Note 37 — Chapter XXVI · THE PHYÖNG-YANG BATTLEFIELD

There are five coal-mines at distances varying from 10 to 30 li from Phyöng-yang, those of Yang-tang, 15 li away, producing the best quality. With rich iron ore close to the river bank at Kai Chhön, about 36 li off, the elements of prosperity are ready to hand. The “coal-owners” have no proper appliances for working the coal, relying chiefly on Korean axes, and the “output” is very small. Much money has been spent in trying to get the coal, and in two mines they cannot proceed any farther with their present tools. The difficulties of transport are great, and there is no demand for any quantity in Phyöng-yang itself, but the mineral is there in abundance and of good quality, and only awaits capital and enterprise. A tax of 5 per cent. is levied on all coal sent away from the mines. The total export for 1895 was only 652 tons, valued at 4 dols. 20 cts. per ton (9s.).