Jeonnam and Gwangju Were Once One: A Look at Historical and Present Regional Ties

The article delves into the historical administrative divisions of South Korea, using the example of Gwangju and the surrounding Jeonnam province to illustrate how boundaries have been shaped and reshaped over time. The author recounts a personal experience of realizing their birthplace, Songjeong-ri, was once part of Gwangsan County before being incorporated into Gwangju, highlighting how administrative changes can alter perceptions of identity.

Historically, administrative boundaries were often redrawn for the convenience of governance and tax collection. The current framework of South Korea's metropolitan administrative districts largely took shape 130 years ago during the late Joseon Dynasty. In 1896, the existing 23-province system was replaced with a 13-province system, a move aimed at strengthening central authority weakened by events like the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Gapsin Coup. This reorganization also led to shifts in the locations of provincial capitals, with Jeonlanam-do (South Jeolla Province) moving its administrative center to Gwangju from Naju.

The selection of provincial capitals has historically been a source of contention, often linked to regional decline. In the case of Jeonlanam-do, the rise of Mokpo as a port city led to discussions about relocating the provincial capital from Naju to Mokpo or Naju itself. This debate attracted attention from Koreans abroad, with the newspaper 'Gongnip Sinbo' in San Francisco reporting on the discussions in 1908 and 1909. The Gwangju branch of the Daehan Hyeophoe (Korean Association) resolved in 1908 to prevent the relocation of the provincial capital to Mokpo.

Concerns about regional neglect also arose as government offices like police stations, courts, and post offices were concentrated in Gwangju. Representatives in the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly during the 1920s and 1930s urged for the establishment of branch offices in Mokpo and pointed out how infrastructure spending in Gwangju led to the decline of rural and island areas. However, there were also instances of cooperation, such as when Gwangju and Jeonnam representatives united to advocate for Gwangju to host a national normal school, citing its convenient location and educational resources.

This year marks a significant milestone, 130 years since the 13-province system was implemented and 40 years since the administrative separation of Gwangju and Jeonnam. While the two regions have been reunited under the 'Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City' initiative, the article observes that competition and conflict seem to precede cooperation. The author expresses hope that, having overcome historical challenges like the Japanese colonial period, the Korean War, and the Gwangju Uprising, the region will continue to develop into a city that future generations can be proud of.