March 24, 2023
Geoje Island (거제도 in Korean), the second largest island in South Korea (next to Jeju Island), located on the southern coast. It has a rich history that spans over thousands of years and is full of interesting stories that seem quite entertaining.
An interesting legend
According to a legend passed down through generations of a Geojerian family I become to know, Geoje Island was created when the gods were playing a game of catch and accidentally dropped a large rock into the sea. Over time, the rock grew into an island, and thus Geoje Island was born. What a charming story it is!
Early history
When studying Geoje’s history, I’ve found that several versions exist. One version which seems to be most acceptable is that the island’s recorded history begins in the Three Kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla) period (삼국시대 in Korean), which lasted from 57 BC to 668 AD. The island was named as Geoje County of the United Silla Kingdom in 757.
Goryeo dynasty (918 – 1392)
Geoje became somewhat deserted place or a place of exile during Goryeo kingdom which came after the United Silla Kingdom. As written in my previous post, Dundeokgiseong Fortress, Uijong king was also exiled and killed in Geoje.
Choson dynasty (1392 – 1910)
Several changes in Geoje’s name and its administrative status were made during Chosen period. In 1986, Geoje became a part of Gyeongsangnam-do which still continues. At the time of the Seven-Year War (or Imjin War) with Japan started in 1592, Geoje became a strategic location in preparation of the naval forces for several naval wars with Japanese. Our famous admiral Yi Sun-sin whose statue can be seen in Gwanghwamun Square gained a great naval victory against Japanese near the town of Okpo in Geoje.
Korean War (1950 – 1953)
But, the island’s most famous moment in history came during the Korean War (1950 – 1953; see https://www.britannica.com/event/Korean-War), when it was the site of a major battle between North and South Koreas. The battle lasted for months and resulted in significant loss of life, but ultimately the South Korean forces were able to hold their ground and secure a victory. But behind its victory, there was a sad history of unrest and conflict in Geoje. North Korean and Chinese prisoners – 170,000 in total – were kept in Geoje’s Prison Of Wartime Camp during the Korean War. (for more stories of POW Camp, read BBC article – https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-23468045 and Wikipedia article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geoje_POW_camp)
Modern history
In the years that followed, Geoje Island became a hub of industrial development in shipbuilding (in addition to fishery and agriculture) and played an important role in the growth of South Korea’s economy. Today, it is home to Korea’s major shipbuilding companies such as Samsung Heavy Industries CO LTD, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, and HJ Shipbuilding & Construction and their subcontractors and is considered one of the most important centers of maritime technology globally. To know more about the development of Geoje’s shipbuilding business and maritime technology, visit the Geoje Shipbuilding and Maritime Cultural Centre.
A fun place to visit or live after all…
Today, despite its serious historical background, Geoje Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, stunning natural scenery, and diverse culture. People can explore the island’s rich history at a number of historical sites, or simply relax and enjoy at the beaches, cafes and other attractions. It is also famous for hosting the Geoje Sea World Festival, Geoje Island Flower Festival, the National Yacht Competition and more.
To me, Geoje Island is a place with a storied past and a present with diversity, and a place for an exciting future where I can find more stories and more places to visit. I try to keep my sense of humor, because who knows what the gods might drop next!
