Yeosu history

The history of the city of Yeosu is rooted in deep antiquity; however, its key role in Korean history was defined by its advantageous coastal location and strategic military significance.

Foundation and First Mentions

• Ancient Settlements: Archaeological finds and historical records indicate that settlements in the territory of modern-day Yeosu have existed since at least the 6th century, during the era of the Baekje Kingdom. At that time, this area was divided into two districts — Wonchon and Dolsan.
• First Mention: The name "Yeosu" first appears in chronicles dating back to the year 940, during the reign of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Key Factors of Establishment

• Geographical Location: Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, the city possesses a natural harbor protected by more than 300 islands. This determined its development as an important maritime hub.
• Strategic Military Importance: In 1497, during the Joseon Dynasty, the main naval base of the Left Jeolla Province fleet was established here. The base in Yeosu became world-famous thanks to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who commanded the fleet from here starting in 1591. It was from Yeosu that he led his victorious campaigns during the Imjin War, defending Korea against Japanese invasions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Maritime Heritage: Initially, the economy was based on fishing villages. Seafaring and fishing have been the primary occupations of local residents for centuries.
• Center of Naval Power: The city became a center for innovation in shipbuilding; it was here that Admiral Yi Sun-sin perfected the famous "Turtle Ships" (Geobukseon). The cultural identity of Yeosu today remains inextricably linked to the legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who is revered as a national hero.

Chronology of Yeosu's History

• 6th Century — During the Baekje Kingdom era, the districts of Wonchon and Dolsan existed in the territory of modern Yeosu, primarily as fishing settlements.
• 940 — The name "Yeosuhyeon" first appears in the chronicles of the Goryeo Dynasty, becoming attached to this area.
• 1195 — Heungguksa Buddhist Temple is founded, becoming an important cultural and religious center of the region.
• 1497 — During the Joseon Dynasty, the main naval base of the Left Jeolla Province fleet is established here.
• 1591 — Admiral Yi Sun-sin takes command of the base in Yeosu, from where he leads the fleet during the Imjin War.
• 1897 — The settlement receives official administrative status as a county (gun).
• 1948 — On October 19, the Yeosu-Suncheon Rebellion begins, when soldiers of the local garrison refused to obey orders to suppress a popular uprising on Jeju Island.
• 1949 — Yeosu officially receives city status, separating from the county of the same name.
• 1998 — An administrative merger of the city and the county into a single urban agglomeration takes place, forming modern Yeosu.
• 2007 — The city is selected as the host for the World Expo.
• 2012 — Yeosu successfully hosts the World Expo 2012 under the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast," attracting international attention to the city.

Key Milestones in the Development of Yeosu

The development of Yeosu was defined by its strategic position on the coast, which facilitated its transformation from a military base into a modern industrial and tourist center. Key stages of this journey include military, administrative, and economic transformations.

• Establishment of the Naval Base (1497): In the late 15th century, during the Joseon Dynasty era, the main naval base of the Left Jeolla Province fleet was created in Yeosu. This event secured the city's status as a key strategic point on the south of the Korean Peninsula and defined its development for centuries to come.
• Era of Admiral Yi Sun-sin (Late 16th Century): The city became the center of Korea's naval power during the Imjin War. It was from here that Admiral Yi Sun-sin directed the fleet, utilizing the improved "Turtle Ships," making Yeosu a symbol of national defense and naval glory.
• Acquisition of City Status (1949): After many centuries with county status, Yeosu was officially recognized as a city. This administrative step became the starting point for its post-war growth and urbanization.
• Creation of the National Industrial Complex (From late 1960s): The South Korean government initiated the construction of a major industrial center in Yeosu. Today, it houses the country's largest petrochemical complex, as well as steel manufacturing enterprises, turning the city into one of the nation's leading industrial hubs.
• Administrative Merger (1998): The city of Yeosu and the adjacent county of the same name were united into a single agglomeration. This allowed for the consolidation of resources for more effective management and further infrastructure development.
• Hosting World Expo 2012: This event became a turning point in the modern history of the city. Under the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast," the exhibition attracted international attention, gave a powerful boost to the development of tourism infrastructure, and strengthened Yeosu's image as an important maritime and cultural center. The economic effect of the event is estimated at 11 billion dollars, which contributed to the diversification of the regional economy.
• Post-Expo Development (After 2012): The infrastructure created for the Expo, including exhibition pavilions, the aquarium, and the modern waterfront, was integrated into the urban environment. This facilitated Yeosu's transformation into a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors, with a focus on maritime and eco-tourism.

The architectural appearance of Yeosu represents a unique combination of centuries-old Korean traditions and ultra-modern futuristic forms. Unlike many European cities, you will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here. Urban development followed its own path: from functional military structures and Buddhist temples to industrial complexes and innovative World Expo pavilions.

Traditional Korean Architecture (Joseon Era)

The historical core of Yeosu's architecture was formed during the Joseon Dynasty, when the city was a crucial naval base. Buildings of this period are characterized by monumentality, functionality, and harmony with nature. The main materials are wood and stone, and the roofs are covered with characteristic tiles.

• Jinnamgwan Hall: This is the largest single-story wooden building in Korea, built in 1599 after the Imjin War. Originally serving as a guest house for government officials and the headquarters of the naval forces, it stands on 68 massive wooden columns. The structure is a National Treasure of Korea (No. 304) and a striking example of mid-Joseon architecture, combining grandeur with strict aesthetics.
• Heungguksa Temple: Founded in 1195, this Buddhist temple complex is a model of religious architecture. Although it has been rebuilt, it preserves numerous treasures, including the main Daeungjeon Hall and the unique Honggyo Arch Bridge. The temple's architecture reflects a striving for harmony with the surrounding mountain landscape.

Industrial Modernization (20th Century)

From the late 1960s, Yeosu began to transform into a major industrial center. This period did not leave behind outstanding architectural masterpieces but radically changed the urban landscape. Massive industrial complexes and petrochemical plants rose along the coast. Urban planning was subordinated to functionality: typical residential districts and utilitarian public buildings appeared, characteristic of the era of rapid economic growth.

Modern Architecture and Expo 2012 Legacy

Hosting World Expo 2012 became a catalyst for the architectural transformation of Yeosu. The city was enriched with bold, high-tech, and symbolic structures that today define its new, futuristic look. Many of these objects were designed by leading global and Korean architects.

• Thematic Pavilion Expo 2012: Designed by the Viennese studio SOMA, this pavilion, located directly over the water, became one of the symbols of the exhibition. Its kinetic facade, resembling the gills of a living creature, reacts to light and demonstrates advanced "green" technologies.
• The Big-O: A giant circular structure in the sea that became the central venue for multimedia shows featuring fountains, fire, and holograms. This structure is a vivid example of how architecture can become part of a spectacular performance.
• Sky Tower: The tallest building on the Expo site, converted from abandoned cement silos. The tower's facade is adorned with pipes forming the world's loudest organ, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Expo Digital Gallery (EDG): A long corridor with a giant LED screen on the ceiling, connecting exhibition pavilions and creating an immersive digital space for visitors.

Notable Figures Associated with Yeosu

• Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598) — Admiral and national hero of Korea. Although he was not born in Yeosu, the city was his main headquarters during the Imjin War. From here, he commanded the fleet, perfected the famous "Turtle Ships" (Geobukseon), and won a series of decisive victories, defending Korea against Japanese invasion. His headquarters was located in Jinnamgwan Hall, which remains the city's main historical landmark today.
• Maeng Sa-seong (1360–1438) — A distinguished scholar and statesman of the early Joseon Dynasty who served as Chief State Councillor. He was known for his honesty, modest lifestyle, and talent in music, contributing to the creation of Korean court ritual music. His activities and influence extended to the entire southern region, including Jeolla Province, making him an important historical figure linked to Yeosu's cultural heritage.
• Huh Young-man (born 1947) — One of the most influential and famous manhwa (Korean comics) artists in South Korea. Born in Yeosu. He is the author of numerous cult works, including "Tazza," "Sikgaek" (Le Grand Chef), and "Gaksital," many of which have been successfully adapted into films and television series, bringing him national fame.
• Baek Il-seob (born 1944) — A veteran of South Korean cinema and television. Born in Yeosu. Over his long career, which began in the 1960s, he has appeared in more than 100 films and dramas, becoming one of the most recognizable and respected figures in Korea's entertainment industry.
• Park Heong-joon (born 1960) — A contemporary South Korean politician and public figure born in Yeosu. He has held various high positions, including Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs, and was elected Mayor of Busan — the country's second-largest city. He is an example of a native of Yeosu who has achieved success in the national political arena.