South Jeolla Province

History

Proto Three Kingdoms period

During the Samhan period, South Jeolla belonged to Mahan ()

Three Kingdoms period

In the Three Kingdoms period, it belonged to Gujihakseong () of the southern five regions of Baekje (), with Mujinju () as its center.

Unified Silla, North and South period

During the Unified Silla period, with the establishment of nine provinces and five subordinate regions, the area remained under Mujinju. In the 16th year of King Gyeongdeok's reign (757), Mujinju was renamed to Muju () and came to oversee 15 counties (군; 郡) and 43 prefectures (군; 縣).

Goryeo dynasty

In the 2nd year of King Seongjong of Goryeo (983), when the national administrative divisions were reorganized into twelve mok (목), Naju-mok and Seungju-mok were established. In the 14th year of King Seongjong's reign (995), with the implementation of the province (도) system, the nation was divided into ten provinces(도), and the region was called Haeyangdo (). In the 9th year of King Hyeonjong's reign, Haeyangdo was merged with Gangnamdo, and the name Jeollado (全羅道) was officially adopted.

Joseon dynasty

During the Joseon Dynasty, the country was divided into eight provinces, and names such as Gwangnamdo (光南道), Jeongwangdo (全光道), and Jeonnamdo (全南道) were occasionally used. However, the name Jeollado was predominantly maintained.

On May 26, 1895 (the 32nd year of King Gojong's reign), with the implementation of the 23-bu system, Jeollado was subdivided into Jeonju-bu (全州府), Namwon-bu (南原府), Naju-bu (羅州府), and Jeju-bu (濟州府). Currently, seven cities and counties, including Suncheon and Damyang, belong to Namwon-bu, and Yeonggwang and Jangseong is part of Jeonju-bu, and the remaining sixteen cities and counties belong to Naju-bu.

On August 4, 1896 (the 33rd year of King Gojong's reign), Decree No. 36 abolished the 23-bu system. During the reorganization process, the existing eight provinces were divided into thirteen provinces by splitting five provinces (Jeollado, Chungcheongdo, Gyeongsangdo, etc.) into northern and southern regions. As a result, Jeollado was split into north and south, with the southern part being renamed Jeollanam-do (전라남도),or South Jeolla Province, as it is known today, encompassing 1 moks(목/牧) and 32 counties (군/gun).

Geography

The province is part of the Honam region, and is bounded on the west by the Yellow Sea, on the north by Jeollabuk-do Province, on the south by Jeju Strait, and on the east by Gyeongsangnam-do.

There are almost 2,000 islands along the coastline, about three quarters of which are uninhabited. The coastline is about 6,100 km long. Some of the marine products, in particular oyster and seaweed cultivation, are leading in South Korea.

The province is only partially mountainous. The plains along the rivers Seomjin, Yeongsan and Tamjin are suitable for large-scale grain agriculture. There is abundant rainfall in the area, which helps agriculture. The province is also home to the warmest weather on the peninsula. This helps to produce large amounts of agricultural produce, mainly rice, wheat, barley, pulses and potatoes. Vegetables, cotton and fruits are also grown in the province.

Environment

A small amount of gold and coal is mined in the province, but industries have also been developed in the area. The amount of harmful heavy metals in the province is one-thirtieth of the environmental standard requirement, boasting clean air.

Demographics

• Source: SOUTH KOREA: South Jeolla Province – Further information about the population structure (CITY POPULATION)

Administrative divisions

Jeollanam-do is divided into 5 cities (si) and 17 counties (gun). Listed below is the name of each entity in English, hangul, and hanja.

Sister cities and provinces

• Arizona State of Arizona, United States
• Maryland State of Maryland, United States
• South Korea Gyeongsan, South Korea
• Australia Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
• Vietnam Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu province, Vietnam
• Oregon State of Oregon, United States
• China Sichuan Province, China
• Portugal Alcochete, Portugal

Religion

According to the census of 2005, of the people of South Jeolla 30.5% follow Christianity (21.8% Protestantism and 8.7% Catholicism) and 16.1% follow Buddhism. 53.4% of the population is mostly not religious or follow Muism and other indigenous religions.

Education

National universities with graduate schools

• Chonnam National University - Yeosu Campus
• Mokpo National Maritime University – Mokpo
• Mokpo National University - Mokpo/Muan County/Yeongam County
• Sunchon National University – Suncheon

Private universities with graduate schools

• Dongshin University – Naju
• Gwangju Catholic University – Naju
• Mokpo Catholic University – Mokpo
• Sehan University - Yeongam County Campus
• Youngsan Won Buddhist University – Yeonggwang County
• Chodang University – Muan County
• Hanlyo University – Gwangyang

Public institutes of higher education

• Jeonnam Provincial College – Damyang County/Jangheung County

Private institutes of higher education

• Chunnam Techno University – Gokseong County
• Dong-A College – Yeongam County
• Hanyeong College – Yeosu
• Koguryeo College - Naju
• Kwangyang Health College – Gwangyang
• Mokpo Science University – Mokpo
• Suncheon First College – Suncheon
• Suncheon Cheongam College – Suncheon

Governor

Main article: Governor of South Jeolla Province

• 31st: Heo Kyung-man (July 1, 1995 – July 1, 1998) – 1st term
• 32nd: Heo Kyung-man (July 1, 1998 – July 1, 2002) – 2nd term
• 33rd: Park Tae-young (July 1, 2002 – April 29, 2004) – 1st term
• 34th: Park Jun-young (June 6, 2004 – July 1, 2006) – 1st term
• 35th: Park Jun-young (July 1, 2006 – July 1, 2010) – 2nd term
• 36th: Park Jun-young (July 1, 2010 – July 1, 2014) – 3rd term
• 37th: Lee Nak-yeon (July 1, 2014 – May 12, 2018)
• 38th: Kim Yung-rok (July 1, 2018 – )

Economy

Gwangyang Steel Mill, one of the world's largest single steel producer with an annual capacity of 21 million tons, is located in Gwangyang City. In addition, Yeosu National Industrial Complex, the nation's largest petrochemical industrial complex, is located in Yeosu City.

In February 2025, South Korea announced plans for a $35 billion Artificial Intelligence data center with a 3GW capacity to be built in the South Jeolla province. An agreement with the province will ensure the data center has access to energy, water, and other essential resources.

Transportation

Rail

• KTX Honam Line: Seoul station to GwangjuSongjeong station
• KTX Honam Line: Seoul station to Mokpo station

Roads

• Expressway No.10
• Expressway No.15

Airports

• Muan International Airport
• Yeosu Airport
• Gwangju Airport
• Source: Investment Attractiveness (Jeolla Namdo)

Tourism

• Yeosu – Jinnamgwan Hall, Hyangiram, Yi Sun Shin Square
• Suncheon – Songgwangsa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, Nagan Eupseong Folk Village
• Mokpo – Mokpo Modern History Museum, Gatbawi Rock, Yudal Mountain
• Haenam – Ttanggut (End of the Land) Village, Mihwangsa Temple
• Gurye – Hwaeomsa Temple
• Damyang – Damyang Juknokwon, Metasequoia-lined Road, Soswaewon Garden
• Boseong – Boseong Green Tea Field Daehan Dawon
• Dochodo – Seonggaksa

File:Yeosu, Jeollanamdo, South Korea - Art Gallery, October 2021.jpg|Art Gallery in Yeosu File:Tafoni and Sandstone, Gatbawi Mokpo South Korea 08.jpg|Mokpo|Gatbawi File:Chueotang, Gangjin, Jeollanam-do.jpg|Chueotang

References

Sources

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14. (2025-02-19). "South Korea Unveils Plans for $35B AI Data Center with 3GW Capacity".
15. Martin, Asa Fitch and Timothy W.. "Exclusive {{!}} AI Data Center With Up to 3 Gigawatts of Power Is Envisioned for South Korea".