Korean Traditional Regions and Historical Provinces
The Korean Peninsula has long been organized into unofficial regions that mirror its complex historical, geographical, and linguistic evolution. These regional divisions often align with dialect boundaries—the geographic areas where specific variations of the Korean language are spoken—and historical administrative borders. While many of these designations have become obsolete, several remain deeply embedded in the cultural and social identity of the peninsula today.
In modern usage, most of these traditional names have faded, but a few key terms remain in wide circulation. These include Honam, Yeongdong, Yeongnam, and the contemporary term Sudogwon (the Seoul Capital Area). Additionally, the names of the traditional Eight Provinces continue to serve as common regional monikers.
Key Facts
- Traditional regions are based on historical, geographical, and dialect boundaries.
- The most commonly used modern regional terms are Honam, Yeongdong, Yeongnam, and Sudogwon.
- The traditional system included eight primary regions around 1896.
- Some regions, such as Gwandong, are further subdivided into specific areas like Yeongseo and Yeongdong.
- Regional identities often overlap with the administrative provinces of both North and South Korea.
The Eight Traditional Regions
Around 1896, Korea was conceptually divided into eight major regions. These areas encompass the modern cities and provinces of both the Republic of Korea (South) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North).
Northern and Central Regions
The northern reaches of the peninsula are divided into Haeseo (covering North and South Hwanghae), Gwanseo (including Pyongyang, Nampo, North and South Pyongan, and Chagang), and Gwanbuk (encompassing Rason, North and South Hamgyong, and Ryanggang). The Gyeonggi region serves as a central hub, including Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Kaesong, spanning both current political entities.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Southern and Eastern Regions
To the east lies Gwandong, which covers the Gangwon provinces of both the North and South. In the south, the peninsula is divided into Hoseo (Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong provinces), Honam (Gwangju, the Jeolla provinces, and Jeju), and Yeongnam (Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and the Gyeongsang provinces).
Regional Subdivisions and Overlaps
Beyond the primary eight regions, several specific designations describe smaller areas or combinations of provinces. For instance, the Gwandong region is split into Yeongseo (the western part) and Yeongdong (the eastern part). Similarly, Gwanbuk is divided into Gwanbuk (northern part) and Kwannam (southern part).
Other combined terms include Giho, which refers to the combined area of Gyeonggi and Hoseo, and Jeju, specifically denoting Jeju Island.
| Region Name | Modern Areas Included | Current General Location |
|---|---|---|
| Haeseo | N. and S. Hwanghae | North |
| Gwanseo | Pyongyang, Nampo, N. and S. Pyongan, Chagang | North |
| Gwanbuk | Rason, N. and S. Hamgyong, Ryanggang | North |
| Gwandong | Gangwon (North and South) | Both |
| Gyeonggi | Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, Kaesong | Both |
| Hoseo | Daejeon, Sejong, N. and S. Chungcheong | South |
| Honam | Gwangju, N. and S. Jeolla, Jeju | South |
| Yeongnam | Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, N. and S. Gyeongsang | South |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which traditional regional names are still widely used today?
The most common traditional names still in use are Honam, Yeongdong, and Yeongnam, along with the modern term Sudogwon.
What is the difference between Yeongseo and Yeongdong?
Both are subdivisions of the Gwandong region; Yeongseo refers to the western part, while Yeongdong refers to the eastern part.
Which region includes the capital city of Seoul?
Seoul is located within the Gyeonggi region, which also includes Incheon, Gyeonggi province, and Kaesong.
How are these regions different from modern provinces?
While they often overlap, these traditional regions are unofficial divisions based on historical, geographical, and dialect boundaries rather than strictly administrative ones.
What areas make up the Honam region?
The Honam region encompasses Gwangju, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and Jeju Island.