South Gyeongsang Province

History

Joseon

In 1407, for military purposes, the administrative districts were reorganized, with Gyeongsang-do being divided into Gyeongsangjwa-do (or Gyeongsangjwa Province; left) and Gyeongsangwu-do (or Gyeongsangwu Province; right) as the reference points of the Nakdong River.

Before 1895, the area corresponding to modern-day South Gyeongsang Province was part of Gyeongsang Province, one of the Eight Provinces of Korea during the Joseon dynastic kingdom. In 1895, southern Gyeongsang was replaced by the districts of Jinju in the west and Dongnae (modern-day Busan) in the east. In 1896, they were merged to form South Gyeongsang Province.

Today

The provincial capital was originally in Jinju; it moved to Busan in 1925. During Imperial Japanese colonial rule, it was known as Keishōnan Province.

In 1948, South Gyeongsang became part of South Korea. In 1963, Busan separated from South Gyeongsang Province to become a Directly Governed City (Jikhalsi). In 1983, the provincial capital moved from Busan to Changwon. In 1995, Busan became a Metropolitan City (Gwangyeoksi), and Ulsan separated from South Gyeongsang Province to become a Metropolitan City in 1997.

Geography

The province is part of the Yeongnam region, on the north by North Gyeongsang Province, on the west by North Jeolla Province and South Jeolla Province, and on the south by the Korea Strait far from Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Most of the province is drained by the Nakdong River and its tributaries. The total area of the province is 10,533 square kilometres (4,067 sq mi).

The tail of the Taebaek Mountains reaches the east of the Province, and the Nakdong River flows in the middle of the mountain range. The Province is bordered by the Sobaek Mountains and Honam to the west. The central lowland spreads along the Nakdonggang River basin. The Nakdonggang River is collecting tributaries of Gyeongsangnam-do to develop the Gimhae Delta Plain near the downstream. Jirisan, Deogyusan, and Bagunsan are lined up in the west.

Demographics

Resources

The Nakdong delta plain around Gimhae is one of the best granaries in South Korea. Agricultural products form Gyeongsangnam-do include rice, beans, potatoes, and barley. The area is renowned for its cotton, sesame, and fruits which are grown along the southern seaside. A number of marine products are caught. The province is one of the country's leading fisheries.

Major cities

The largest cities in the region are Busan and Ulsan, which are separately administered as provincial-level Metropolitan Cities. Apart from the capital Changwon, other large or notable cities include Gimhae and Jinju.

Attractions

Gyeongsangnam-do is the home of Haeinsa, a Buddhist temple that houses the Tripitaka Koreana and attracts many tourists. It is in the national park around Jirisan (1,915 m) on the border with Jeollabuk-do. The temple was first built in 802.

Changnyeong County contains three major tourist attractions for the province: Upo Wetland, the natural hotsprings of Bugok, and Hwawangsan.

Yangsan-si contains two major temples for the province: Tongdosa and Naewon Temple

Culture

Festival

Beginning in 2002, the Tongyeong International Music Festival is one of the most important music events in Asia. Held every spring, the festival consists of stages from well-known classical music figures and aspiring musicians. It aims to foster young composers and performers.

Jinhae Naval Port Festival, one of the biggest cherry blossom festivals in South Korea, is held in Jinhae.

The Haman Water Fireworks Festival takes place around Buddha's Birthday in April every year. It is one of the cultures that has existed since the Joseon Dynasty. It originated from the heart of praying for peace in the country.

Tourism

The Jinju National Museum opened in 1984 as the first national museum in South Gyeongsang Province. Visitors can experience cultural heritages in the Province, including Gaya.

Haeinsa, one of Korea's top three temples, was built in 802 by two monks Seung-woon and Lee Jung. The temple houses various treasures along with Woodblocks of national treasures, including the Tripitaka Koreana and Janggyeong Panjeon.

Economy

The province accounts for 43% of the national space industry production, and is home to Korea Aerospace Industries and Hanwha Aerospace, as well as 125 industrial complexes. The National Aerospace Industrial Complex is currently being developed, with completion targeted for June 2025.

The shipyards of Geoje are one of the largest shipyards in the world and host shipbuilders such as Samsung Heavy Industries

Administrative divisions

Gyeongsangnam-do is divided into 8 cities (si) and 10 counties (gun). The names below are given in English, hangul, and hanja.

Government

Government Complex South Gyeongsang Province

Gyeongnam Regional Government Complex was built to integrate government agencies in Changwon and Masan. It was completed in March 2013.

Governor

Sister districts

• Yamaguchi Prefecture (July 26, 1987)
• Kedah (July 3, 1989)
• Maryland (November 18, 1991)
• Shandong (September 8, 1993)
• East Java (May 9, 1996)
• Đồng Nai Province (September 1, 1996)
• Khabarovsk Krai (September 14, 1996)
• Jalisco (March 10, 1997)
• Laguna province (April 15, 1997)
• Pomeranian Voivodeship (April 22, 1997)
• Fejér County (April 24, 1997)

Notable people from South Gyeongsang Province

• Chun Doo-hwan, Former South Korean President
• Kim Young-sam, Former South Korean President
• Roh Moo-hyun, Former South Korean President
• Moon Jae-in, Former South Korean President
• Winter (Kim Min-jeong), a member of K-pop girl group, Aespa
• Koo In-hwoi, South Korean businessman and the founder of LG Group
• Jeong Eun-Ji, a member of K-pop girl group, Apink
• Choi San, a member of K-pop boy group, Ateez