Korea’s Ocean Province of Islands, Nature & Tradition
Jeollanam-do (전라남도), also known as South Jeolla Province, is South Korea’s southern coastal paradise, home to more than 2,000 islands, vast marine ecosystems, tea plantations, bamboo forests, fishing villages, and deep traditional Korean culture.
It is widely known as one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and naturally rich regions of the country.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Historically part of Baekje and later a key region of agriculture and marine trade, Jeollanam-do preserves some of the oldest Korean folk traditions.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 18 BCE – 660 CE | Baekje Kingdom cultural region |
| 935 | Integrated under Goryeo Dynasty |
| 1413 | Jeolla Province established by Joseon |
| 1896 | Jeolla Province split into North & South (Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do) |
| 2000s–2020s | Development of marine industries, green energy, eco-tourism |
Jeollanam-do is Korea’s center of traditional culture, oceans, and rural life.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla Province) |
| Korean Name | 전라남도 |
| Administrative Capital | Muan |
| Largest City | Yeosu |
| Other Major Cities | Suncheon, Mokpo, Gwangyang |
| Area | ~12,200 sq km |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.8 million |
| Climate | Warm, coastal, mild winters |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
| Dial Code | +82 61 |
| Top-Level Domain | .jn.go.kr |
| Provincial Motto | “Clean Environment, Happy Residents” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Kim Young-rok |
| Provincial Assembly | Jeollanam-do Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 5 Cities (Si) + 17 Counties (Gun) |
Jeollanam-do has one of the most expansive local government networks in Korea.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Jeollanam-do consists of:
5 Cities (Si)
17 Counties (Gun)
This huge administrative network is ideal for your website’s hierarchical linking.
🏙️ List of Cities (5)
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Yeosu (여수시) | Coastal city; Yeosu Expo site & island bridges |
| Suncheon (순천시) | Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (UNESCO) |
| Mokpo (목포시) | Port city; marine museums & coastal cliffs |
| Gwangyang (광양시) | POSCO Steel Industrial Complex |
| Naju (나주시) | National Energy Valley; ancient Naju culture |
🏞️ List of Counties (17)
| County | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Damyang | Juknokwon Bamboo Forest |
| Gokseong | Train Village & nature trails |
| Gurye | Hwaeomsa Temple; Jirisan access |
| Goheung | Space Center; aerospace industries |
| Boseong | Korea’s largest green tea fields |
| Hwasun | Dolmen sites (UNESCO) |
| Jangheung | Clean water & ecological farms |
| Gangjin | Celadon pottery capital |
| Haenam | Korea’s southernmost point (Land’s End) |
| Jindo | Sea-parting miracle festival |
| Wando | Marine products & island tourism |
| Yeonggwang | Fisheries & coastal temples |
| Hampyeong | Butterfly Festival |
| Muan | Administrative capital; lotus blooms |
| Shinan | Thousands of islands; salt fields |
| Yeongam | F1 Korean Grand Prix track |
| Jangseong | Forest trails & healing parks |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Islands: ~2,000+ islands (most in Korea)
Coastline: Longest coastline among all provinces
National Parks: Dadohaehaesang (largest marine national park)
Terrain: Coastal plains, hills, tea farms
Climate: Warm, oceanic, humid summers
UNESCO Sites: Suncheon Bay, numerous Dolmen sites
Jeollanam-do is Korea’s No. 1 eco-tourism & marine biodiversity region.
🧩 Development Focus & Innovation
Jeollanam-do specializes in:
Marine biotechnology
Renewable energy (solar, wind, tidal)
Eco-friendly agriculture
Seafood industries
Aerospace (Naro Space Center, Goheung)
Green tea & organic farming
The region is rapidly expanding its green economy through smart coastal development.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| Provincial Police | Rural & coastal law enforcement |
| Marine Police (Coast Guard) | Island & sea patrol, port safety |
| Disaster Response HQ | Typhoon, flood & coastal protection |
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity, shamanistic traditions |
| Dialect | Jeolla dialect (soft, rhythmic) |
| Cultural Identity | Rural warmth, folk music, ocean culture |
| Famous Products | Green tea, bamboo crafts, seafood, salt |
Jeollanam-do keeps Korea’s deepest traditions and slow-life culture alive.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$50 billion USD |
| Major Industries | Steel, shipbuilding, agriculture, fishing, tourism |
| Ports | Yeosu-Gwangyang Port (major national port) |
| Exports | Steel, fisheries, green tea, ceramics |
Jeollanam-do is the heart of Korea’s fishing and agriculture economy.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Universities | Chonnam National University, Mokpo National University |
| Education Strengths | Marine sciences, agriculture, energy engineering |
| Healthcare | Provincial hospitals & specialty centers |
| Life Expectancy | ~84 years |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Yeosu Airport, Muan International Airport |
| Rail | KTX Suncheon–Yeosu line |
| Highways | Namhaean Coast Highway |
| Ports | Yeosu-Gwangyang Port, Mokpo Port |
| Mega Projects | Marine tourism belts & green energy zones |
Jeollanam-do is a national hub for ocean logistics & southern coastal travel.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (UNESCO)
Boseong Green Tea Fields
Dadohaehaesang Marine National Park
Jindo Sea Parting Festival
Naro Space Center (Goheung)
Yeosu Night Sea
Damyang Bamboo Forest (Juknokwon)
Haenam Land’s End
Gangjin Celadon Kiln
Mokpo Coastal Cliffs
Jeollanam-do is one of Korea’s top 3 tourist destinations for nature lovers.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UNESCO Presence | Wetlands & dolmen heritage |
| Economic Partners | Japan, China, Southeast Asia |
| Green Leadership | Korea’s renewable energy frontier |
| International Festivals | Suncheon Garden Expo, Yeosu Fireworks |
📝 Summary
Jeollanam-do is South Korea’s oceanic and cultural paradise, offering unmatched natural beauty, rich food heritage, traditional lifestyles, island culture, and rapidly growing green industries. With thousands of islands and some of Korea’s most iconic natural sites, Jeollanam-do represents the soul of Korea’s nature and tradition.
📢 News & Articles
“Suncheon Bay: Asia’s Most Beautiful Wetland”
“Discovering Boseong Tea Fields”
“How Jeollanam-do Leads Korea’s Green Energy Future”
🎯 Our Mission
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