Mokpo 목포
—  Municipal City  —
Korean transcription(s)
• Hangul	목포시
• Hanja	木浦市
• Revised Romanization	Mokpo-si
• McCune-Reischauer	Mokp'o-si
View of Mokpo from Yudalsan.
Official logo of Mokpo Emblem of Mokpo
Mokpo
Coordinates: 34°45′32″N 126°22′48″E / 34.7589°N 126.38°E / 34.7589; 126.38Coordinates: 34°45′32″N 126°22′48″E / 34.7589°N 126.38°E / 34.7589; 126.38
Country	South Korea
Region	Honam
Administrative divisions	22 dong
Area
• Total	50.08 km2 (19.34 sq mi)
Population (2011)
• Total	247,442
• Density	4,940.93/km2 (12,796.9/sq mi)
• Dialect	Jeolla

Mokpo (Mokpo-si) is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula. Mokpo has frequent train service to Seoul and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea and Dadohae National Maritime Park. The port of Mokpo is not far from Yudal mountain, a picturesque area with numerous tourist facilities.

During the Japanese Occupation (1910–1945), Mokpo served as a crucial port for commercial ventures and transportation owing to its convenient location along the sea routes between the Japanese archipelago and the Chinese mainland. The large number of islands surrounding Mokpo have also served as a protective barrier, making the city less vulnerable to high seas and tsunami. During Japanese rule, the city had large residential areas, now the city's historic districts, to accommodate Japanese colonists. However, after the end of World War II and with Korean independence in 1945, the city slowly lost its position as host to major government organs and wartime industries. The shortage of secondary industries caused a serious population drain and Mokpo became a mid-sized city of the Honam region.

Former president Kim Dae-jung earned full support from electorates at president election in 1997, while other political rivals are accused of having tried to underdevelop the city to decrease its population.^[1] The city still went through series of platforms to grow up its ability to hold stronger status in South Jeolla province in spite of economic depression and complains of residents at original downtown. According to the city's page, the mayor Jeong Jong Dueg says it is goal of Mokpo to be home to arts of Yellow sea in brilliantly developing Northeast Asia.^[2]

Etymology[link]

The term Mokpo (木浦 in Hanja) literally means the harbour with large portion of forests. The terminology initially appears at Goryeosa (History of Goryeo). Owing to this background, some historians argue that the etimology shares its root at trees within port of Mokpo around the region. Another theory indicates that the location is critically important in Yellow Sea as the routes toward the land is as critical as the throat (in Hangul:목) of human.^[3] The last assertion finds its ground in large production of cotton (in Hangul:목화, in Hanja:木花) in the region where the great deal of amounts were allotted by Japanese colonisits to deliver the products into Tokyo.^[4]

History[link]

During the Mahan and Three Kingdoms Eras[link]

Mokpo belonged to the Mahan confederacy during the early era of the "Three Han" confederacies (Samhan}, and was later called Mul'ahye-gun 물아혜군 (勿阿兮郡) while under the control of the Baekje kingdom. However, after the fall of Baekje, the region was amalgamated by Silla, and its name was changed to Myeonju 면주 (綿州). In 946, its name was once again changed to Mullyang-gun 물량군 (勿良郡), and it became a portion of Muan prefecture, Naju-mok, Haeyang province. At that time, the prefecture of Muan referred to a much larger area, which incorporated not only Mokpo but also current Muan and several islands of Sinan county.^[5] According to a KBS documentary, coastal and offshore areas of Mokpo witnessed superior productivity of crops, owing partially to their proximity to China. Important shipping routes were also established following the Yeongsan River to Naju.^[6]

Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties[link]

To commemorate his role in the region's history, a statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin now stands guard over Mokpo.

Strictly speaking, the terminology of Mokpo has its origins in the Goryeo period. That dynasty's founder, Wang Geon, was at that time serving as a general for Later Goguryeo (Taebong) ruled by Gung Ye. Taebong covered the central area of the Korean peninsula to include the current Gaeseong, which was then called Song'ak. As a naval power, Wang Geon was ordered to attack Gyeon Hwon's Later Baekje, which like Later Goguryeo had also emerged with the disintegration of Unified Silla. The operation enjoyed fairly successful results. Wang Geon met his second queen, Janghwa, at this time, and their son became Hyejong of Goryeo.

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. ^[7]

Open Port[link]

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.^[8] Japanese people chiefly lived in current Yudal dong where the main port is just in front, while Japanese consulate stayed before the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905.

Japanese started to purchase farmlands close to Mokpo, which had been illegal to the treaty between two empires, mentioning that foreigners could only deal with business activity in registered spot. The reason why the aliens were aiming at buying the fields is said owing to the lax taxation of Joseon and completely cheap price, one tenth rate for those in Japan. The forceful open speeded up the despoil of harvest for cheaper price toward Japan. In the meantime, the price of rice in Jeolla province doubled afterwards.^[9]

After the yeaf of 1905, the residence of Japanese people expanded so abundant that the location was further enlarged to Geumhwa dong where lots of cherry blossoms were grown along the street. Japanese called it Sakuramachi (さくらまち) meaning "the downtown along cherry blossom trees" in Japanese language.^[10]

Upon Korea's annexation by Japan in 1910, the city was given a new name, "Mokpo-bu," with the construction of colonial institution called Oriental Development Company (동양척식주식회사, in Hanja;東洋拓殖株式會社) and received its current name, "Mokpo City",^[11] a year after the nation's independence from Japan.

Under Japanese rule[link]

See also: Korea under Japanese rule

Mokpo's status as an open port made if a viable option to Wando as a link to the region's many offshore islands.

In 1914, the completion of the Honam railway line connected the city to Daejeon. On 1 April of that same year, Mokpo-bu (county) was divided into several administrative sections, with the result that only the county's urban downtown area (or Bunae-myeon) remained as what is now Mokpo city (Mokpo-bu). Following Order No. 11 of the Japanese Government General of Korea, Muan county (Muan-bu) incorporated the other myeon formerly comprising Mokpo-bu - Jido, Palguem, and Docho. During the Japanese colonial period, Mokpo's harbor was utilized to deprive the local region of its crops in order to supply the Japanese home islands.

For business activities, transportation enhanced stimuli for many people to congregate while many people gathered for work. The aims were headed to build temporary housing places near Japanese residents. According to the local records, smaller mud huts were along the narrow street where the commander barely allowed to live in.^[12] Series of facilities were built including Mokpo theater of which possession was from Korean peninsula. There were only 3 theaters in possession of Korean, including Seoul's Danseongsa, Gwangju Theater in current Gwangju metropolitan city.^[13]

In 1932, the size of the city became a lot larger owing to incorporation some parts from Muan, reaching 60 thousand population under the fame of 6th largest city in Korean peninsula. Indigenous products were fairly cloth, rice and salt with abundant coastal food to give much fame, following city hall's explanation on modern history.^[14] The harbor played important role for supplying exploited goods toward Japan but meant the deprivation and loss of crops for Korean.

Additionally, the products of cotton were largely deprived to meet the demands of Japan. In 1918, the colonists established ginning facilities for manufacturing large deliveries in Mokpo and Iri (current Iksan in North Jeolla province).^[15]

After independence[link]

In 1949, Mokpo Bu attained the title of Mokpo si (city), continuing to expand its area until now. This major occurrence was brought about by the SOC government, altering the administrative region. In 1973 and 1987, a greater area was determined to belong to Mokpo city, including one of the most famous tourist spots, Samhakdo, which means three cranes laid above the sea. Until 1999, land reclamation was sped up to make land for a near-shore island of Samhakdo and the second stage of developing lands. The projects also covered a coastal filling process near North Harbor and building a new port in Chungmu dong.

Samhakdo was reclaimed since 1940 by connecting islands toward Mokpo, continuing the landfill construction during 1968-73. The island is divided into three major sections. In 2000, the city assured the plan to restore a naturalized island for tourism, bringing up tremendous criticism from environmental groups. However, the project stretched out for 6 years of construction to link three parts of island in close proximity with 5 bridges between small, middle islands. From 1 March 2007, the site became free to the public.^[17][18]

In 1980, Gwangju Democratization Movement swept up whole close area. In Mokpo, student movement was also initiated by several people who marched with the cards saying "Freedom" along the boulevard from Mokpo Station to the second plaza. Mokpo station served as a central congregation for many groups supporting people in Gwangju.^[19]

After 1990, new port (called newly built outdoor harbor) was officially working for accommodating exports, mainly KIA motors, while Daebul and Samho industrial complexes gained factories in fields. At first pace, South Jeolla province was confronted for deep concerns over investment^[20] owing to lacking transportation and accommodation. In 2007, South Korean ministry of Industry and Resources designated the area for renovation cluster with that of Masan in Gyeongsangnam-do. The chief reasons were because China's huge growth became momentum for the city as connecting destination for local companies for southerneast Asian nations.

On October 1, 1997, when Mokpo had its centennial as a port city, the city announced the second opening of the port. Mokpo has become famous as the hometown of former President Kim Dae-jung, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001.^[21]

Administration[link]

A view of the city.

Mayor of Mokpo[link]

At the beginning of local government in 1994, the president of Munhwa broadcasting corporation Mokpo, Gwon I Dam (in Hangul: 권이담) inaugurated the office in July 1995. Succeeding the re-seating in the office, Mr.Gwon gave full effort to clean up water problem at the city in that lack of supplies of water had been a nuisance as the city had to build up additional investment from Juam dam located at Jangheung. He also persuaded several public to achieve the movement of provincial office from Gwangju but did not reveal special solution for the issues.^[22] In 2000, the mayor officially granted the aid of rice for North Korea^[23] However, his political base went through earthquake owing to the conflicts of leaders of Democrats Party. The argument for fair semi-election to elect candidate led him to secede from the party, eventually giving lawsuit upon the election issue without integrity. The court rejected the claim of Mr. Gwon whose post-step became forfeited.^[24]

Jeon Tae Hong, the elected had played important role in Mokpo YMCA to stratify policies for corroborating transfer of provincial office and new port and Daebul industrial complex.^[25] However, his death all of sudden in 2005 called for emergent election to fill vacancy^[26] The election on April 30, 2005 elected the candidate Jeong Jong Deuk of 45.2% base with the promises of tourism promotion.^[27][28] In 2005, the largest issue of the city, the construction of Mokpo bridge lost large portion of the budget by cutting off from Ministry of Strategy and Finance (the Ministry of Planning and Budget at that time) In August, the city awarded the balanced appreciation of munipicial operation of budgets.^[29] The old downtown's depression and weakness became huge concern for dwellers toward Hadang in every scope of daily life. Mr. Jeong established the office of original city replanning at the same year, declaring the promotion of slogan as city of light (in Hangul : 빛의 도시, 목포).^[30] Yet, the restoration of the economy was seriously asked whether the measurement was righteously chosen for the situation. To tackle the public opinion, the city decided to separately designate the streets of markets by sectioning each avenue by the character of shops, circulating population and appropriate platforms to take into account for 112 year-old commercial core. For instance, the city designated fishery market as the street of Hong-eo (stake) and existing downtown as the street of youngsters.^[31]

In 2006, he continued to succeed the chairperson of the city. During his second inauguration, the city has gotten awards of civil executive premiere in 2007 ^[32] with the first prize of South Korea Tourism Contest, initiated by Korea tourism association, with Ulleung County in 2009.^[33]

Upon his presence, it is said to give efforts forward conducting development projects and city planning around the old downtown, failing to activate and circulate critical work of economy. Additionally, the conflicts upon the support fund became huge tic-tac-toc between residences. Mokpo civil newspaper pinpointed that the city council must find out concrete and persuasive devices to draw the populations into the city and change the attitudes toward imbalanced economy.^[34][35]

In 2009, non-governmental organizations based in Mokpo jointly urged the mayor to publicily disclose the information upon the consumption of budget. Until their requirement, the committee of information and technology were thoroughly made of the person elected by the mayor. Upon the lawsuit by organizations, it was proved to be in favor of suitor in that informing the budget should be reported and monitored via civil participation.^[36]

Disputes upon merge[link]

Enlargement of urban area has occurred fundamental obstacle for leading city's developement throughout most kinds of industries. The merge with Muan county was discussed after the entry of Okam, Samhyang, Daeyang area in 1973 and 1987. The residual votes was initiated in 1994, 1995 and 1998 to ask for the agreement of incorporation, of which results said dwellers of Mokpo and Sinan went for but not majority of Muan.

In fact, the background lies within the location of Mokpo. Mokpo is located at the tip of Muan peninsula, which means Muan takes majority of the expansion. The geographical boundary have longly implied volition of merge for Mokpo but no stimuli for Muan, as most of residents there do not think it will take major advantages in cycles of development. The supporting opinion for merge says that Muan and Mokpo actually shares same roots in terms of geography and equalizing plans for economic boast can be certainly enhanced under the larger population and power.

In 2004, civil groups campaigned supporting vote for amalagamating three areas of Sinan, Muan and Mokpo. In 2009, ongoing movement of administrational transformation has swept several governing bodies and the city council of Mokpo officially submitted blueprints of amalagament on September 25, 2009.^[37][38] 2009 vote also fell down owing to rocketing objection from civilians, only except for Mokpo, removing the roots of probability to set up the larger municipal organ.^[39]

Population[link]

6th largest city has lost its growing power after the independence. The causal impacts have headed toward several reasons. It can be said eastern area-oriented policy of government. The significant distinction for national development has brought about huge expansion of eastern coast city Ulsan into metropolitan city, but not distinctive policies for Honam area.

In 2007, the population of households increased from 80 thousand to 90 thousand. which indicates each per 2.7 person. The density is 5,062.6, reaching 10th highest rank of South Korea whose figure is one of the very skyrocketing among all the municipalities only except for Gyeonggi province. In 2010, Bank of Korea Mokpo told that major features still cause irresistible decline of the population of western area of South Jeolla province like extended differentiation of income, weak industrial foundation, underdeveloped educational facilities and poor welfare backup.^[40]

The formation of Namak city has carried on attracting features thanks to the movement of provincial office where the portion takes half of Mokpo and Muan. Because of Muan's existence, direct growth for Mokpo is still limited.^[41]

Bureaus concerned[link]

As a middle-sized city holding regional core, the city seizes several branches and bureau office within its boundary. Regional offices of Sinan county consisting of 1,004 islands set up many of its offices in Mokpo, notably educational office near International shipping terminal. The table also includes offices under the umbrella of the autonomy.

Education[link]

Mokpo houses all kinds of organs for education; it includes 30 elementray schools, 15 schools for secondary education of middle and high school. 3 post graduate schools and universities have been in operation. There are also educational organs such as junior college and a specialized school for physically-challenged.^[43]

Education in Mokpo has earlierly adapted to instruct civilians most of whom were Japanese, representing Bukgyo and Yudal elementary school. As a major center of Honam area, Japanese populations took seemingly larger number compared to those of other areas to gain earlier background for educational instructions but not distinctive organ for Koreans at that time. To meet the demands of local Japanese students at first, Bukgyo elementary school actually takes hold of its base in Mokpo Hyanggyo (educational institute for aristocracy during Joseon Dynasty), officially starting its class following the order no.145 of Gojong of Korean Empire, at the same year of opening port in 1897.^[44] Yudal elementary school was firstly named as Simsang sohakgyo (hangul:심상소학교, 소학교 refers to elementary-level course) on January 12 of 1898.

Jeonnam Jeil high school was opened in 1920 as commercial high school and first secondary-level course and later its name was changed into Jeil high school. It is also famous for the place where former president Kim Dae Jung graduated from. In 1941, one of the regional wealthy, Moon Jae Cheol established Moontae foundation for educational purposes. Now the foundation holds middle and high schools. Since 2000, some of middle and high schools newly established owing to larger residential complex especially within Hadang.

Universities[link]

Mokpo National University was promoted to national-level supported school in 1976 after 30 years of establishment, of which regional fame has been highlighted thanks to the researching specialty for shipbuilding, culturally related majors.^[45][46] 2007 preliminary test for national university ranked MNU as the highest level of 4, the same level with Seoul National University and Jeonnam National University.^[47]

Mokpo National Maritime University is specializing in maritime related populations.^[48] The school takes its characteristic of bringing up specially-trained students for shipping works, mechanisms while funded by government for serving as navigator. Mokpo Catholic University initiated its education as Sungshin nursing college in 1967 for training professional nursing populations in regional bases. The school enlarged its boundary for vocational education, psychology with current level since 1999.^[49] Additionally, 5th campus of Korea Polytechnic Colleges set up several majors like computing, applications for shipbuilding, etc. since 1996.^[50]

Standardization of High school[link]

Briefly, standardization of school indicates governmental policy for equalizing academical standard of each school. Aside from the policy, faculty of the school was supposed to elect highly-leveled students, whereas the backup of the government overthrew the situation into minimizing gaps between students by draw.

Mokpo took this policy at the late 1970s following this enforcement, coming back to vice versa in 1990. However, notice of legislation by Ministry of Education & Science Technology led the region with another cities in South Jeolla province to take standardization again in 2004.

Formerly, the argument of standardization called for critically heated public polls, nearly reaching to the failure of the policy. However, inhabitant's poll in 2003 aggressively took majority of approval of 71.3% in 2003.^[51] Currently, the local issue of education is mainly problematic given the attention of parents that proceeding for prestigious school promotes serious competition among students. This systemical error hardened preference of school each year, instigating stronger promoting expenses of high schools. ^[52]

Economy[link]

Early opening port went through massive growth, whereas the post-independent development have deeply concentrated on Yeongnam area where Japan and Russia are viable within coastal area encouraging major economic impacts for South Korea. However, the brilliant enhancement of Chinese economy shares huge possibility to step up the city's potetntial as the trades via Yellow Sea have been strengthened year by year. Furthermore, the construction of Seonhaean expressway rapidly enhanced the accessibility for Seoul and Gyeonggi province, while the city was taken as for the major candidate of hub harbour, along with Incheon, Pyeongtaek/Dangjin and Gunsan.^[53]

Inside the city, the old downtown has suffered from inevitable depression as the population largely moved for the new town called Hadang, losing its value as the heart of consumption for citizens since early 1900.

Farming and Fishery[link]

Mokpo shapes the type of unitary city, not urban and rural complex, to have sparsely located farming area, 459 1,326 households under 0.5 ha scale. The productivity normally reaches quite lot for rice, barley and bean. On the contrary, greens and fruits have gained much popularity since 2001, including tomatoes, cucumbers and oriental melon with continuous last.

A great deal of fishing ship stations at harbour. They often goes for near coast like Heuksando to raise the seizure of skates and hairtails. The marine products reached 26,862 ton in 2006, chiefly consisting its percetage from fish. The number of fisher dropped less than 3,000 people to go up again since 2007. Crustaceans, mollusks and seaweeds take next dominance. One of the most famous special products of Mokpo is small octopus, of which yield slipped down a thousand ton per year far less than demands.

Commerce[link]

The less predominant stream of industries in Mokpo caused the city to shape as consuming role. During Joseon Dynasty, the port worked as major harbour toward Hanyang via Yeongsan River of which role served as for caoyun system.

In modern scope, before Hadang area was built, every single function of the city became concentrated on the original downtown from cultural facilities to commerce. However, the large residential area was built in Yeonsan dong while the construction of Hadang was finalized in 1999 to bring about up-to-date fashioned streets with huge spill of population. As the faculty of original downtown has mostly disappeared for many of merchant houses moved to Hadang or shut down, city congress formulated the order for supporting the old downtown.^[54] The outward flow of people has been so enormous that the gap between former and letter has not been decreased.^[55]

For more than a century, the commercial power of the city has concentrated on Mokpo station and several markets nearby. The sole department store was closed within 1997 Asian financial crisis with several movie theatres shut, too. The dominance of economic power has been notably imbalanced by opening of Lotte Mart (2001) and E-Mart (2002).^[56] For large-scale market in Mokpo, Home plus is the solitary merchandising company resided in old downtown near Munhwa broadcasting corporation in Yongdang area.^[57]

Exceptionally, fishery market of Dongmyeong and North Harbor Hoe center have vitalised for tourists and local people looking for octopus or indigneous products. The economic bureau of the city has issued the voucher for promoting consumption within the market since early 2009, reaching all disposal of the issue amounted as 0.3 billion Korean won.^[58]

Industries[link]

Vitality of regional economy refers to Daebul industrial complex and Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries located in near Yeongam. The imports of merchandise can give supports for Mokpo as those of products must pass through harbour. Daebul complex did not hold any company at the first stance, overthrowing vacancies toward massive parcel-out since 2000.

Initial owner of heavy industries had been Halla group, of which possession was taken over by Hyudai heavy industries to change its name adding regional term "Samho" meaing three lakes. The announcement of bankrupty largely called for deep concerns over large scale lay-off and loss of regional profits for shop owners. The serious worries was slided by the M&A to heighten stability of business. Meanwhile, profits of complex amounted to more than $ 0.46 bn, acclerated about 25% from that of 2006.^[59][60]

South Jeolla province succeeded to attract series of investors for renewable energies like solar panels. In industrial complex, Innovation silicon ltd, overtook the projects for building silicon producing complex of 10 bn won.^[61] The city required more investment for preparing for holding industrial factories in Daeyang dong area.^[62]

Companies[link]

Business origin to Mokpo are mainly Bohae brewing company, Haengnam chinaware, Chosun refractories, etc. Bohae brewing company represents the brand of soju from Honam area, of which best merchandise is maple soju (잎새주), the first brewing soju from maples. In 2001, the products titled the prize of 5 million bottle exports from national government. Joint developed soju was also launched in Japan, with Asahi Breweries. Its wine made of Rubus coreanus has attained the confirmation for United States for the first time as a Korean brewing company in 2008 with a nickname of rugby ball wine.^[63][64]

Another major company is Haengnam chinaware, established May 1942. Its headquarter is located at this city with Seoul branch for design and public relations and Yeoju for production. The enterprise has the first record for developing coffee cup sets in 1953.^[65] In 1963, Hong Kong firstly accepted its export within its territory while current marketing is paying attention for Chinese markets for exporting profits to reach more than 2 million dollars in 2008.^[66] In 2011, its president signed MOU with Ministry of Environment of South Korea for designing less pollutant emitting process. The project tries to enhance public awareness on environmental issues for rare natural species.^[67][68]

Geography[link]

Mokpo seats at the southern part of Muan peninsula, which actually lies within the tip with Sinan county consisting of 1004 islands. Its neighbor, Muan county takes northerneast part and Yeongam lies in front of the city by Yeongsan river. The geographical feature is Yudal mountain (228m) at the center of old downtown. Yudal mountain as a pride of the city holds its unique nickname as Gaegol (in hangul:개골) meaning weird-shaped rocks and peaks. The hilly side of the mountain caused upward roads around the downtown. Nojeokbong is historic site where General Yi soon shin made use of its shape making it like accumulated rice for soldiers during Japanese invasion. Throughout each direction of the city are there mountains like Mt. Ibam (121) at the east, Yangeul (156m) and Daebak (156) at the north.^[69][70] The mouth of Yeongsan river flows following the southern side of the city with 13 islands. The existence of natural seawall encouraged the promising place for accommodating several kinds of ship.

Most of landmeasure of Mokpo, however, have largely accomplished by land reclamation, including Samhakdo, North harbor (in Hangul : 북항) and new city of Hadang which roots the updated fashion of the downtown. According to the research by Mokpo national university, tributaries of Yeongsan river crossed the central area of old downtown. For instance, Mokone dong area was originally called as Namgyo (southern side of bridge) and Bukgyo(Northern side of bridge)-dong. Both names include gyo (in Hangul:교, in Hanja:橋) meaning the bridge, which indicates the bridge links the separated village. Tideland reclamation project removed large amounts of mud flat including Daebandong, Baekryundong and coastal shore around Gatbawi. Additionally, munipical range incorporates 7 desert islands.

The wall at the end of the Yeongsan river blocked flooding damage during harsh typhoon, whereas the sideeffects have headed forward another portion of the city, chiefly the sea level along the coast have continued to rise. Meanwhile, the water quality of river have worsened to call for the ministry in charge to take environmental appreciation for reviewing impacts by manmade structure. In 2010, the reports became the pinpointed issue for environmental civil group in that widened seawall would be constructed by dirted water getting pumped out of the riverbeds and carrying the water into the beds of the harbour.^[71]

Climate[link]

Mokpo weather station was built with 5 other sites but firstly observed weather condition on 25 March 1904 in whole Korean peninsula.^[72] The first record says it was cloudy with lowest degree of 3.4 and highest of 8.4.

Mokpo's climate is highlighted by a short spring and autumn. It is cold and dry in the winter and warm and humid, with seasonal winds, in the summer. There is much rain in the summer, with an average of 1163mm. It is usually quite windy and foggy in the spring and autumn owing to its locality near the ocean. Mokpo's long period (223 days) without frost creates suitable conditions for rice farming. However, its seacoast location and the influence of the continental climate on the city often causes a great disparity between the rise and fall of daily and yearly temperatures. Another feature of local weather is highest level of sunlight in Korea with Sinan county, which means a great deal of probability to hold sunlight energy plants and related industries.^[73] In terms of yellow dust, the number of occurrence is quite similar to those of other cities like Seoul and Incheon; 10–11 days per year but the figure of fine dust is relatively low.^[74]

The climate of Mokpo pertains itself to the Cfa, following to Köppen climate classification. Depending on the seasonal change, it takes different phases of weather condition, which indicates unpredictable situations sometimes happen. Especially, unexpected blizzards sweep the region with huge gust during winter. The statistical climate data says average snowy days reach more than a month and 60 days below zero Celsius.^[75] For tropical cyclone, Mokpo gains damages within the passing range of typhoons and its peripherical impacts involving heavy precipitation during summer and mostly early autumn. 2004 typhoon Mindeulle rained highest-ever precipitation with 64 mm per hour.