Seogwipo (; ) is a resort city and the second of the two cities on Jeju Island

In the beginning, Seogwipo was a part of Tamna, an ancient kingdom of Jeju. The kingdom traded with other nations across the Korean peninsula and China during the period of the Three Kingdoms (1st century BCE to 7th century CE). The small port of Seogwipo was used to send tributes to Yuan, an ancient kingdom in China. Tamna briefly reclaimed its independence after the fall of Silla in 935. However, it was subjugated by the Goryeo Dynasty in 938, and officially annexed in 1105. In 1300, among the 14 villages that made up Tamna Prefecture were Hongro and Yerye, two regions of modern Seogwipo. Tamna maintained local autonomy until 1404, when Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty placed it under firm central control. During the Joseon era, three fortresses were built in the Seogwipo area. In 1416, southern Jeju Island was divided into the prefectures of Jeongui and Daejeong. The former included Hongro, and the latter, Yerye, which had been the urban centers of Seogwipo.

Religion

As of 2015, 25.5% of the population follow Buddhism, 17.4% follow Christianity (of which 11.6% Protestantism and 5.8% Catholicism), 0.7% follow other religions and 56.4% are irreligious.

Organizations

Branksome Hall Asia is a school located in Seogwipo.

Tourism

Seogwipo's atmosphere is similar to other Korean seaside towns - old love motels and old businesses. However, it also has lush gardens and citrus farms that are bordered with black rock fences. The whole town is small enough for people to walk across easily. The Olle Market in downtown Seogwipo is a traditional daily market. There is also much to see and eat along Lee Joong-seop Street, Myeongdong Road, Arang Joeul Street, and Chilsimni Food Street.

Tourist attractions

Seongeup Folk Village is a traditional village that has been continually inhabited since at latest the 15th century. It has many traditional hanok, and offers traditional experiences and performances.

The museum, which first opened in September 2001, is widely known in Korea. At the O'Sulloc Tea Museum, not only can visitor enjoy unique O'Sulloc teas, but they can relax next to the lotus pond in the indoor garden. The second floor of the building has an observatory, so visitors can enjoy the views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding landscape.

The Citrus Museum is located in the city. It offers citrus picking experiences for part of the year.

Daeyoo Land opened in 1978 as a hunting ground and shooting range and recently opened an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) track. It includes a pistol range, rifle ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and an ATV track. The port also maintains routes to Gapado, a small island off the southern coast of Jeju.

Seogwipo Submarine offers undersea tours in a submarine from Finland. Munseom, where the submarine travels, is home to coral reefs, schools of fish, and seaweed.

Yeomiji Botanical Garden is located in the city, inside Jungmun Tourism Complex.

Saeseom is an island in the harbor of the city proper, which has walking trails and a light and water show at its bridge in the evenings.

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File:Jeongeui Eupseong South Gate.jpg|Seongeup Folk Village

File:Jeongbang Waterfall.jpg|Jeongbang Waterfall

File:Sanbangsan Mountain 01.jpg|Sanbangsan

File:Seongsan Ilchulbong from the air.jpg|Seongsan Ilchulbong

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Sports

thumb|[[Jeju World Cup Stadium]]

Seogwipo is the home city of K League 1 club Jeju SK (known as Jeju United until 2025). The club's home stadium is Jeju World Cup Stadium, located in the southern part of Seogwipo.

Sister cities

  • – Kashima, Ibaraki, Japan (since November 2003)
  • – Salinas, California, United States (since 2018)

See also

  • List of cities in South Korea

References

  • Seogwipo Official site (in Korean)