Mokpo
Encyclopedia
Mokpo is a city
in South Jeolla Province, South Korea
, on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula
. Mokpo has frequent train service to Seoul
and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea
. Port of Mokpo is not far from Yudal mountain
, a picturesque area with numerous tourist facilities.
During the Japanese Occupation
, Mokpo served as a crucial port for commercial ventures and transportation owing to its location connecting Japanese archelago and Chinese mainland. It means the port played stopover between sea routes. Great deal of islands surrounding the port also served less dangerous possibility of tsunami
in terms of weather condition. As the metropolitan city during Japanese rule, the city held oriental company of Japan to have large residential areas in current historic districts. However, after independence, the city slowly lost the stepping up foothold to host major organs of governments and notably the process for working factories within the economic boom. The shortage of secondary industries base caused serious spill of population becoming middle sized city guarding Honam
region.
Former president Kim Dae-jung earned full support from electorates at president election
in 1997, while other political rivals are accused of having tried to underdevelop the city to decrease its population. The city still went through series of platforms to grow up its ability to hold stronger status in South Jeolla province in spite of economic depression and complains of residents at original downtown. According to the city's page, the mayor Jeong Jong Dueg says it is goal of Mokpo to be home to arts of Yellow sea in brilliantly developing Northeast Asia
.
) literally means the harbour with large portion of forests. The terminology initially appears at Goryeosa
(History of Goryeo). Owing to this background, some historians argue that the etimology shares its root at trees within port of Mokpo around the region. Another theory indicates that the location is critically important in Yellow sea
as the routes toward the land is as critical as the throat(in Hangul:목) of human. The last assertion finds its ground in large production of cotton
(in Hangul
:목화, in Hanja:木花) in the region where the great deal of amounts were allotted by Japanese colonisits to deliver the products into Tokyo
.
during the early era of Samhan
, and was called Mul-ahye within the control of Baekje
. However, after the crackdown of Baekje, it was amalgamated by Silla, and changed its title to Myenjoo. In 946, the name was once again changed to Mul-ryang becoming a part of the prefecture of Muan, Naju-mok, Haeyang province. At that time, the prefecture of Muan referred to a much larger area, which incorporated not only Mokpo but also current Muan and several islands of Sinan county. According to the publication of the Korean broadcasting system, coastal and off-shore areas of Mokpo witnessed superior productivity of crops, owing partially to their proximity to China. Important shipping routes were also available following the Yeongsan river to Naju
.
) ruled by Gung Ye
. Taebong covered the central area of the Korean peninsula to include the current Gaeseong, which was then called Song'ak. As a naval power, Wang Geon was commanded to attack Gyeon Hwon
's Later Baekje, which had also emerged with the disintegration of Unified Silla
as an attempt to reestablish the former Baekje
dynasty, and which occupied the southern region of the peninsula in the region of present day Naju
. The operation enjoyed fairly successful results. Wang Geon met his second queen, Janghwa, at this time, and their son became Hyejong of Goryeo
.
In 1439, 21 years after King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty
came to power, the Mokpo man-ho garrison (jin) was established, which was designated to manage 12 offshore islands. During the Imjin wars, Admiral Yi Sun-sin
established a garrison of naval forces in Mokpo and on the island of Goha in order to secure a base for provisions and for repairing ships, such as the "turtle ships" geobukseon and panokseon
.
. One geographical advantage Mokpo holds is its location at the midpoint between Nagasaki
, Japan and the Chinese mainland. For Japan, the city also had the merit of proximity to the abundant crops of the Jeolla
provinces. Opening the port, the housing of Japanese people was rapidly enhanced to reach the establishment of self-governing institution. Japanese people chiefly lived in current Yudal dong where the main port is just in front, while Japanese consulate stayed before the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905
.
Japanese started to purchase farmlands close to Mokpo, which had been illegal to the treaty between two empires, mentioning that foreigners could only deal with business activity in registered spot. The reason why the aliens were aiming at buying the fields is said owing to the lax taxation of Joseon and completely cheap price, one tenth rate for those in Japan. The forceful open speeded up the despoil of harvest for cheaper price toward Japan. In the meantime, the price of rice in Jeolla province doubled afterwards.
After the yeaf of 1905, the residence of Japanese people expanded so abundant that the location was further enlarged to Geumhwa dong where lots of cherry blossoms were grown along the street. Japanese called it Sakuramachi meaning "the downtown along cherry blossom trees" in Japanese language.
Upon Korea's annexation
by Japan
in 1910, the city was given a new name, "Mokpo-bu," with the construction of colonial institution called Oriental Development Company
(동양척식주식회사, in Hanja
;東洋拓殖株式會社) and received its current name, "Mokpo City", a year after the nation's independence from Japan.
Opening port moved up the status of Mokpo as a central half-way destination ashore islands linking in between, of which position had been concentrated for Wando.
In 1914, the construction of Honam Line
was finalized to make up the railroad from Daejeon
to Mokpo. On 1 April, Mokpo Bu was divided into several factions, which resulted the outcome of downtown area only remained as Mokpo, contemporary name ; Boo Nae Myun. Following no. 11 command of the Japanese Government General of Korea, Muan county was declared incorporating another myuns, Jido, Palguem, Docho, only except for Boo nae. The harbor has long been utilized for depriving crops of regional area for Tokyo
.
For business activities, transportation enhanced stimuli for many people to congregate while many people gathered for work. The aims were headed to build temporary housing places near Japanese residents. According to the local records, smaller mud huts were along the narrow street where the commander barely allowed to live in. Series of facilities were built including Mokpo theater of which possession was from Korean peninsula. There were only 3 theaters in possession of Korean, including Seoul
's Danseongsa, Gwangju Theater in current Gwangju metropolitan city.
In 1932, the size of the city became a lot larger owing to incorporation some parts from Muan, reaching 60 thousand population under the fame of 6th largest city in Korean peninsula
. Indigenous products were fairly cloth, rice and salt with abundant coastal food to give much fame, following city hall's explanation on modern history. The harbor played important role for supplying exploited goods toward Japan but meant the deprivation and loss of crops for Korean.
Additionally, the products of cotton were largely deprived to meet the demands of Japan. In 1918, the colonists established ginning facilities for manufacturing large deliveries in Mokpo and Iri(current Iksan
in North Jeolla province).
Samhakdo was reclaimed since 1940 by connecting islands toward Mokpo, continuing the landfill construction during 1968-73. The island is divided into three major sections. In 2000, the city assured the plan to restore a naturalized island for tourism, bringing up tremendous criticism from environmental groups. However, the project stretched out for 6 years of construction to link three parts of island in close proximity with 5 bridges between small, middle islands. From 1 March 2007, the site became free to the public.
In 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement swept up whole close area. In Mokpo, student movement was also initiated by several people who marched with the cards saying "Freedom" along the boulevard from Mokpo Station
to the second plaza. Mokpo station served as a central congregation for many groups supporting people in Gwangju.
After 1990, new port(called newly built outdoor harbor) was officially working for accommodating exports, mainly KIA motors, while Daebul and Samho industrial complexes gained factories in fields. At first pace, South Jeolla province was confronted for deep concerns over investment owing to lacking transportation and accommodation. In 2007, South Korean ministry of Industry and Resources designated the area for renovation cluster with that of Masan
in Gyeongsangnam-do. The chief reasons were because China
's huge growth became momentum for the city as connecting destination for local companies for southerneast Asian nations.
On October 1, 1997, when Mokpo had its centennial as a port city, the city announced the second opening of the port. Mokpo has become famous as the hometown of former President Kim Dae-jung, who received the Nobel Peace Prize
in 2001.
However, his political base went through earthquake owing to the conflicts of leaders of Democrats Party
. The argument for fair semi-election to elect candidate led him to secede from the party, eventually giving lawsuit upon the election issue without integrity. The court rejected the claim of Mr. Gwon whose post-step became forfeited.
Jeon Tae Hong, the elected had played important role in Mokpo YMCA to stratify policies for corroborating transfer of provincial office and new port and Daebul industrial complex. However, his death all of sudden in 2005 called for emergent election to fill vacancy The election on April 30 of 2005 elected the candidate Jeong Jong Deuk of 45.2% base with the promises of tourism promotion. In 2005, the largest issue of the city, the construction of Mokpo bridge lost large portion of the budget by cutting off from Ministry of Strategy and Finance(the Ministry of Planning and Budget at that time) In August, the city awarded the balanced appreciation of munipicial operation of budgets. The old downtown's depression and weakness became huge concern for dwellers toward Hadang
in every scope of daily life. Mr. Jeong established the office of original city replanning at the same year, declaring the promotion of slogan as city of light(in Hangul : 빛의 도시, 목포). Yet, the restoration of the economy was seriously asked whether the measurement was righteously chosen for the situation. To tackle the public opinion, the city decided to separately designate the streets of markets by sectioning each avenue by the character of shops, circulating population and appropriate platforms to take into account for 112 year-old commercial core. For instance, the city designated fishery market as the street of Hong-eo(stake) and existing downtown as the street of youngsters.
In 2006, he continued to succeed the chairperson of the city. During his second inauguration, the city has gotten awards of civil executive premiere in 2007 with the first prize of South Korea Tourism Contest, initiated by Korea tourism association, with Ulleung County
in 2009.
Upon his presence, it is said to give efforts forward conducting development projects and city planning around the old downtown, failing to activate and circulate critical work of economy. Additionally, the conflicts upon the support fund became huge tic-tac-toc between residences. Mokpo civil newspaper pinpointed that the city council must find out concrete and persuasive devices to draw the populations into the city and change the attitudes toward imbalanced economy.
In 2009, non-governmental organizations based in Mokpo jointly urged the mayor to publicily disclose the information upon the consumption of budget. Until their requirement, the committee of information and technology were thoroughly made of the person elected by the mayor. Upon the lawsuit by organizations, it was proved to be in favor of suitor in that informing the budget should be reported and monitored via civil participation.
In fact, the background lies within the location of Mokpo. Mokpo is located at the tip of Muan peninsula, which means Muan takes majority of the expansion. The geographical boundary have longly implied volition of merge for Mokpo but no stimuli for Muan, as most of residents there do not think it will take major advantages in cycles of development. The supporting opinion for merge says that Muan and Mokpo actually shares same roots in terms of geography and equalizing plans for economic boast can be certainly enhanced under the larger population and power.
In 2004, civil groups campaigned supporting vote for amalagamating three areas of Sinan, Muan and Mokpo. In 2009, ongoing movement of administrational transformation has swept several governing bodies and the city council of Mokpo officially submitted blueprints of amalagament on September 25, 2009. 2009 vote also fell down owing to rocketing objection from civilians, only except for Mokpo, removing the roots of probability to set up the larger municipal organ.
into metropolitan city, but not distinctive policies for Honam area.
In 2007, the population of households increased from 80 thousand to 90 thousand. which indicates each per 2.7 person. The density is 5,062.6, reaching 10th highest rank of South Korea whose figure is one of the very skyrocketing among all the municipalities only except for Gyeonggi province
. In 2010, Bank of Korea
Mokpo told that major features still cause irresistible decline of the population of western area of South Jeolla province like extended differentiation of income, weak industrial foundation, underdeveloped educational facilities and poor welfare backup.
The formation of Namak city has carried on attracting features thanks to the movement of provincial office where the portion takes half of Mokpo and Muan. Because of Muan's existence, direct growth for Mokpo is still limited.
Branch of police office in chargeMokpo city LibraryMokpo children's library
Offices of Sinan
county in Mokpo Sinan office of Education in Mokpo Health care office of Sinan
County office of Sinan moved to Aphae island in April, 2011.
Education in Mokpo has earlierly adapted to instruct civilians most of whom were Japanese, representing Bukgyo and Yudal elementary school. As a major center of Honam
area, Japanese populations took seemingly larger number compared to those of other areas to gain earlier background for educational instructions but not distinctive organ for Koreans at that time. To meet the demands of local Japanese students at first, Bukgyo elementary school actually takes hold of its base in Mokpo Hyanggyo
(educational institute for aristocracy during Joseon Dynasty
), officially starting its class following the order no.145 of Gojong of Korean Empire
, at the same year of opening port in 1897. Yudal elementary school was firstly named as Simsang sohakgyo(hangul
:심상소학교, 소학교 refers to elementary-level course) on January 12 of 1898.
Jeonnam Jeil high school was opened in 1920 as commercial high school and first secondary-level course and later its name was changed into Jeil high school. It is also famous for the place where former president Kim Dae Jung graduated from. In 1941, one of the regional wealthy, Moon Jae Cheol established Moontae foundation for educational purposes. Now the foundation holds middle and high schools. Since 2000, some of middle and high schools newly established owing to larger residential complex especially within Hadang
.
was promoted to national-level supported school in 1976 after 30 years of establishment, of which regional fame has been highlighted thanks to the researching specialty for shipbuilding, culturally related majors. 2007 preliminary test for national university ranked MNU as the highest level of 4, the same level with Seoul National University
and Jeonnam National University.
Mokpo National Maritime University
is specializing in maritime related populations. The school takes its characteristic of bringing up specially-trained students for shipping works, mechanisms while funded by government for serving as navigator. Mokpo Catholic University
initiated its education as Sungshin nursing college in 1967 for training professional nursing populations in regional bases. The school enlarged its boundary for vocational education, psychology with current level since 1999. Additionally, 5th campus of Korea Polytechnic Colleges set up several majors like computing, applications for shipbuilding, etc. since 1996.
Mokpo took this policy at the late 1970s following this enforcement, coming back to vice versa in 1990. However, notice of legislation by Ministry of Education & Science Technology led the region with another cities in South Jeolla province to take standardization again in 2004.
Formerly, the argument of standardization called for critically heated public polls, nearly reaching to the failure of the policy. However, inhabitant's poll in 2003 aggressively took majority of approval of 71.3% in 2003. Currently, the local issue of education is mainly problematic given the attention of parents that proceeding for prestigious school promotes serious competition among students. This systemical error hardened preference of school each year, instigating stronger promoting expenses of high schools.
area where Japan and Russia
are viable within coastal area encouraging major economic impacts for South Korea. However, the brilliant enhancement of Chinese economy shares huge possibility to step up the city's potetntial as the trades via Yellow Sea
have been strengthened year by year. Furthermore, the construction of Seonhaean expressway rapidly enhanced the accessibility for Seoul and Gyeonggi province, while the city was taken as for the major candidate of hub
harbour, along with Incheon, Pyeongtaek
/Dangjin and Gunsan
.
Inside the city, the old downtown has suffered from inevitable depression as the population largely moved for the new town called Hadang, losing its value as the heart of consumption for citizens since early 1900.
and bean
. On the contrary, greens and fruits have gained much popularity since 2001, including tomatoes, cucumbers and oriental melon with continuous last.
A great deal of fishing ship stations at harbour. They often goes for near coast like Heuksando
to raise the seizure of skates and hairtails. The marine products reached 26,862 ton in 2006, chiefly consisting its percetage from fish
. The number of fisher dropped less than 3,000 people to go up again since 2007. Crustaceans, mollusks and seaweeds take next dominance. One of the most famous special products of Mokpo is small octopus, of which yield slipped down a thousand ton per year far less than demands.
, the port worked as major harbour toward Hanyang
via Yeongsan River
of which role served as for caoyun system
.
In modern scope, before Hadang area was built, every single function of the city became concentrated on the original downtown from cultural facilities to commerce. However, the large residential area was built in Yeonsan dong while the construction of Hadang was finalized in 1999 to bring about up-to-date fashioned streets with huge spill of population. As the faculty of original downtown has mostly disappeared for many of merchant houses moved to Hadang or shut down, city congress formulated the order for supporting the old downtown. The outward flow of people has been so enormous that the gap between former and letter has not been decreased.
For more than a century, the commercial power of the city has concentrated on Mokpo station and several markets nearby. The sole department store was closed within 1997 Asian financial crisis with several movie theatres shut, too. The dominance of economic power has been notably imbalanced by opening of Lotte Mart
(2001) and E-Mart
(2002). For large-scale market in Mokpo, Home plus
is the solitary merchandising company resided in old downtown near Munhwa broadcasting corporation in Yongdang area.
Exceptionally, fishery market of Dongmyeong and North Harbor Hoe
center have vitalised for tourists and local people looking for octopus
or indigneous products. The economic bureau of the city has issued the voucher for promoting consumption within the market since early 2009, reaching all disposal of the issue amounted as 0.3 billion Korean won.
located in near Yeongam. The imports of merchandise can give supports for Mokpo as those of products must pass through harbour. Daebul complex did not hold any company at the first stance, overthrowing vacancies toward massive parcel-out since 2000.
Initial owner of heavy industries had been Halla group, of which possession was taken over by Hyudai heavy industries to change its name adding regional term "Samho" meaing three lakes. The announcement of bankrupty largely called for deep concerns over large scale lay-off and loss of regional profits for shop owners. The serious worries was slided by the M&A to heighten stability of business. Meanwhile, profits of complex amounted to more than $ 0.46 bn, acclerated about 25% from that of 2006.
South Jeolla province succeeded to attract series of investors for renewable energies like solar panels. In industrial complex, Innovation silicon ltd, overtook the projects for building silicon producing complex of 10 bn won
. The city required more investment for preparing for holding industrial factories in Daeyang dong area.
from Honam area, of which best merchandise is maple soju, the first brewing soju from maples. In 2001, the products titled the prize of 5 million bottle exports from national government. Joint developed soju was also launched in Japan, with Asahi Breweries
. Its wine
made of Rubus coreanus
has attained the confirmation for United States
for the first time as a Korean brewing company in 2008 with a nickname of rugby
ball wine
.
Another major company is Haengnam chinaware, established May 1942. Its headquarter is located at this city with Seoul branch for design and public relations and Yeoju for production. The enterprise has the first record for developing coffee cup sets in 1953. In 1963, Hong Kong firstly accepted its export within its territory while current marketing is paying attention for Chinese markets for exporting profits to reach more than 2 million dollars in 2008. In 2011, its president signed MOU with Ministry of Environment of South Korea for designing less pollutant emitting process. The project tries to enhance public awareness on environmental issues for rare natural species.
:개골) meaning weird-shaped rocks and peaks. The hilly side of the mountain caused upward roads around the downtown. Nojeokbong is historic site where General Yi soon shin made use of its shape making it like accumulated rice for soldiers during Japanse invasion. Throughout each direction of the city are there mountains like Mt. Ibam(121) at the east, Yangeul(156m) and Daebak(156) at the north. The mouth
of Yeongsan river flows following the southern side of the city with 13 islands. The existence of natural seawall
encouraged the promising place for accommodating several kinds of ship.
Most of landmeasure of Mokpo, however, have largely accomplished by land reclamation
, including Samhakdo, North harbor(in Hangul
: 북항) and new city of Hadang which roots the updated fashion of the downtown. According to the research by Mokpo national university, tributaries
of Yeongsan river crossed the central area of old downtown. For instance, Mokone dong area was originally called as Namgyo(southern side of bridge) and Bukgyo(Northern side of bridge)-dong. Both names include gyo(in Hangul:교, in Hanja
:橋)meaning the bridge, which indicates the bridge links the separated village. Tideland reclamation project removed large amounts of mud flat including Daebandong, Baekryundong and coastal shore around Gatbawi. Additionally, munipical range incorporates 7 desert island
s.
The wall at the end of the Yeongsan river blocked flooding damage during harsh typhoon, whereas the sideeffects have headed forward another portion of the city, chiefly the sea level along the coast have continued to rise. Meanwhile, the water quality of river have worsened to call for the ministry in charge to take environmental appreciation for reviewing impacts by manmade structure. In 2010, the reports became the pinpointed issue for environmental civil group in that widened seawall would be constructed by dirted water getting pumped out of the riverbeds and carrying the water into the beds of the harbour.
. The first record says it was cloudy with lowest degree of 3.4 and highest of 8.4.
Mokpo's climate is highlighted by a short spring and autumn. It is cold and dry in the winter and warm and humid, with seasonal winds, in the summer. There is much rain in the summer, with an average of 1163mm. It is usually quite windy and foggy in the spring and autumn owing to its locality near the ocean. Mokpo's long period (223 days) without frost creates suitable conditions for rice farming. However, its seacoast location and the influence of the continental climate on the city often causes a great disparity between the rise and fall of daily and yearly temperatures. Another feature of local weather is highest level of sunlight in Korea with Sinan county, which means a great deal of probability to hold sunlight energy plants and related industries. In terms of yellow dust, the number of occurrence is quite similar to those of other cities like Seoul
and Incheon
; 10–11 days per year but the figure of fine dust is relatively low.
The climate of Mokpo pertains itself to the Cfa, following to Köppen climate classification
. Depending on the seasonal change, it takes different phases of weather condition, which indicates unpredictable situations sometimes happen. Especially, unexpected blizzards sweep the region with huge gust during winter. The statistical climate data says average snowy days reach more than a month and 60 days below zero Celsius. For tropical cyclone
, Mokpo gains damages within the passing range of typhoons and its peripherical impacts involving heavy precipitation during summer and mostly early autumn. 2004 typhoon Mindeulle rained highest-ever precipitation with 64 mm per hour.
The station is located at the near range with Yudal mountatin, southerwest part of the city. The railroad ended inside the station while industrial rail transport no longer operate reached Samhakdo. For industrial purposes, the line played role to carry coals for factories as a branch proximity to the local citizens residence. Because of serious dangers, the city decided to remove the rail in 2011.
Before the operation of KTX bullet train
, the road passed the center of the city through Yeon dong, whereas the double-track project managed rails penetrating the town to be removed. Instead, the circulating rail takes detouring course via Seokhyun area with underground tunnel.
On April 1 of 2004, Korea Train Express
took the opening ceremony with 3 hour range from Seoul to Mokpo, whereas actual time required is beyond the expectation as Korean railroad service did not provide least stops within Honam Line. 3 hour travel is only possible when stopping at 4 stops with Seodaejeon
, Iksan
, Gwangjusongjeong and then, to Mokpo, which is not available since 2008. 10 services are possible everyday from Yongsan station to Mokpo with 195 minutes. According to the further developing project of railroad, the high speed Honam line would help citizen go to Seoul within 100 minutes. In this case, the final arrival would reach at Imsungri station moving the role of Mokpo, meaning some of the railroads would stop in the long run. The basal plan says that Honam high speed rail would be divided from Osong with a range of 230.9 km
In July 2010, Saemaul and Mugunghwa-ho
are operating round trip service of twice and six times each day, respectively. For Gwangju Station
, Mugunghwa ho is working on twice in a day.
Seohaean Expressway
connects Mokpo to Seoul by car within 3 hour. Before the construction, the developing exis was eastern Yeongnam area without special concerns over western region more than 4.5~5 hour for Seoul. The new project from Gwangyang
to Mokpo has worked on with a view to opening the road in the late 2011, which would finalize the linkage of Namhae Expressway
starting from Busan
. Additionally, Muan-Gwangju expressway was built and opened in 2007 and 2008 to boast the accommodation of Muan international airport.
National Routhe 1
was planned to connect Mokpo to Sineuju in North. After Korean War
, the section became stopped till Imjingak near Panmunjeom
, later extent to Gaesung in 2000 of which purpose is to provide conveninence with industrial business in Gaesung Industrial complex.
In case of exterior transportation, Mokpo bus terminal plays critical role to move passengers for other regions while some of the far away services are still insufficient. Customers, in this option, transfer the bus terminal at Gwangju.
became open.
Since 2005, the enterprise and city council agreed to expand number of buses fueled by natural gas
after 3 year long negotiation. The city has supported about 21,000 US dollar for each bus to equip with eco-friendly measure. As of 2006, 32 buses have started to operate its schedule by natural gas. The enlargement of bed towns around the city stimulated more demands to initiate other lines while the conflicts also happens owing to the profits and public servicing policy of the city.
Transfer with free of charge became applicable to every bus as of March 1 of 2007. The lines are classified as inner circle, outer line and artery, which follows commuting service system of Seoul Buses
. Buses with low-floor level firstly equipped in South Jeolla province in 2007, although chosen lines still limited until now. Campaigns have also included to support physically-challenged by eliminating floors at the bus stop
Since 2008, the semi-public bus system have been pushed for, intending to expand the choice of city governing body for lining up routes with management by bus company. The core goal is to share the responsibility for opreation and control over spending and income. Although the policy gained its first glance as breaktrrough to cut off discomforts of civilians of farmost village, However, NGOs have opposed to the stuffy support only for transportation company, having own evidence of social agreement and balanced burdens. The policy has not been chosen yet owing to lack of discussions and objectives by several civil groups.
is the airport serving Mokpo.
Previously Mokpo Airport
operated as the region's airport. The crash of Asiana plane in 1993 escalated the worries over the airport but with only extension of 50m runway. Moreover, the site held fundamental drawbacks owing to common foggy weather and lack of related facilities such as linking roads for citizens. Korean Air
abolished Gimpo-Mokpo line and Asiana airlines
also started to slash services in 2004 with additional removal of Mokpo-Jeju line. The air companies announced they could not accept impregnable deficits because of speed railroad, which also include further development till 2017. In fact, the availability dropped to 49.7% from the past ratio of about 70%, bringing up the wipe-out of the airlines. The decision rebuked negative regional responses.
The construction of Muan International Airport was delayed for many times to call upon disappointment for the local people with more loss of the air transportation. The initial construction was announced in 1999, whereas the business project continued to stop or put off and the cost for the plan was measurably cut down. Because of the difficulty, municipal representatives urged to cancel the decision until new airport opens. Eventually Mokpo airport was decided to close its doors in November 8, 2007.
. Additionally, newly built harbour(in hangul : 목포신항 or 신외항) chiefly takes South Korea-China containers and other cargos.
For accommodating customers, over 80 sea lines have been available, notably for Heuksando, Hongdo
and Jeju
and almost every linking ferries for Sinan county. In 2002, the first-ever achieved cruise for Shanghai
was confirmed by disclosing official ceremony of operation. However, nearly bankrupted concerns stopped the continuance of cruise only after five months. In July 2004, the cruise company altered the scheme for shipping scale with less number of people by introducing newly-designed ship from Greece
but failed to last owing to rejection from China
.
Mokpo coastal terminal was originally built during 1980s with old-fashioned facility. For this problem, government supported 30 bn won for constructing 4-story terminal from 2003. The new building opened in February 2007, adorned with the design of fastsailing ship under the umberella of international harbour town to meet the demands of visiting guests and tourists. During construction, poor separation of ferries hardened discomfort for customers owing to intervention of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
branch office. Bureaucrats classified 3 other gates within coastal area; 1, 2, 3 piers and North harbor per each ferry company. Mokpo coastal terminal under present circumstance is supposed to divide two waiting rooms into coastal and international range.
For newly built harbour, the lack of international cargo service, South Jeolla and Gwangju have had to borrow other region's habour to heigthen transporting expenses. To cut down on those needless inconvenience, the harbour boasts as many efforts as possible for increasing the accommodation of cargos since its open in 2004. The feature of the container is the first civil investment for harbour in South Korea with multifarious shipping ability. On the present level, sea routes have been opened for China, Japan, Thailand
and Indonesia
with munipicial support for companies. In January 2011, Samsung electronics decided to choose Mokpo as a chief exporting harbor for merchandises from its factory in Gwangju.
The festival of Largehead hairtail
(in Hangul
:목포사랑은빛갈치축제) takes place around Yeongsan lake to borrow fishing tools and ship for tourists. The service gained huge success from fishing fans and family tourists every October. Fishing contest calls for a great deal of people to take part in following huge flameworks at evening.
Nanyeong singing memmorial celebrates famous singer, Lee Nan Young whose song named 'The tear of Mokpo' gained public awareness with huge attention of civilians. The memmorial have started since 1968 by Honam Maeil newspaper but stopped sometimes, whereas MBC Mokpo again hosted the celebration. Korea Broadcasting system Mokpo holds Mokpo singing festival every autumn.
Hoe markets are chief attraction for tourists with numerous dishes and diverse kinds of fish along the market. Normally the festivals are hosted by committee of merchants. Market at Dongmyeong and North harbour is most famous.
Yudal mountain is located at the central area of old downtown as a symbol and pride of the city. The nickname is Gaegol, of which byname indicates Geumgang mountain in North Korea
during summer. The reference was occurred because all the summits becomes the naturalized scenery with strange shapes of summits and hills.
For new downtown, it is possible to observe lights of fountain at night. As a recreational place for citizens, fountain is designed to shoot up following the beat of the song. The expansion of the facility was announced but confronted difficulty owing to the series of rejection by civil groups since 2009.
, some of which pertain to the boundary of Mokpo. The municipal councils have backed up the program of vitalizing islands close to the city. These are island of Goha and Uaidal. With a slogan of "Lovely island, Uai-dal", Hanok
residences have served as accommodation for tourists with seawater pool during summer.
Goha island shares its fame for station of naval forces directed by General Yi Sun Shin during Imjin war broken out in 1592. During Japanese colonial period
, Japanese navy drilled aritifical caves to conceal the armaments to avoid the attack of Allies
during the second world war. Save the armaments, 2 air-raid shelters have found. The newly-launched tourism project is supposed to establish commemoreative plaza for General Yi, observatory, trails along the seashore under the title of historical experience. Mokpo Bridge is on the construction to link the island with the inland.
Gatbawi, which means a rock shaping like Gat, a traditional constume wearing like a hat is one of the most famous place to visit. The district has been nominated as "Culturally-oriented Street" intended to exhibit several themes like natural history, ancient marinetime relics, ceramics and arts. Namnong Memorial Hall commemorates Heo Gun, calligrapher of fame in 20c. Series of works of him are still on exhibition with a Korean garden. National research institute of maritime heritages is aiming at organizing and researching the methodologies of ancient people for naval trade and movement. The institute holds special value as the only researching organ for maritime relics in South Korea
.
The buses for city tour works everyday except for Mondays. The schedule starts from 9 am to 3 pm to turn around 11 major spots of history. During festivals, the buses operate more to seat tourists.
Mokpo Natural history museum possesses the large number of relics having several exhibition rooms holding fossils from all over the world. Originally started as one building, it incorporated the cultural heritage hall as its wing to take local relics since prehistoric years. The museum has worked on collecting samples and data of organisms from the fossils of dinosaur
s to insects and cetaceans found in Yellow sea. In terms of dinosaurs, the nest of eggs, found in Aphae island, was restored and disclosed to public in 2010. The length of egg reach more than 40 cm respecitvely, proved to be dated 80 million years ago, during Mesozoic
period. Korea Forest Service
chose the museum as the organ of recording its samples of insects in national database for biological resources in 2009.
Mokpo Ceramic Museum opened its hall in 2008 on the basis of supports from the government to set up ceramics, largely based on modern usuage and invited chinaware from the notable manufacturers. Meanwhile, Literature hall of Mokpo(in Hangul:목포문학관) is not far from the ceramic museum to host literature class for general public taking features writer or novels, helping growth of local demands for lifelong learning
. The program of facility gains aides from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism since 2010, visiting schools to inform local history of writing and literature.
The only station for religion is the branch of Far East Broadcasting Company
opened in 1999 to work for Chiristian missions involving Honam
area. For cable broadcasting
, Honam Hanguk cable has its office in Hadang. The business for newspapers are only 2 of Mokpo Today and Civil paper of Mokpo.
The city has run the bills for attracting training session of major teams in winter. The public relations have gained much boast for the contract to make deals with 127 teams of near 6,000 athletes in 2004 winter. Strength was found to be sunny and warm weather with numerous accommodating facilities to connect mountain, sea and stadium. Since 2005, National athletic events starts on the concentration of throwing sports to gain more visiting personnels.
Around Yudal mountain, recreational parks sparsely located along the trail, while the city is on the construction for additional park in Samhakdo area.
Mokpo Cultural complex is located along the shore near to Gatbawi with a divided two buildings. The complex is divided into the hall for performance and for exhibition. The weakness is said to be limit of seating capacity ; 700 people for 2 story building at most.
Mokpo civil culture&sports center was built to meet the satisfaction of new downtown living citizens in 2003. The tremendous operating fees have been major burdens the province to lead the responsibility of operation for Mokpo city at the end of the same year. Largely 3 halls are divided to take more than 1200 audiences in case of largest auditorium.
Two libraries work in Mokpo. Civil library of Mokpo began its work in 1974 at the old consulate of Japan. Later in 1989, it moved to the close area of Yudal stadium with a scale of 4 story and 1,636 seats. The scale of possession is over 360 thousands of books in diverse subjects and internet-accessed research rooms. The argument of integrity has swept the bill of selecting companies to consign. Upon this concern, independent council selected the cultural institute of Mokpo for the right candidate in 2003.
Public library of Mokpo is located at near North harbor with a initial status of dependent organ of Mokpo educational institute and gained independence.
Mokpo National hospital was established in 1962 for improving the medical care for tuberculoses. The hospital gained the management of city in 1970 and later became national status in 2002. Mokpo health center worked as a civil health centre since 1962, of which branch has opened in Hadang residential area to share the sanitary activities.
Around the city, probabilities are high for emergency patients in coastal area resided in islands. To cut down on the danger of lives, the ministry of Health chose Mokpo and Incheon as a site for operating medical helicopter. Hankook hospital was designated the final candidate of the charge.
Public medical organ
General hospital
. The five delicacies of Mokpo are the famous three - Hongeo, Kimchi and Pyeonyuk
(in Hangul: 홍어삼합); octopus with slender legs Yeonpotang
: Hoe
; and seasoned Portunus trituberculatus
, all of which are found near the seaside. The city started a public market for those wishing to sell their own delicacies-- on delicious food street downtown.
(1984.10.01) Hammerfest
, Norway
(1962.03.23) Lianyungang
, China
(1992.11.01) Changwon
, South Korea
(1998.12.24) Seodaemun-gu
, South Korea
(2005.04.18) Xiamen
, China
(2007.07.25)
Administrative divisions of South Korea
||South Korea is divided into 8 provinces , 1 special autonomous province , 6 metropolitan cities , and 1 special city...
in South Jeolla Province, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
. Mokpo has frequent train service to Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
. Port of Mokpo is not far from Yudal mountain
Yudal mountain
Yudal Mountain is the mountain located at Mokpo city, Jeollanam-do of South Korea. It belongs to the 8 sceneries of the city as a symbol and pride. At the summit, thousand of islands can be seen with several hills of weird looking rocks...
, a picturesque area with numerous tourist facilities.
During the Japanese Occupation
Korea under Japanese rule
Korea was under Japanese rule as part of Japan's 35-year imperialist expansion . Japanese rule ended in 1945 shortly after the Japanese defeat in World War II....
, Mokpo served as a crucial port for commercial ventures and transportation owing to its location connecting Japanese archelago and Chinese mainland. It means the port played stopover between sea routes. Great deal of islands surrounding the port also served less dangerous possibility of tsunami
Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, typically an ocean or a large lake...
in terms of weather condition. As the metropolitan city during Japanese rule, the city held oriental company of Japan to have large residential areas in current historic districts. However, after independence, the city slowly lost the stepping up foothold to host major organs of governments and notably the process for working factories within the economic boom. The shortage of secondary industries base caused serious spill of population becoming middle sized city guarding Honam
Honam
Honam is a region coinciding with the former Jeolla Province in what is now South Korea. Today, the term refers to North and South Jeolla Provinces....
region.
Former president Kim Dae-jung earned full support from electorates at president election
South Korean presidential election, 1997
The 15th South Korean Presidential Election took place on 19 December 1997.-Results:...
in 1997, while other political rivals are accused of having tried to underdevelop the city to decrease its population. The city still went through series of platforms to grow up its ability to hold stronger status in South Jeolla province in spite of economic depression and complains of residents at original downtown. According to the city's page, the mayor Jeong Jong Dueg says it is goal of Mokpo to be home to arts of Yellow sea in brilliantly developing Northeast Asia
Northeast Asia
Northeast Asia and Northeastern Asia refers to the northeastern subregion of Asia. Though the precise definition of Northeast Asia changes according to context, it always includes Japan and the Korean Peninsula, and is sometimes used to refer to these two regions exclusively.-Definitions:The...
.
Etymology
The term Mokpo (木浦 in HanjaHanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
) literally means the harbour with large portion of forests. The terminology initially appears at Goryeosa
Goryeosa
The Goryeosa or History of Goryeo is the principal surviving history of Korea's Goryeo Dynasty. It was composed nearly a century after the fall of Goryeo, during the reign of King Sejong...
(History of Goryeo). Owing to this background, some historians argue that the etimology shares its root at trees within port of Mokpo around the region. Another theory indicates that the location is critically important in Yellow sea
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
as the routes toward the land is as critical as the throat(in Hangul:목) of human. The last assertion finds its ground in large production of cotton
Cotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
(in Hangul
Hangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
:목화, in Hanja:木花) in the region where the great deal of amounts were allotted by Japanese colonisits to deliver the products into Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
.
During Mahan and Three Kingdom era
Mokpo belonged to the Mahan confederacyMahan confederacy
Mahan was a loose confederacy of statelets that existed from around the 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE in the southern Korean peninsula in the Chungcheong and Jeolla provinces. Arising out of the confluence of Gojoseon migration and the Jin state federation, Mahan was one of the Samhan , along...
during the early era of Samhan
Samhan
The Samhan period of Korean history comprises confederacies of Mahan, Jinhan, and Byeonhan in central and southern Korean peninsula, during the final century BCE and the early centuries CE....
, and was called Mul-ahye within the control of Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
. However, after the crackdown of Baekje, it was amalgamated by Silla, and changed its title to Myenjoo. In 946, the name was once again changed to Mul-ryang becoming a part of the prefecture of Muan, Naju-mok, Haeyang province. At that time, the prefecture of Muan referred to a much larger area, which incorporated not only Mokpo but also current Muan and several islands of Sinan county. According to the publication of the Korean broadcasting system, coastal and off-shore areas of Mokpo witnessed superior productivity of crops, owing partially to their proximity to China. Important shipping routes were also available following the Yeongsan river to Naju
Naju
Naju is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.The capital of South Jeolla was located at Naju until it was moved to Gwangju in 1895. The name Jeolla actually originates from the first character of Jeonju and the first character of Naju . Dongshin University is situated in Naju...
.
Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties
Strictly speaking, the terminology of Mokpo started from Goryeo dynasty. The founder, Taejo of Goryeo was, at that time, serving as a general for Later Goguryeo (TaebongTaebong
Taebong or Later Goguryeo was a state established by Gung Ye on the Korean peninsula in 901, during the Later Three Kingdoms period.-History:...
) ruled by Gung Ye
Gung Ye
Gung Ye was the king of the short-lived Hugoguryeo on the Korean peninsula. Although he was a member of the Silla royal family, he became a victim of the power struggle among the royal family members during the late 9th century...
. Taebong covered the central area of the Korean peninsula to include the current Gaeseong, which was then called Song'ak. As a naval power, Wang Geon was commanded to attack Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon was the king and founder of Hubaekje, one of the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea. Some records render his name as "Jin Hwon" . He was also the progenitor of the Hwanggan Gyeon clan...
's Later Baekje, which had also emerged with the disintegration of Unified Silla
Unified Silla
Unified Silla or Later Silla is the name often applied to the Korean kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, when it conquered Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668, unifying the southern portion of the Korean peninsula...
as an attempt to reestablish the former Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
dynasty, and which occupied the southern region of the peninsula in the region of present day Naju
Naju
Naju is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.The capital of South Jeolla was located at Naju until it was moved to Gwangju in 1895. The name Jeolla actually originates from the first character of Jeonju and the first character of Naju . Dongshin University is situated in Naju...
. The operation enjoyed fairly successful results. Wang Geon met his second queen, Janghwa, at this time, and their son became Hyejong of Goryeo
Hyejong of Goryeo
Hyejong of Goryeo 惠宗 was the second monarch of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was preceded by Emperor Taejo and succeeded by Jeongjong I of Goryeo.-Early life:...
.
In 1439, 21 years after King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
came to power, the Mokpo man-ho garrison (jin) was established, which was designated to manage 12 offshore islands. During the Imjin wars, Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Yi Sun-sin
Yi Sun-shin was a Korean naval commander, famed for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin war in the Joseon Dynasty, and is well-respected for his exemplary conduct on and off the battlefield not only by Koreans, but by Japanese Admirals as well...
established a garrison of naval forces in Mokpo and on the island of Goha in order to secure a base for provisions and for repairing ships, such as the "turtle ships" geobukseon and panokseon
Panokseon
Panokseon was an oar- and sail-propelled ship that was the main class of warship used by the Korean Joseon Dynasty during the late 16th century. The first ship of this class was constructed in 1555...
.
Open Port
On October 1, 1897 Mokpo opened its port to Japan, fifteen years after the opening of IncheonIncheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
. One geographical advantage Mokpo holds is its location at the midpoint between Nagasaki
Nagasaki
is the capital and the largest city of Nagasaki Prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan. Nagasaki was founded by the Portuguese in the second half of the 16th century on the site of a small fishing village, formerly part of Nishisonogi District...
, Japan and the Chinese mainland. For Japan, the city also had the merit of proximity to the abundant crops of the Jeolla
Jeolla
Jeolla was a province in southwestern Korea, one of the historical Eight Provinces of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. It consisted of the modern South Korean provinces of North Jeolla, South Jeolla and the Special City of Gwangju as well as Jeju Island...
provinces. Opening the port, the housing of Japanese people was rapidly enhanced to reach the establishment of self-governing institution. Japanese people chiefly lived in current Yudal dong where the main port is just in front, while Japanese consulate stayed before the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905
Annexation
Annexation is the de jure incorporation of some territory into another geo-political entity . Usually, it is implied that the territory and population being annexed is the smaller, more peripheral, and weaker of the two merging entities, barring physical size...
.
Japanese started to purchase farmlands close to Mokpo, which had been illegal to the treaty between two empires, mentioning that foreigners could only deal with business activity in registered spot. The reason why the aliens were aiming at buying the fields is said owing to the lax taxation of Joseon and completely cheap price, one tenth rate for those in Japan. The forceful open speeded up the despoil of harvest for cheaper price toward Japan. In the meantime, the price of rice in Jeolla province doubled afterwards.
After the yeaf of 1905, the residence of Japanese people expanded so abundant that the location was further enlarged to Geumhwa dong where lots of cherry blossoms were grown along the street. Japanese called it Sakuramachi meaning "the downtown along cherry blossom trees" in Japanese language.
Upon Korea's annexation
Annexation
Annexation is the de jure incorporation of some territory into another geo-political entity . Usually, it is implied that the territory and population being annexed is the smaller, more peripheral, and weaker of the two merging entities, barring physical size...
by Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in 1910, the city was given a new name, "Mokpo-bu," with the construction of colonial institution called Oriental Development Company
Oriental Development Company
Oriental Development Company , established by the Empire of Japan in 1908 is a national enterprise which was built as one of colonial exploitation policies towards the Korean Empire and other countries in East Asia...
(동양척식주식회사, in Hanja
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
;東洋拓殖株式會社) and received its current name, "Mokpo City", a year after the nation's independence from Japan.
Under Japanese rule
- See also: Korea under Japanese ruleKorea under Japanese ruleKorea was under Japanese rule as part of Japan's 35-year imperialist expansion . Japanese rule ended in 1945 shortly after the Japanese defeat in World War II....
Opening port moved up the status of Mokpo as a central half-way destination ashore islands linking in between, of which position had been concentrated for Wando.
In 1914, the construction of Honam Line
Honam Line
The Honam Line is a major railway line serving the Honam region in South Korea. The line is served by frequent passenger trains from Seoul to Gwangju and Mokpo.-History:...
was finalized to make up the railroad from Daejeon
Daejeon
Daejeon is South Korea's fifth largest metropolis and the provincial capital of Chungnam. Located in the center of the country, Daejeon had a population of over 1.5 million in 2010. It is at the crossroads of Gyeongbu railway, Honam railway, Gyeongbu Expressway, and Honam Expressway. Within the...
to Mokpo. On 1 April, Mokpo Bu was divided into several factions, which resulted the outcome of downtown area only remained as Mokpo, contemporary name ; Boo Nae Myun. Following no. 11 command of the Japanese Government General of Korea, Muan county was declared incorporating another myuns, Jido, Palguem, Docho, only except for Boo nae. The harbor has long been utilized for depriving crops of regional area for Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
.
For business activities, transportation enhanced stimuli for many people to congregate while many people gathered for work. The aims were headed to build temporary housing places near Japanese residents. According to the local records, smaller mud huts were along the narrow street where the commander barely allowed to live in. Series of facilities were built including Mokpo theater of which possession was from Korean peninsula. There were only 3 theaters in possession of Korean, including Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
's Danseongsa, Gwangju Theater in current Gwangju metropolitan city.
In 1932, the size of the city became a lot larger owing to incorporation some parts from Muan, reaching 60 thousand population under the fame of 6th largest city in Korean peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
. Indigenous products were fairly cloth, rice and salt with abundant coastal food to give much fame, following city hall's explanation on modern history. The harbor played important role for supplying exploited goods toward Japan but meant the deprivation and loss of crops for Korean.
Additionally, the products of cotton were largely deprived to meet the demands of Japan. In 1918, the colonists established ginning facilities for manufacturing large deliveries in Mokpo and Iri(current Iksan
Iksan
Iksan is a city and major railway junction in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.The city center and railway junction was formerly called "Iri" , but merged with Iksan County in 1995....
in North Jeolla province).
After independence
In 1949, Mokpo Bu attained the title of Mokpo si(city), continuing to expand its area until now. This major occurrence was brought about by the SOC government, altering the administrative region. In 1973 and 1987, a greater area was determined to belong to Mokpo city, including one of the most famous tourist spots, Samhakdo, which means three cranes laid above the sea. Until 1999, land reclamation was sped up to make land for a near-shore island of Samhakdo and the second stage of developing lands. The projects also covered a coastal filling process near North Harbor and building a new port in Chungmu dong.Samhakdo was reclaimed since 1940 by connecting islands toward Mokpo, continuing the landfill construction during 1968-73. The island is divided into three major sections. In 2000, the city assured the plan to restore a naturalized island for tourism, bringing up tremendous criticism from environmental groups. However, the project stretched out for 6 years of construction to link three parts of island in close proximity with 5 bridges between small, middle islands. From 1 March 2007, the site became free to the public.
In 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement swept up whole close area. In Mokpo, student movement was also initiated by several people who marched with the cards saying "Freedom" along the boulevard from Mokpo Station
Mokpo Station
Mokpo Station is a station in Mokpo. It is on Honam Line. and is also the westernmost railway station in South Korea.-External links:**...
to the second plaza. Mokpo station served as a central congregation for many groups supporting people in Gwangju.
After 1990, new port(called newly built outdoor harbor) was officially working for accommodating exports, mainly KIA motors, while Daebul and Samho industrial complexes gained factories in fields. At first pace, South Jeolla province was confronted for deep concerns over investment owing to lacking transportation and accommodation. In 2007, South Korean ministry of Industry and Resources designated the area for renovation cluster with that of Masan
Masan
Masan was a formerly a municipal city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The city was situated on Masan Bay , approximately 35 km west of Busan. It was known for its textile industry, and it was the site of Hite Brewery's production facilities.During the control of the Mongolians, the...
in Gyeongsangnam-do. The chief reasons were because China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
's huge growth became momentum for the city as connecting destination for local companies for southerneast Asian nations.
On October 1, 1997, when Mokpo had its centennial as a port city, the city announced the second opening of the port. Mokpo has become famous as the hometown of former President Kim Dae-jung, who received the Nobel Peace Prize
Nobel Peace Prize
The Nobel Peace Prize is one of the five Nobel Prizes bequeathed by the Swedish industrialist and inventor Alfred Nobel.-Background:According to Nobel's will, the Peace Prize shall be awarded to the person who...
in 2001.
Administration
Mayor of Mokpo
At the beginning of local government in 1994, the president of Munhwa broadcasting corporation Mokpo, Gwon I Dam,(in Hangul: 권이담) inaugurated the office in July 1995. Succeeding the re-seating in the office, Mr.Gwon gave full effort to clean up water problem at the city in that lack of supplies of water had been a nuisance as the city had to build up additional investment from Juam dam located at Jangheung. He also persuaded several public to achieve the movement of provincial office from Gwangju but did not reveal special solution for the issues. In 2000, the mayor officially granted the aid of rice for North KoreaNorth Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
However, his political base went through earthquake owing to the conflicts of leaders of Democrats Party
Democratic Party (South Korea)
The Democratic Party was a political party of South Korea.Formerly called the Millennium Democratic Party , or Saecheonnyeon Minju-dang , it changed its name to the present form on May 6, 2005.- History :...
. The argument for fair semi-election to elect candidate led him to secede from the party, eventually giving lawsuit upon the election issue without integrity. The court rejected the claim of Mr. Gwon whose post-step became forfeited.
Jeon Tae Hong, the elected had played important role in Mokpo YMCA to stratify policies for corroborating transfer of provincial office and new port and Daebul industrial complex. However, his death all of sudden in 2005 called for emergent election to fill vacancy The election on April 30 of 2005 elected the candidate Jeong Jong Deuk of 45.2% base with the promises of tourism promotion. In 2005, the largest issue of the city, the construction of Mokpo bridge lost large portion of the budget by cutting off from Ministry of Strategy and Finance(the Ministry of Planning and Budget at that time) In August, the city awarded the balanced appreciation of munipicial operation of budgets. The old downtown's depression and weakness became huge concern for dwellers toward Hadang
Hadang
Hadang refers to the newly built urban area in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do of South Korea, which aims at accommodating increased population near Muan International airport and movement of provincial office. Before announcement of the transfer of office, Mokpo city initially intended to rebuild another area...
in every scope of daily life. Mr. Jeong established the office of original city replanning at the same year, declaring the promotion of slogan as city of light(in Hangul : 빛의 도시, 목포). Yet, the restoration of the economy was seriously asked whether the measurement was righteously chosen for the situation. To tackle the public opinion, the city decided to separately designate the streets of markets by sectioning each avenue by the character of shops, circulating population and appropriate platforms to take into account for 112 year-old commercial core. For instance, the city designated fishery market as the street of Hong-eo(stake) and existing downtown as the street of youngsters.
In 2006, he continued to succeed the chairperson of the city. During his second inauguration, the city has gotten awards of civil executive premiere in 2007 with the first prize of South Korea Tourism Contest, initiated by Korea tourism association, with Ulleung County
Ulleung County
Ulleung County is a county in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea.It consists mainly of the island of Ulleungdo, but is held to cover a total of 44 islands, including Liancourt Rocks , which is contested by Japan and North Korea...
in 2009.
Upon his presence, it is said to give efforts forward conducting development projects and city planning around the old downtown, failing to activate and circulate critical work of economy. Additionally, the conflicts upon the support fund became huge tic-tac-toc between residences. Mokpo civil newspaper pinpointed that the city council must find out concrete and persuasive devices to draw the populations into the city and change the attitudes toward imbalanced economy.
In 2009, non-governmental organizations based in Mokpo jointly urged the mayor to publicily disclose the information upon the consumption of budget. Until their requirement, the committee of information and technology were thoroughly made of the person elected by the mayor. Upon the lawsuit by organizations, it was proved to be in favor of suitor in that informing the budget should be reported and monitored via civil participation.
Disputes upon merge
Enlargement of urban area has occurred fundamental obstacle for leading city's developement throughout most kinds of industries. The merge with Muan county was discussed after the entry of Okam, Samhyang, Daeyang area in 1973 and 1987. The residual votes was initiated in 1994, 1995 and 1998 to ask for the agreement of incorporation, of which results said dwellers of Mokpo and Sinan went for but not majority of Muan.In fact, the background lies within the location of Mokpo. Mokpo is located at the tip of Muan peninsula, which means Muan takes majority of the expansion. The geographical boundary have longly implied volition of merge for Mokpo but no stimuli for Muan, as most of residents there do not think it will take major advantages in cycles of development. The supporting opinion for merge says that Muan and Mokpo actually shares same roots in terms of geography and equalizing plans for economic boast can be certainly enhanced under the larger population and power.
In 2004, civil groups campaigned supporting vote for amalagamating three areas of Sinan, Muan and Mokpo. In 2009, ongoing movement of administrational transformation has swept several governing bodies and the city council of Mokpo officially submitted blueprints of amalagament on September 25, 2009. 2009 vote also fell down owing to rocketing objection from civilians, only except for Mokpo, removing the roots of probability to set up the larger municipal organ.
Population
6th largest city has lost its growing power after the independence. The causal impacts have headed toward several reasons. It can be said eastern area-oriented policy of government. The significant distinction for national development has brought about huge expansion of eastern coast city UlsanUlsan
Ulsan , officially the Ulsan Metropolitan City, is South Korea's seventh largest metropolis with a population of over 1.1 million. It is located in the south-east of the country, neighboring Busan to the south and facing Gyeongju to the north and the Sea of Japan to the east.Ulsan is the...
into metropolitan city, but not distinctive policies for Honam area.
In 2007, the population of households increased from 80 thousand to 90 thousand. which indicates each per 2.7 person. The density is 5,062.6, reaching 10th highest rank of South Korea whose figure is one of the very skyrocketing among all the municipalities only except for Gyeonggi province
Gyeonggi-do
Gyeonggi-do is the most populous province in South Korea. The provincial capital is located at Suwon. Seoul—South Korea's largest city and national capital—is located in the heart of the province, but has been separately administered as a provincial-level special city since 1946...
. In 2010, Bank of Korea
Bank of Korea
The Bank of Korea is the central bank of South Korea and issuer of South Korean won. It was established on June 12, 1950 at Seoul, South Korea.The Bank's primary purpose is price stability. For that, the Bank targets inflation...
Mokpo told that major features still cause irresistible decline of the population of western area of South Jeolla province like extended differentiation of income, weak industrial foundation, underdeveloped educational facilities and poor welfare backup.
The formation of Namak city has carried on attracting features thanks to the movement of provincial office where the portion takes half of Mokpo and Muan. Because of Muan's existence, direct growth for Mokpo is still limited.
Bureaus concerned
As a middle-sized city holding regional core, the city seizes several branches and bureau office within its boundary. Regional offices of Sinan county consisting of 1,004 islands set up many of its offices in Mokpo, notably educational office near International shipping terminal. The table also includes offices under the umbrella of the autonomy.Branch of police office in chargeMokpo city LibraryMokpo children's library
- Mokpo office of Education for Jeollanamdo
- National Health Insurance Corporation office in Mokpo
- Mokpo CCI
- Mokpo Office of Ministry of Labor
- Mokpo Regional Maritime and Port office
- Mokpo Venture supporting center
- Mokpo office of Human resources development service, in Hadang
- Korea electrical safety corporation office in Mokpo
- Bank of Korea in Mokpo, headquarter of southernwest region of Jeollanamdo
- National Agricultural Quality Service branch office
- Headquarter of consumer union of Korea, branch of South Jeolla province resided in Mokpo
Offices of Sinan
Sinan
Koca Mi'mâr Sinân Âğâ was the chief Ottoman architect and civil engineer for sultans Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III...
county in Mokpo Sinan office of Education in Mokpo Health care office of Sinan
County office of Sinan moved to Aphae island in April, 2011.
Education
Mokpo houses all kinds of organs for education; it includes 30 elementray schools, 15 schools for secondary education of middle and high school. 3 post graduate schools and universities have been in operation. There are also educational organs such as junior college and a specialized school for physically-challenged.Education in Mokpo has earlierly adapted to instruct civilians most of whom were Japanese, representing Bukgyo and Yudal elementary school. As a major center of Honam
Honam
Honam is a region coinciding with the former Jeolla Province in what is now South Korea. Today, the term refers to North and South Jeolla Provinces....
area, Japanese populations took seemingly larger number compared to those of other areas to gain earlier background for educational instructions but not distinctive organ for Koreans at that time. To meet the demands of local Japanese students at first, Bukgyo elementary school actually takes hold of its base in Mokpo Hyanggyo
Hyanggyo
The Hyanggyo were government-run provincial schools established separately during the Goryeo Dynasty and Joseon Dynasty , but did not meet with widespread success in either dynasty...
(educational institute for aristocracy during Joseon Dynasty
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
), officially starting its class following the order no.145 of Gojong of Korean Empire
Gojong
Gojong is the temple name of several Korean kings. It can refer to:* Gojong of Goryeo * Gojong of the Korean Empire...
, at the same year of opening port in 1897. Yudal elementary school was firstly named as Simsang sohakgyo(hangul
Hangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
:심상소학교, 소학교 refers to elementary-level course) on January 12 of 1898.
Jeonnam Jeil high school was opened in 1920 as commercial high school and first secondary-level course and later its name was changed into Jeil high school. It is also famous for the place where former president Kim Dae Jung graduated from. In 1941, one of the regional wealthy, Moon Jae Cheol established Moontae foundation for educational purposes. Now the foundation holds middle and high schools. Since 2000, some of middle and high schools newly established owing to larger residential complex especially within Hadang
Hadang
Hadang refers to the newly built urban area in Mokpo, Jeollanam-do of South Korea, which aims at accommodating increased population near Muan International airport and movement of provincial office. Before announcement of the transfer of office, Mokpo city initially intended to rebuild another area...
.
Universities
Mokpo National UniversityMokpo National University
Mokpo National University is a national university located in Muan and Mokpo, South Korea.-Undergraduate:*College of Humanities**Department of Korean Language & Literature**Department of English Language & Literature...
was promoted to national-level supported school in 1976 after 30 years of establishment, of which regional fame has been highlighted thanks to the researching specialty for shipbuilding, culturally related majors. 2007 preliminary test for national university ranked MNU as the highest level of 4, the same level with Seoul National University
Seoul National University
Seoul National University , colloquially known in Korean as Seoul-dae , is a national research university in Seoul, Korea, ranked 24th in the world in publications in an analysis of data from the Science Citation Index, 7th in Asia and 42nd in the world by the 2011 QS World University Rankings...
and Jeonnam National University.
Mokpo National Maritime University
Mokpo National Maritime University
Mokpo National Maritime University is a national university located in Mokpo, South Korea....
is specializing in maritime related populations. The school takes its characteristic of bringing up specially-trained students for shipping works, mechanisms while funded by government for serving as navigator. Mokpo Catholic University
Mokpo Catholic University
Mokpo Catholic University is a Catholic university located in Mokpo, South Korea....
initiated its education as Sungshin nursing college in 1967 for training professional nursing populations in regional bases. The school enlarged its boundary for vocational education, psychology with current level since 1999. Additionally, 5th campus of Korea Polytechnic Colleges set up several majors like computing, applications for shipbuilding, etc. since 1996.
Standardization of High school
Briefly, standardization of school indicates governmental policy for equalizing academical standard of each school. Aside from the policy, faculty of the school was supposed to elect highly-leveled students, whereas the backup of the government overthrew the situation into minimizing gaps between students by draw.Mokpo took this policy at the late 1970s following this enforcement, coming back to vice versa in 1990. However, notice of legislation by Ministry of Education & Science Technology led the region with another cities in South Jeolla province to take standardization again in 2004.
Formerly, the argument of standardization called for critically heated public polls, nearly reaching to the failure of the policy. However, inhabitant's poll in 2003 aggressively took majority of approval of 71.3% in 2003. Currently, the local issue of education is mainly problematic given the attention of parents that proceeding for prestigious school promotes serious competition among students. This systemical error hardened preference of school each year, instigating stronger promoting expenses of high schools.
Economy
Early opening port went through massive growth, whereas the post-independent development have deeply concentrated on YeongnamYeongnam
Yeongnam is the name of a region that coincides with the former Gyeongsang Province in what is now South Korea....
area where Japan and Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
are viable within coastal area encouraging major economic impacts for South Korea. However, the brilliant enhancement of Chinese economy shares huge possibility to step up the city's potetntial as the trades via Yellow Sea
Yellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
have been strengthened year by year. Furthermore, the construction of Seonhaean expressway rapidly enhanced the accessibility for Seoul and Gyeonggi province, while the city was taken as for the major candidate of hub
Hub
Originally, the term hub referred to the central part of a wheel.Hub, HUB, Hubs, or HUBS has many uses, as listed below.-Wheels:* Bicycle hub, the central part of a bicycle wheel*Hub gear, bicycle gear...
harbour, along with Incheon, Pyeongtaek
Pyeongtaek
Pyeongtaek is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Located in the southwestern part of the province, Pyeongtaek was founded as a union of two districts in 940 AD, during the Goryeo dynasty. It was elevated to city status in 1986, and is home to a South Korean naval base and a large...
/Dangjin and Gunsan
Gunsan
Gunsan is a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is located on the south bank of the Geum River just upstream from its exit into the Yellow Sea. Gunsan is served by frequent railway service on the Gunsan Line from Iksan. It is also connected to the Seohaean Expressway.Kunsan Air Base...
.
Inside the city, the old downtown has suffered from inevitable depression as the population largely moved for the new town called Hadang, losing its value as the heart of consumption for citizens since early 1900.
Farming and Fishery
Mokpo shapes the type of unitary city, not urban and rural complex, to have sparsely located farming area, 459 of 1,326 households under 0.5 ha scale. The productivity normally reaches quite lot for rice, barleyBarley
Barley is a major cereal grain, a member of the grass family. It serves as a major animal fodder, as a base malt for beer and certain distilled beverages, and as a component of various health foods...
and bean
Bean
Bean is a common name for large plant seeds of several genera of the family Fabaceae used for human food or animal feed....
. On the contrary, greens and fruits have gained much popularity since 2001, including tomatoes, cucumbers and oriental melon with continuous last.
A great deal of fishing ship stations at harbour. They often goes for near coast like Heuksando
Heuksando
Heuksando is an island in the Yellow Sea located off 97.2 km from the southwest coast of Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. It covers an area of 19.7㎢ and consists of several peaks: Munamsan , Gitdaebong , Seonyubong , Sangrabong . It is within the administrative boundaries of Sinan County,...
to raise the seizure of skates and hairtails. The marine products reached 26,862 ton in 2006, chiefly consisting its percetage from fish
Fish
Fish are a paraphyletic group of organisms that consist of all gill-bearing aquatic vertebrate animals that lack limbs with digits. Included in this definition are the living hagfish, lampreys, and cartilaginous and bony fish, as well as various extinct related groups...
. The number of fisher dropped less than 3,000 people to go up again since 2007. Crustaceans, mollusks and seaweeds take next dominance. One of the most famous special products of Mokpo is small octopus, of which yield slipped down a thousand ton per year far less than demands.
Commerce
The less predominant stream of industries in Mokpo caused the city to shape as consuming role. During Joseon DynastyJoseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
, the port worked as major harbour toward Hanyang
Hanyang
Hanyang was one of the three cities that merged into modern-day Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei province, People's Republic of China. Currently, it is a district and stands between the Han River and the Yangtze River, where the former falls into the latter...
via Yeongsan River
Yeongsan River
The Yeongsan River is a river in south-western South Korea. It has a length of 115.5km, and covers an area of 3,371 km2. Yeongsan River starts from the Yongchubong Peak located in Yong-myeon, Damyang County, South Jeolla Province...
of which role served as for caoyun system
Caoyun system
The Caoyun System was a water and land based grain transportation system begun in China during the Qin Dynasty which saw continual use until the Qing Dynasty . The primary purpose of the cáoyùn was tax collection, since grain was a major payment method accepted by the imperial administration...
.
In modern scope, before Hadang area was built, every single function of the city became concentrated on the original downtown from cultural facilities to commerce. However, the large residential area was built in Yeonsan dong while the construction of Hadang was finalized in 1999 to bring about up-to-date fashioned streets with huge spill of population. As the faculty of original downtown has mostly disappeared for many of merchant houses moved to Hadang or shut down, city congress formulated the order for supporting the old downtown. The outward flow of people has been so enormous that the gap between former and letter has not been decreased.
For more than a century, the commercial power of the city has concentrated on Mokpo station and several markets nearby. The sole department store was closed within 1997 Asian financial crisis with several movie theatres shut, too. The dominance of economic power has been notably imbalanced by opening of Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart
Lotte Mart is a hypermarket in Asia that sells a variety of groceries, clothing, toys, electronics, and other goods. Lotte Mart is a division of the Lotte Co., Ltd. which is one of the most prevalent food and shopping services in South Korea and Japan. Lotte Mart, part of the Korean conglomerate...
(2001) and E-Mart
E-mart
E-mart is the largest retailer in South Korea. There are 127 stores across the country. It was founded on 12 November 1993 by Shinsegae, and was the first discount retailer in South Korea....
(2002). For large-scale market in Mokpo, Home plus
Home plus
Home plus is a South Korean/British discount store retail chain jointly owned by Samsung and Tesco with 113 branches throughout South Korea. Tesco currently holds 94% of the shares in the venture. Home plus operates both hypermarkets and its express format as well as a home delivery shopping service...
is the solitary merchandising company resided in old downtown near Munhwa broadcasting corporation in Yongdang area.
Exceptionally, fishery market of Dongmyeong and North Harbor Hoe
Hoe
Hoe may refer to:* Hoe , a hand tool used in gardening* Hoe , a Korean dish of raw fish* Plymouth Hoe, a public space in Plymouth, England* Hoe, Norfolk, a village in Norfolk, England* USS Hoe , a World War II US submarine...
center have vitalised for tourists and local people looking for octopus
Octopus
The octopus is a cephalopod mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms, and like other cephalopods they are bilaterally symmetric. An octopus has a hard beak, with its mouth at the center point of the arms...
or indigneous products. The economic bureau of the city has issued the voucher for promoting consumption within the market since early 2009, reaching all disposal of the issue amounted as 0.3 billion Korean won.
Industries
Vitality of regional economy refers to Daebul industrial complex and Hyundai Samho Heavy IndustriesHyundai Samho Heavy Industries
Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is the world's 5th largest shipbuilder and produces approximately 30 vessels per year. Its yard is located in Samho-eup, South Korea...
located in near Yeongam. The imports of merchandise can give supports for Mokpo as those of products must pass through harbour. Daebul complex did not hold any company at the first stance, overthrowing vacancies toward massive parcel-out since 2000.
Initial owner of heavy industries had been Halla group, of which possession was taken over by Hyudai heavy industries to change its name adding regional term "Samho" meaing three lakes. The announcement of bankrupty largely called for deep concerns over large scale lay-off and loss of regional profits for shop owners. The serious worries was slided by the M&A to heighten stability of business. Meanwhile, profits of complex amounted to more than $ 0.46 bn, acclerated about 25% from that of 2006.
South Jeolla province succeeded to attract series of investors for renewable energies like solar panels. In industrial complex, Innovation silicon ltd, overtook the projects for building silicon producing complex of 10 bn won
Korean won
The won was the currency of Korea between 1902 and 1910. It was subdivided into 100 chon .-Etymology:Won is a cognate of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen.-History:...
. The city required more investment for preparing for holding industrial factories in Daeyang dong area.
Companies
Business origin to Mokpo are mainly Bohae brewing company, Haengnam chinaware, Chosun refractories, etc. Bohae brewing company represents the brand of sojuSoju
Soju is a distilled beverage native to Korea. Its taste is comparable to vodka, though often slightly sweeter due to sugars added in the manufacturing process, and more commonly consumed neat.Most brands of soju are made in South Korea...
from Honam area, of which best merchandise is maple soju, the first brewing soju from maples. In 2001, the products titled the prize of 5 million bottle exports from national government. Joint developed soju was also launched in Japan, with Asahi Breweries
Asahi Breweries
Asahi Breweries, Ltd. is a leading brewery and soft drink company based in Tokyo, Japan. The company has a 40% share of the Japanese beer market....
. Its wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
made of Rubus coreanus
Rubus coreanus
Rubus coreanus is a species of raspberry native to Korea, Japan, and China. It produces edible berries that are fermented into bokbunja ju, a Korean fruit wine...
has attained the confirmation for United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
for the first time as a Korean brewing company in 2008 with a nickname of rugby
Rugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
ball wine
Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage, made of fermented fruit juice, usually from grapes. The natural chemical balance of grapes lets them ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes, or other nutrients. Grape wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes using various types of yeast. Yeast...
.
Another major company is Haengnam chinaware, established May 1942. Its headquarter is located at this city with Seoul branch for design and public relations and Yeoju for production. The enterprise has the first record for developing coffee cup sets in 1953. In 1963, Hong Kong firstly accepted its export within its territory while current marketing is paying attention for Chinese markets for exporting profits to reach more than 2 million dollars in 2008. In 2011, its president signed MOU with Ministry of Environment of South Korea for designing less pollutant emitting process. The project tries to enhance public awareness on environmental issues for rare natural species.
Geography
Mokpo seats at the southern part of Muan peninsula, which actually lies within the tip with Sinan county consisting of 1004 islands. Its neighbor, Muan county takes northerneast part and Yeongam lies in front of the city by Yeongsan river. The geographical feature is Yudal mountain(228m) at the center of old downtown. Yudal mountain as a pride of the city holds its unique nickname as Gaegol(in hangulHangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
:개골) meaning weird-shaped rocks and peaks. The hilly side of the mountain caused upward roads around the downtown. Nojeokbong is historic site where General Yi soon shin made use of its shape making it like accumulated rice for soldiers during Japanse invasion. Throughout each direction of the city are there mountains like Mt. Ibam(121) at the east, Yangeul(156m) and Daebak(156) at the north. The mouth
Mouth
The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food andsaliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth....
of Yeongsan river flows following the southern side of the city with 13 islands. The existence of natural seawall
Seawall
A seawall is a form of coastal defence constructed where the sea, and associated coastal processes, impact directly upon the landforms of the coast. The purpose of a seawall is to protect areas of human habitation, conservation and leisure activities from the action of tides and waves...
encouraged the promising place for accommodating several kinds of ship.
Most of landmeasure of Mokpo, however, have largely accomplished by land reclamation
Land reclamation
Land reclamation, usually known as reclamation, is the process to create new land from sea or riverbeds. The land reclaimed is known as reclamation ground or landfill.- Habitation :...
, including Samhakdo, North harbor(in Hangul
Hangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
: 북항) and new city of Hadang which roots the updated fashion of the downtown. According to the research by Mokpo national university, tributaries
Tributary
A tributary or affluent is a stream or river that flows into a main stem river or a lake. A tributary does not flow directly into a sea or ocean...
of Yeongsan river crossed the central area of old downtown. For instance, Mokone dong area was originally called as Namgyo(southern side of bridge) and Bukgyo(Northern side of bridge)-dong. Both names include gyo(in Hangul:교, in Hanja
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
:橋)meaning the bridge, which indicates the bridge links the separated village. Tideland reclamation project removed large amounts of mud flat including Daebandong, Baekryundong and coastal shore around Gatbawi. Additionally, munipical range incorporates 7 desert island
Desert island
A desert island or uninhabited island is an island that has yet to be populated by humans. Uninhabited islands are often used in movies or stories about shipwrecked people, and are also used as stereotypes for the idea of "paradise". Some uninhabited islands are protected as nature reserves and...
s.
The wall at the end of the Yeongsan river blocked flooding damage during harsh typhoon, whereas the sideeffects have headed forward another portion of the city, chiefly the sea level along the coast have continued to rise. Meanwhile, the water quality of river have worsened to call for the ministry in charge to take environmental appreciation for reviewing impacts by manmade structure. In 2010, the reports became the pinpointed issue for environmental civil group in that widened seawall would be constructed by dirted water getting pumped out of the riverbeds and carrying the water into the beds of the harbour.
Climate
Mokpo weather station was built with 5 other sites but firstly observed weather condition on 25 March 1904 in whole Korean peninsulaKorean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
. The first record says it was cloudy with lowest degree of 3.4 and highest of 8.4.
Mokpo's climate is highlighted by a short spring and autumn. It is cold and dry in the winter and warm and humid, with seasonal winds, in the summer. There is much rain in the summer, with an average of 1163mm. It is usually quite windy and foggy in the spring and autumn owing to its locality near the ocean. Mokpo's long period (223 days) without frost creates suitable conditions for rice farming. However, its seacoast location and the influence of the continental climate on the city often causes a great disparity between the rise and fall of daily and yearly temperatures. Another feature of local weather is highest level of sunlight in Korea with Sinan county, which means a great deal of probability to hold sunlight energy plants and related industries. In terms of yellow dust, the number of occurrence is quite similar to those of other cities like Seoul
Seoul
Seoul , officially the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea. A megacity with a population of over 10 million, it is the largest city proper in the OECD developed world...
and Incheon
Incheon
The Incheon Metropolitan City is located in northwestern South Korea. The city was home to just 4,700 people when Jemulpo port was built in 1883. Today 2.76 million people live in the city, making it Korea’s third most populous city after Seoul and Busan Metropolitan City...
; 10–11 days per year but the figure of fine dust is relatively low.
The climate of Mokpo pertains itself to the Cfa, following to Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
. Depending on the seasonal change, it takes different phases of weather condition, which indicates unpredictable situations sometimes happen. Especially, unexpected blizzards sweep the region with huge gust during winter. The statistical climate data says average snowy days reach more than a month and 60 days below zero Celsius. For tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
, Mokpo gains damages within the passing range of typhoons and its peripherical impacts involving heavy precipitation during summer and mostly early autumn. 2004 typhoon Mindeulle rained highest-ever precipitation with 64 mm per hour.
Railroad
Mokpo Station was become open in May 15, 1913 at the first timetable for Hampyeong, currently Hakgyo myun. As the final destination of Honam line with huge suffer during colonial period, it accommodates annually 1.2 million or more people and shipment.The station is located at the near range with Yudal mountatin, southerwest part of the city. The railroad ended inside the station while industrial rail transport no longer operate reached Samhakdo. For industrial purposes, the line played role to carry coals for factories as a branch proximity to the local citizens residence. Because of serious dangers, the city decided to remove the rail in 2011.
Before the operation of KTX bullet train
Bullet train
Bullet train may refer to:* The Shinkansen high speed trains of Japan, so nicknamed for their appearance and speed* Other high speed trains of a similar appearance to the original Japanese trains...
, the road passed the center of the city through Yeon dong, whereas the double-track project managed rails penetrating the town to be removed. Instead, the circulating rail takes detouring course via Seokhyun area with underground tunnel.
On April 1 of 2004, Korea Train Express
Korea Train Express
Korea Train eXpress is South Korea's high-speed rail system, operated by Korail. Construction began on the first section of the high-speed line from Seoul to Busan in 1992. The project was later split into two phases and combined with conventional line upgrades, adding a second route from Seoul to...
took the opening ceremony with 3 hour range from Seoul to Mokpo, whereas actual time required is beyond the expectation as Korean railroad service did not provide least stops within Honam Line. 3 hour travel is only possible when stopping at 4 stops with Seodaejeon
Seodaejeon Station
Seodaejeon Station, meaning "West Daejeon Station", is on South Korea's high-speed KTX railway network, 161 km south of Yongsan Station.-History:The station opened on November 1, 1914 and KTX trains on the Honam Line began services on April 1, 2004....
, Iksan
Iksan Station
Iksan Station is on South Korea's high-speed KTX railway network, 243 km south of Yongsan Station.-History:The station opened on January 1, 1915 and KTX trains on the Honam Line began services on April 1, 2004. The most notable incident to occur at this station, however, was an explosion...
, Gwangjusongjeong and then, to Mokpo, which is not available since 2008. 10 services are possible everyday from Yongsan station to Mokpo with 195 minutes. According to the further developing project of railroad, the high speed Honam line would help citizen go to Seoul within 100 minutes. In this case, the final arrival would reach at Imsungri station moving the role of Mokpo, meaning some of the railroads would stop in the long run. The basal plan says that Honam high speed rail would be divided from Osong with a range of 230.9 km
In July 2010, Saemaul and Mugunghwa-ho
Mugunghwa
Mugunghwa may refer to:*Hibiscus syriacus, the national flower of Korea*Mugunghwa-ho, a class of train...
are operating round trip service of twice and six times each day, respectively. For Gwangju Station
Gwangju Station
Gwangju Station is on South Korea's high-speed KTX railway network, 353 km south of Yongsan Station.-History:The station opened on July 1, 1922 and the station building was moved to its present location on July 25, 1969...
, Mugunghwa ho is working on twice in a day.
Inland road
- See also :Roads and expressways in South KoreaRoads and expressways in South KoreaExpressways in South Korea were originally numbered in order of construction. Since August 24, 2001, they have been numbered in a scheme somewhat similar to that of the Interstate Highway System in the United States; the icons of the South Korean highways are similar to the US red, white and...
Seohaean Expressway
Seohaean Expressway
The Seohaean Expressway, meaning "West Coast Expressway", is a freeway in South Korea, connecting Mokpo to Seoul.-See also:* Roads and expressways in South Korea* Transportation in South Korea* List of Korea-related topics-External links:...
connects Mokpo to Seoul by car within 3 hour. Before the construction, the developing exis was eastern Yeongnam area without special concerns over western region more than 4.5~5 hour for Seoul. The new project from Gwangyang
Gwangyang
Gwangyang is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. Gwangyang city is the home of POSCO's Gwangyang Steel Works, the largest facility of its kind in the world.The city is also home to K-League soccer side Chunnam Dragons....
to Mokpo has worked on with a view to opening the road in the late 2011, which would finalize the linkage of Namhae Expressway
Namhae Expressway
The Namhae Expressway is a freeway in South Korea, connecting Suncheon to Busan.-See also:*Roads and expressways in South Korea*Transportation in South Korea*List of Korea-related topics-External links:* ] Transport Department]...
starting from Busan
Busan
Busan , formerly spelled Pusan is South Korea's second largest metropolis after Seoul, with a population of around 3.6 million. The Metropolitan area population is 4,399,515 as of 2010. It is the largest port city in South Korea and the fifth largest port in the world...
. Additionally, Muan-Gwangju expressway was built and opened in 2007 and 2008 to boast the accommodation of Muan international airport.
National Routhe 1
South Korea National Route 1
National Route 1 is a national highway in South Korea. It connects Mokpo, South Jeolla Province with the city of Paju in Gyeonggi-do. Before the division of the Korean peninsula, the highway ran until Sinuiju, North P'yongan Province, in present-day North Korea....
was planned to connect Mokpo to Sineuju in North. After Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, the section became stopped till Imjingak near Panmunjeom
Panmunjeom
Panmunjom, located in Gyeonggi Province, is a village on the de facto border between North and South Korea, where the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement that ended the Korean War was signed. The building where the armistice was signed still stands, though it is on the northern side of the Military...
, later extent to Gaesung in 2000 of which purpose is to provide conveninence with industrial business in Gaesung Industrial complex.
In case of exterior transportation, Mokpo bus terminal plays critical role to move passengers for other regions while some of the far away services are still insufficient. Customers, in this option, transfer the bus terminal at Gwangju.
Bus
Buses around the local area are largely in charge of two companies to link several spots around. The last bases are Samhakdo, rear entrance of maritime university and Seokhyun dong. Some buses work till Samho(Yeongam), areas of Muan and Haenam and jointly operate for Aphae island as Aphae BridgeAphae Bridge
Aphae Bridge connects Mokpo and Aphae island of Sinan county of South Jeolla province, South Korea. The project was first set up in June, 2000 and the construction of the bridge was finalized in 2008...
became open.
Since 2005, the enterprise and city council agreed to expand number of buses fueled by natural gas
Natural gas
Natural gas is a naturally occurring gas mixture consisting primarily of methane, typically with 0–20% higher hydrocarbons . It is found associated with other hydrocarbon fuel, in coal beds, as methane clathrates, and is an important fuel source and a major feedstock for fertilizers.Most natural...
after 3 year long negotiation. The city has supported about 21,000 US dollar for each bus to equip with eco-friendly measure. As of 2006, 32 buses have started to operate its schedule by natural gas. The enlargement of bed towns around the city stimulated more demands to initiate other lines while the conflicts also happens owing to the profits and public servicing policy of the city.
Transfer with free of charge became applicable to every bus as of March 1 of 2007. The lines are classified as inner circle, outer line and artery, which follows commuting service system of Seoul Buses
Seoul Buses
-Type of buses:There are four types of buses:* Trunk Bus : This type of buses will operate at higher speeds and access the median bus lane connecting suburban areas to downtown Seoul. The city government is partly in charge of its operation...
. Buses with low-floor level firstly equipped in South Jeolla province in 2007, although chosen lines still limited until now. Campaigns have also included to support physically-challenged by eliminating floors at the bus stop
Since 2008, the semi-public bus system have been pushed for, intending to expand the choice of city governing body for lining up routes with management by bus company. The core goal is to share the responsibility for opreation and control over spending and income. Although the policy gained its first glance as breaktrrough to cut off discomforts of civilians of farmost village, However, NGOs have opposed to the stuffy support only for transportation company, having own evidence of social agreement and balanced burdens. The policy has not been chosen yet owing to lack of discussions and objectives by several civil groups.
Airport
Muan International AirportMuan International Airport
Muan International Airport Revised Romanization of Korean; Muan Gukje Gonghang, McCune-Reischauer; Muan Kukche Konghang) is an airport in Muan County, Jeollanam-do. Construction of the airport began in 1997 and the airport opened on November 9, 2007. The airport serves the cities of Gwangju and...
is the airport serving Mokpo.
Previously Mokpo Airport
Mokpo Airport
Mokpo Airport was an airport in Mokpo, South Korea . In 2006, 16,909 passengers utilized the airport. This airport was closed when the nearby Muan International Airport opened in November 2007.-Overview:...
operated as the region's airport. The crash of Asiana plane in 1993 escalated the worries over the airport but with only extension of 50m runway. Moreover, the site held fundamental drawbacks owing to common foggy weather and lack of related facilities such as linking roads for citizens. Korean Air
Korean Air
Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd. , operating as Korean Air, is both the flag carrier and the largest airline of South Korea, with global headquarters located in Seoul, South Korea. Korean Air's international passenger division and related subsidiary cargo division together serve 130 cities in 45...
abolished Gimpo-Mokpo line and Asiana airlines
Asiana Airlines
Asiana Airlines Inc. is one of South Korea's two major airlines, along with Korean Air. Asiana has its headquarters in Asiana Town in Osoe-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul...
also started to slash services in 2004 with additional removal of Mokpo-Jeju line. The air companies announced they could not accept impregnable deficits because of speed railroad, which also include further development till 2017. In fact, the availability dropped to 49.7% from the past ratio of about 70%, bringing up the wipe-out of the airlines. The decision rebuked negative regional responses.
The construction of Muan International Airport was delayed for many times to call upon disappointment for the local people with more loss of the air transportation. The initial construction was announced in 1999, whereas the business project continued to stop or put off and the cost for the plan was measurably cut down. Because of the difficulty, municipal representatives urged to cancel the decision until new airport opens. Eventually Mokpo airport was decided to close its doors in November 8, 2007.
Sea
Mokpo holds mainly 3 harbours for several purposes such as ferry, trades and fishery. Main harbour takes customers and cargos around nearby islands while North harbor regularly plies ferries of NonghyupNonghyup
The National Agricultural Cooperative Federation is a federation of agricultural cooperatives in South Korea.It delivers supply, processing, marketing, and banking services through more than 4000 branches...
. Additionally, newly built harbour(in hangul : 목포신항 or 신외항) chiefly takes South Korea-China containers and other cargos.
For accommodating customers, over 80 sea lines have been available, notably for Heuksando, Hongdo
Hongdo
Hongdo is an island in the Yellow Sea located off 115 km from the southwest coast of Mokpo port, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. It covers an area of 6.47㎢ and consists of stiff mountain ranges, the highest peaks of which are Gitdaebong and Yangsanbong . It is within the administrative boundaries...
and Jeju
Jeju
Jeju may refer to:*Jeju-do, a province of South Korea** Jeju-do, the main island of Jeju-do**Jeju City, the biggest city on Jeju-do and capital of Jeju-do**Jeju dog, a dog native to Jeju-do...
and almost every linking ferries for Sinan county. In 2002, the first-ever achieved cruise for Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
was confirmed by disclosing official ceremony of operation. However, nearly bankrupted concerns stopped the continuance of cruise only after five months. In July 2004, the cruise company altered the scheme for shipping scale with less number of people by introducing newly-designed ship from Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
but failed to last owing to rejection from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
.
Mokpo coastal terminal was originally built during 1980s with old-fashioned facility. For this problem, government supported 30 bn won for constructing 4-story terminal from 2003. The new building opened in February 2007, adorned with the design of fastsailing ship under the umberella of international harbour town to meet the demands of visiting guests and tourists. During construction, poor separation of ferries hardened discomfort for customers owing to intervention of Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, or MOMAF, was a cabinet-level division of the government of South Korea. It oversees a variety of government offices, including the marine police...
branch office. Bureaucrats classified 3 other gates within coastal area; 1, 2, 3 piers and North harbor per each ferry company. Mokpo coastal terminal under present circumstance is supposed to divide two waiting rooms into coastal and international range.
For newly built harbour, the lack of international cargo service, South Jeolla and Gwangju have had to borrow other region's habour to heigthen transporting expenses. To cut down on those needless inconvenience, the harbour boasts as many efforts as possible for increasing the accommodation of cargos since its open in 2004. The feature of the container is the first civil investment for harbour in South Korea with multifarious shipping ability. On the present level, sea routes have been opened for China, Japan, Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
and Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
with munipicial support for companies. In January 2011, Samsung electronics decided to choose Mokpo as a chief exporting harbor for merchandises from its factory in Gwangju.
Ferries at coastal terminal
| Line | Company | Number | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heuksando, Hongdo, Gageodo Gageodo Gageo-do, also known as Soheuksan-do or Little Heuksan-do due to its location near Heuksan-do, is an island in the Yellow Sea. It is within the administrative boundaries of Sinan County, Jeollanam-do, South Korea, and is connected by the Namhae Star ferry to the city of Mokpo... |
Namhae Express/Dongyang | Twice per day | Fastsailing |
| Chuja-Byeokpa-Heuksan-Hongdo | Jindo Transportation | Unverified | |
| Jeju | Seaworld ferry | Twice per day | |
| Eupdong(Anjwa), Palguem, Amtae, Jaeun, Bigeum, Docho | Daeheung | Also available to depart from Aphae harbour of Sinan | |
| Bokho(Anjwa), Jangsan, Haui, Sinui, Sangtae | Joyang | Clippery Angel | |
| Uidal, Dali, Yuledo and other islands | Sinjin, Johang | 5 times per day | 11 times during seawater pool in Uidal island |
Nonghyup ferry at North harbor
| Depart | Arrival | Company | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Harbor Songgong of Aphae |
Eupdong(Anjwa) | Nonghyup at Anjwa | |
| North Harbor Songgong of Aphae |
Gosan(Palguemdo) 5 small islands of Amtae |
Sinan Nonghyup | |
| North Harbor | Biguem | Biguem Nonghyup | |
| North Harbor | Docho | Docho Nonghyup | |
Tourism
Festivals
Around Yudal mountain, flower festival at Yudal mountain opens every April and May. The name was actually representing the title of goldenbell flower but currently changed its title. The main stage is supposed to Nojeokbong and blossomed street along the mounttain.The festival of Largehead hairtail
Largehead hairtail
The largehead hairtail , Trichiurus lepturus, is a member of the cutlassfish family, Trichiuridae. It is a long, slender fish found throughout the tropical and temperate waters of the world...
(in Hangul
Hangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
:목포사랑은빛갈치축제) takes place around Yeongsan lake to borrow fishing tools and ship for tourists. The service gained huge success from fishing fans and family tourists every October. Fishing contest calls for a great deal of people to take part in following huge flameworks at evening.
Nanyeong singing memmorial celebrates famous singer, Lee Nan Young whose song named 'The tear of Mokpo' gained public awareness with huge attention of civilians. The memmorial have started since 1968 by Honam Maeil newspaper but stopped sometimes, whereas MBC Mokpo again hosted the celebration. Korea Broadcasting system Mokpo holds Mokpo singing festival every autumn.
Hoe markets are chief attraction for tourists with numerous dishes and diverse kinds of fish along the market. Normally the festivals are hosted by committee of merchants. Market at Dongmyeong and North harbour is most famous.
Yudal Mountain
- See also : Yudal mountainYudal mountainYudal Mountain is the mountain located at Mokpo city, Jeollanam-do of South Korea. It belongs to the 8 sceneries of the city as a symbol and pride. At the summit, thousand of islands can be seen with several hills of weird looking rocks...
Yudal mountain is located at the central area of old downtown as a symbol and pride of the city. The nickname is Gaegol, of which byname indicates Geumgang mountain in North Korea
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
during summer. The reference was occurred because all the summits becomes the naturalized scenery with strange shapes of summits and hills.
City of Light
The city has planned the scheme for enhancing tourism in old downtown. The transfer of the population caused the disappearance of several shops to remain not many to consume. In case of students, Sanjeong elementary school's alumni has dropped below 300 from above 3,000. The oldtown has lost the power of citizens to gather, calling for blueprints while South Jeolla province agreed to help the city for a boast. The project for encouraging tourism was possible to establish light entertaining facilities along the street next to the station since 2003. At night, the lights emit its decorative shapes from police office to Mokpo theater. The project "A city of Light" is supposed to make decorations along the monumental buildings and symbolic landscapes. The objection of environmentalists tremendously occurred to mention that irrevocable impact harms ecological ability for the mountainous terrain and the city must make the bills to enact environmentally-concerned establishment of illumination.For new downtown, it is possible to observe lights of fountain at night. As a recreational place for citizens, fountain is designed to shoot up following the beat of the song. The expansion of the facility was announced but confronted difficulty owing to the series of rejection by civil groups since 2009.
Islands ashore
In front of harbors, thousands of islands float on the Yellow SeaYellow Sea
The Yellow Sea is the name given to the northern part of the East China Sea, which is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean. It is located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. Its name comes from the sand particles from Gobi Desert sand storms that turn the surface of the water golden...
, some of which pertain to the boundary of Mokpo. The municipal councils have backed up the program of vitalizing islands close to the city. These are island of Goha and Uaidal. With a slogan of "Lovely island, Uai-dal", Hanok
Hanok
Hanok is a term to describe Korean traditional houses. Korean architecture lends consideration to the positioning of the house in relation to its surroundings, with thought given to the land and seasons....
residences have served as accommodation for tourists with seawater pool during summer.
Goha island shares its fame for station of naval forces directed by General Yi Sun Shin during Imjin war broken out in 1592. During Japanese colonial period
Korea under Japanese rule
Korea was under Japanese rule as part of Japan's 35-year imperialist expansion . Japanese rule ended in 1945 shortly after the Japanese defeat in World War II....
, Japanese navy drilled aritifical caves to conceal the armaments to avoid the attack of Allies
Allies
In everyday English usage, allies are people, groups, or nations that have joined together in an association for mutual benefit or to achieve some common purpose, whether or not explicit agreement has been worked out between them...
during the second world war. Save the armaments, 2 air-raid shelters have found. The newly-launched tourism project is supposed to establish commemoreative plaza for General Yi, observatory, trails along the seashore under the title of historical experience. Mokpo Bridge is on the construction to link the island with the inland.
Gatbawi, which means a rock shaping like Gat, a traditional constume wearing like a hat is one of the most famous place to visit. The district has been nominated as "Culturally-oriented Street" intended to exhibit several themes like natural history, ancient marinetime relics, ceramics and arts. Namnong Memorial Hall commemorates Heo Gun, calligrapher of fame in 20c. Series of works of him are still on exhibition with a Korean garden. National research institute of maritime heritages is aiming at organizing and researching the methodologies of ancient people for naval trade and movement. The institute holds special value as the only researching organ for maritime relics in South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
The buses for city tour works everyday except for Mondays. The schedule starts from 9 am to 3 pm to turn around 11 major spots of history. During festivals, the buses operate more to seat tourists.
Museums
Museums in Mokpo are mostly located near Gatbawi street. The city concenetrated its ability to invest researching and exhibiting space along this area. National maritime museum is one of the oldest and the only organ for having capacity to restore traditional way of navigation and types of Korean traditional ship. The official terminology of the organ was changed in 2009 as the Research institute for maritime history in 2009 to supplement some functions of the center. The reasons can be expicable in that Yellow sea has been the trade routhe between Chinese culture and Korean peninsula having large relics and stances of cultural exchange since three kingdoms period in early historic period.Mokpo Natural history museum possesses the large number of relics having several exhibition rooms holding fossils from all over the world. Originally started as one building, it incorporated the cultural heritage hall as its wing to take local relics since prehistoric years. The museum has worked on collecting samples and data of organisms from the fossils of dinosaur
Dinosaur
Dinosaurs are a diverse group of animals of the clade and superorder Dinosauria. They were the dominant terrestrial vertebrates for over 160 million years, from the late Triassic period until the end of the Cretaceous , when the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event led to the extinction of...
s to insects and cetaceans found in Yellow sea. In terms of dinosaurs, the nest of eggs, found in Aphae island, was restored and disclosed to public in 2010. The length of egg reach more than 40 cm respecitvely, proved to be dated 80 million years ago, during Mesozoic
Mesozoic
The Mesozoic era is an interval of geological time from about 250 million years ago to about 65 million years ago. It is often referred to as the age of reptiles because reptiles, namely dinosaurs, were the dominant terrestrial and marine vertebrates of the time...
period. Korea Forest Service
Korea Forest Service
The Korea Forest Service is charged with maintaining South Korea's forest lands. It is overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The current chief is Ha young-Je. The agency is headquartered at the Daejeon Government Complex....
chose the museum as the organ of recording its samples of insects in national database for biological resources in 2009.
Mokpo Ceramic Museum opened its hall in 2008 on the basis of supports from the government to set up ceramics, largely based on modern usuage and invited chinaware from the notable manufacturers. Meanwhile, Literature hall of Mokpo(in Hangul:목포문학관) is not far from the ceramic museum to host literature class for general public taking features writer or novels, helping growth of local demands for lifelong learning
Lifelong learning
Lifelong learning is the continuous building of skills and knowledge throughout the life of an individual. It occurs through experiences encountered in the course of a lifetime...
. The program of facility gains aides from Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism since 2010, visiting schools to inform local history of writing and literature.
Press
Branches of KBS, MBC and several broadcasting studions exist in Mokpo. KBS Mokpo was firstly established in 1942, of which first location was close to Yeon dong area to move its base next to the current city hall in Yongdang. MBC Mokpo was not initially planned to work as a television studio but as a radio station in 1967 with a frequency of 1386 kHz. Its fame was served when the voices of citizens were reported during the demonstration for the democracy to face the attack by coup in 1980. The branch also shifted its station to Yongdang area.The only station for religion is the branch of Far East Broadcasting Company
Far East Broadcasting Company
Far East Broadcasting CompanyFounded:1945 First broadcast:June 4, 1948Daily broadcasts:650+ hoursLanguages:149Webcasts:...
opened in 1999 to work for Chiristian missions involving Honam
Honam
Honam is a region coinciding with the former Jeolla Province in what is now South Korea. Today, the term refers to North and South Jeolla Provinces....
area. For cable broadcasting
Cable television
Cable television is a system of providing television programs to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through coaxial cables or digital light pulses through fixed optical fibers located on the subscriber's property, much like the over-the-air method used in traditional...
, Honam Hanguk cable has its office in Hadang. The business for newspapers are only 2 of Mokpo Today and Civil paper of Mokpo.
For sports and cultural entertainment
The Yudal Stadium is located next to the 100 year memmorial avenue, opening the site with indoor swimming pool. The stadium consists of ballpark, 8 lane tracks. Behind the stadium, local groups can gain support to use tennis court. The ground floor accommodates committees of diverse kinds of sports to initiate policies upon the citizens and services.The city has run the bills for attracting training session of major teams in winter. The public relations have gained much boast for the contract to make deals with 127 teams of near 6,000 athletes in 2004 winter. Strength was found to be sunny and warm weather with numerous accommodating facilities to connect mountain, sea and stadium. Since 2005, National athletic events starts on the concentration of throwing sports to gain more visiting personnels.
Around Yudal mountain, recreational parks sparsely located along the trail, while the city is on the construction for additional park in Samhakdo area.
Mokpo Cultural complex is located along the shore near to Gatbawi with a divided two buildings. The complex is divided into the hall for performance and for exhibition. The weakness is said to be limit of seating capacity ; 700 people for 2 story building at most.
Mokpo civil culture&sports center was built to meet the satisfaction of new downtown living citizens in 2003. The tremendous operating fees have been major burdens the province to lead the responsibility of operation for Mokpo city at the end of the same year. Largely 3 halls are divided to take more than 1200 audiences in case of largest auditorium.
Two libraries work in Mokpo. Civil library of Mokpo began its work in 1974 at the old consulate of Japan. Later in 1989, it moved to the close area of Yudal stadium with a scale of 4 story and 1,636 seats. The scale of possession is over 360 thousands of books in diverse subjects and internet-accessed research rooms. The argument of integrity has swept the bill of selecting companies to consign. Upon this concern, independent council selected the cultural institute of Mokpo for the right candidate in 2003.
Public library of Mokpo is located at near North harbor with a initial status of dependent organ of Mokpo educational institute and gained independence.
Health care
The health care of the city is appreciated fairly high among other government autonomies. As of 2008, statistics office announced the number of doctor per one thousand population was amounted to be 11.41, from 10.45 of one year before. The council of doctor in Mokpo city stated the ongoing improvement of economic growth and populations's incoming brought stimuli toward continuous construction of middle-sized or larger hospitals and clinics.Mokpo National hospital was established in 1962 for improving the medical care for tuberculoses. The hospital gained the management of city in 1970 and later became national status in 2002. Mokpo health center worked as a civil health centre since 1962, of which branch has opened in Hadang residential area to share the sanitary activities.
Around the city, probabilities are high for emergency patients in coastal area resided in islands. To cut down on the danger of lives, the ministry of Health chose Mokpo and Incheon as a site for operating medical helicopter. Hankook hospital was designated the final candidate of the charge.
Public medical organ
General hospital
- Hankook hopsital
- Dongshin University Oriental Hospital
- Mokpo Christian Hospital
- Joongang Hospital
- Mokpo Miz-i Hospital
- Mokpo MIR dental hospital
Cuisine
Mokpo is famous for strong smelling fermented fish Hongeo (in Hangul : 홍어) and many kinds of side dishes banchanBanchan
Banchan refers to small dishes of food served along with cooked rice in Korean cuisine. This word is used both in the singular and plural....
. The five delicacies of Mokpo are the famous three - Hongeo, Kimchi and Pyeonyuk
Pyeonyuk
Pyeonyuk refers to thinly sliced meat which has been boiled and pressed in Korean cuisine. It can be either made with beef or pig, usually tough parts of meat. The pyeonyuk made with beef is called suyuk pyeonyuk while jeyuk pyeonyuk is named for pyeonyuk made with pork...
(in Hangul: 홍어삼합); octopus with slender legs Yeonpotang
Yeonpotang
Yeonpotang is a variety of guk which has a clear broth usually made with small octopus and vegetables such as daikon and napa cabbage. It is a local specialty of South Jeolla Province. The broth is made by boiling kombu in water. After boiling, the kombu is taken out and a whole octopus is...
: Hoe
Hoe
Hoe may refer to:* Hoe , a hand tool used in gardening* Hoe , a Korean dish of raw fish* Plymouth Hoe, a public space in Plymouth, England* Hoe, Norfolk, a village in Norfolk, England* USS Hoe , a World War II US submarine...
; and seasoned Portunus trituberculatus
Portunus trituberculatus
Portunus trituberculatus, the gazami crab, Japanese blue crab or horse crab, is the most widely fished species of crab in the world. It is found off the coasts of East Asia and is closely related to Portunus pelagicus.-Fishery:P...
, all of which are found near the seaside. The city started a public market for those wishing to sell their own delicacies-- on delicious food street downtown.
Sister cities
Beppu, JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
(1984.10.01) Hammerfest
Hammerfest
is a city and municipality in Finnmark county, Norway. The municipality encompasses parts of three islands: Kvaløya, Sørøya, and Seiland. Hammerfest was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
(1962.03.23) Lianyungang
Lianyungang
Lianyungang is a prefecture-level city in northeastern Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China. It borders Yancheng to its southeast, Huai'an and Suqian to its south, Xuzhou to its southwest, and the province of Shandong to its north...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
(1992.11.01) Changwon
Changwon
Changwon is a city in and the capital of Gyeongsangnam-do in South Korea. Changwon city is 8th most populous city in South Korea, with a 2010 established population of 1,089,039. It encompasses a land area of on southeastern of South Korea. The population of Southeastern part of Korea, that...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
(1998.12.24) Seodaemun-gu
Seodaemun-gu
Seodaemun-gu is a gu located in northwestern Seoul, South Korea. The name derives from Seodaemun, meaning literally "Great West Gate", which was once located in the district...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
(2005.04.18) Xiamen
Xiamen
Xiamen , also known as Amoy , is a major city on the southeast coast of the People's Republic of China. It is administered as a sub-provincial city of Fujian province with an area of and population of 3.53 million...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
(2007.07.25)
Symbols of Mokpo
- City Flower - White Magnolia
- City Tree - Loquats
- City Bird - CraneCrane (bird)Cranes are a family, Gruidae, of large, long-legged and long-necked birds in the order Gruiformes. There are fifteen species of crane in four genera. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back...
See also
- List of cities in South Korea
- Geography of South KoreaGeography of South KoreaSouth Korea is located in East Asia, on the southern half of the Korean Peninsula jutting out from the far east of the Asian land mass. The only country with a land border to South Korea is North Korea, lying to the north with of border running along the DMZ. South Korea is mostly surrounded by...
- Democratic PartyDemocratic Party (Republic of Korea)The Democratic Party is a liberal political party in South Korea.The Democratic Party is the main opposition in the 18th Assembly, lasting from 2008 to 2012.-History:...