks.

Waterways

The stream that flows through the city itself is not big enough for boats. However, it eventually joins the Geum River. A part of Nonsan located outside the main city is an important fishing port. There are also plans for a new train line called the Chungcheong Metropolitan Railroad. This line would connect Nonsan to Gyeryong, Daejeon, and Cheongju.

Nonsan's Economy and Industries

Nonsan is mainly an agricultural city, meaning farming is very important here.

Farming and Food

rice is the most important crop grown in Nonsan. Other key crops include delicious strawberries, ginseng, napa cabbage, watermelons, and Korean pears. Nonsan is especially famous for its strawberries. Farmers grow different types, including local ones like seolhyang, maehyang, and geumhyang. Seolhyang is known for being the sweetest.

Other Businesses

Nonsan is also home to some interesting companies. Sesil company is one of the world's top producers of insects used to naturally control pests in farming. The well-known yogurt company, Yakult, has its main office in Nonsan. Agro-Fisheries Trade Corp. is another company that supplies food products in the region.

The greater Nonsan area also has the ROK Army training center. This is a large facility where many soldiers receive their training.

Education in Nonsan

Nonsan offers many educational opportunities for students.

Higher Education

• Konyang University: This university was founded in 1991. Its main campus is in Nonsan. It also has a hospital in Daejeon that trains medical technicians, nurses, and doctors.
• Geumgang University: Started in 2004, this is a Buddhist university located in the countryside near Gyeryongsan.
• Korea Bio Polytechnic: This is a two-year college run by the Department of Labor.
• Korea National Defense University: This university moved its campus from Seoul to Nonsan in 2017.

Secondary Education

Nonsan has several high schools. These include a girls' high school, a technical high school, and two private schools. These schools attract students from all over the province and even further away.

Things to See and Do in Nonsan

Nonsan has many interesting places to visit and fun events.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Mireuk-bosal at Gwanchok Temple.

One famous attraction is the Eunjin Mireuk. This is a very large standing Buddhist statue from the Goryeo period. It is located at the Gwanchoksa temple. You can also visit the Baekje Military Museum to learn about ancient Korean history.

Festivals and Events

The spring Strawberry Festival is a very popular event that attracts many tourists. In autumn, the Ganggyoung fermented seafood festival is also a big draw.

Famous Spots

Nonsan has eight famous spots. These include:

• Gwanchoksa temple
• The historic sites related to General Gyebaek
• Tapjeong Reservoir
• Ssanggyesa Temple
• Noseong Sanseong Fortress

Other Interesting Facts About Nonsan

Nonsan has a concert hall where different cultural events like concerts and lectures are held. Konyang University's auditorium also hosts free cultural activities for the community.

In June 2011, a new cultural center called Sangsang Madang was finished. It is a place for "indie art," which means independent and unique artistic works.

Donam Academy, one of the nine important neo-Confucian schools from the Choseon dynasty, is located in the greater Nonsan area. It was recognized as a UNESCO provisional world heritage site in December 2011.

Administrative Divisions

Nonsan City is divided into different administrative areas. It has 2 eup (towns), 11 myeon (townships), and 2 dong (neighborhoods).

Sister Cities

Nonsan has "sister city" relationships with other cities, both in South Korea and around the world. These partnerships help promote cultural exchange and friendship.

In South Korea

• Seocho-gu, Seoul
• Gangdong-gu, Seoul
• Jung-gu, Daejeon
• Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do
• Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do
• Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Around the World

• Jining, China
• Jinzhou, China
• Langfang, China
• Gotemba, Japan
• Habikino, Japan

Notable People from Nonsan

Some well-known people have come from Nonsan:

• Rhee In-je: A politician who ran for president of South Korea three times.
• Chun Sung-gwan: He was the Head of the Seoul Central District Prosecutor's Office in 2009.
• Yeom Hong-chul: A former Mayor of Daejeon.
• Go Soo: A famous film and television actor.
• Park Beom-shin: A well-known writer.

See also

In Spanish: Nonsan para niños