Korean Traditional Regions and Historical Provincial Divisions
The Korean Peninsula has long been categorized into various unofficial regions. These divisions are not merely administrative lines but are deeply rooted in historical, geographical, and dialect boundaries that have shaped the cultural identity of the region over centuries.
While many of these traditional names have become obsolete or overlap in modern usage, several key terms remain prevalent in contemporary Korean society. Today, terms such as Honam, Yeongdong, Yeongnam, and the modern Sudogwon (the Seoul Capital Area) continue to be widely used to describe specific geographic and cultural zones.
Key Facts
- Traditional regions are based on a mix of geography, history, and linguistic dialects.
- The "Eight Provinces" system serves as a primary basis for many regional monikers.
- Honam, Yeongnam, and Sudogwon are among the most commonly used regional terms today.
- Some regions, such as Gwandong, are further subdivided into specific areas like Yeongseo and Yeongdong.
The Traditional Eight Regions
Around 1896, Korea was broadly conceptualized through eight primary regions. These areas often align with the traditional Eight Provinces and encompass various modern cities and provinces across both North and South Korea.
Northern and Central Regions
The northern territories are divided into several distinct zones. Haeso covers the Hwanghae provinces, while Kwanso encompasses Pyongyang, Nampo, the Pyongan provinces, and Chagang. Further north lies Kwanbuk, which includes Rason, the Hamgyong provinces, and Ryanggang.
The Gyeonggi region serves as the heart of the peninsula, encompassing Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi province, and Kaesong. This area is central to both North and South Korean historical contexts.
Southern and Eastern Regions
In the south, Hoseo covers Daejeon, Sejong, and the Chungcheong provinces. Honam refers to the southwestern area, including Gwangju, the Jeolla provinces, and Jeju Island. To the southeast is Yeongnam, which comprises Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, and the Gyeongsang provinces.
The eastern region, Gwandong, spans both the southern and northern parts of the Gangwon province.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Regional Subdivisions and Specialized Terms
Beyond the primary eight regions, several more specific designations exist to describe smaller geographical slices or combined areas.
- Yeongseo and Yeongdong: These represent the western and eastern parts of the Gwandong region, respectively.
- Kwannam and Kwanbuk: These terms distinguish the southern and northern portions of the broader Kwanbuk area.
- Giho: A combined term referring to the Gyeonggi and Hoseo regions.
- Jeju: Specifically referring to Jeju Island.
| Region Name | Modern Divisions/Cities Included | General Location |
|---|---|---|
| Haeso | N. and S. Hwanghae | North |
| Kwanso | Pyongyang, Nampo, N. and S. Pyongan, Chagang | North |
| Kwanbuk | Rason, N. and S. Hamgyong, Ryanggang | North |
| Gwandong | Gangwon (South and North) | 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 used today?
The most widely used traditional regional terms in modern Korea are Honam, Yeongdong, Yeongnam, and 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.
What areas are included in the Honam region?
Honam traditionally includes Gwangju, North Jeolla Province, South Jeolla Province, and Jeju Island.
What does the term Giho refer to?
Giho is a regional designation that combines the Gyeonggi and Hoseo regions.
How are these regions different from modern administrative provinces?
While they often overlap, these traditional regions are unofficial and reflect historical, geographical, and dialect boundaries rather than strictly current political borders.