History of Mokpo

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 Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), 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. 

Open Port

On October 1, 1897 Mokpo opened its port to Japan, fifteen years after the opening of Incheon. 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