KORSAKOV - RUSSIA

Korsakov is a city in the Sakhalin oblast (region) of far eastern Russia. It lies in the southern part of Sakhalin Island on the Aniva Gulf. Founded in 1853 as a fortified post, it was the first Russian military post on the island. Its port opened in 1909. The settlement was ruled by Japan from 1905 to 1945 and was called Ōtomari. In 1946 it became a city and was given its present name. It is the largest port on the island, with ship repairing and a fish-processing factory. It is also the most dirt poor, drab town we have ever visited. We took a little coach into town where local people created an impromptu market of a couple of stalls selling tacky Russian doll souvenirs, then sat through a Russian folk music and dance show. The town square is dominated by a large statue of Lenin. Thankfully cruise ships now don’t stop in Russia!