Yeosu

Yeosu, is the second largest city in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. In 1998, the Old Yeosu City, Yeocheon City and Yeocheon County were merged and the current city, Yeosu, was formed. Historically it was known as Yosu, and Reisui during the Japanese rule over the Korean peninsula.
Characteristics
The city of Yeosu consists of the Yeosu peninsula as well as 365 islands (48 inhabited, 317 uninhabited). Being midway along the southern coast of South Korea, it is flanked by Namhae County in South Gyeongsang Province to the east with a natural waterway, and the Bay of Suncheon to the west and northwest, the city of Suncheon sprawling along its banks. On 1 April 1998, the cities of Yeosu and Yeocheon, along with Yeocheon County merged to form the unified city of Yeosu.
It has a number of islands in its jurisdiction, including the uninhaited Janggundo, Dolsando, and the park island Jangdo.
History
Wonchon-hyeon/Dolsan-hyeon was the name given to Yeosu in the 16th year of King Seong (538 AD) who was the king of Baekje Kingdom. The name changed to Haeub-hyeon/Yeosan-hyeon in 757 and to Yeosu-hyeon/Dolsan-hyeon in 940. Beginning in 1479, the Joseon Dynasty's Naval Headquarters for eastern sector of Jeolla Province was located there. As such, it was the first base where Admiral Yi Sun-sin's fleet was based during the Imjin War which used the Turtle Ship or 'Kobukseon' which was built in Seon-so.
In 1897, Yeosu was renamed Yeosu-myeon and included in the new county of Yeosu-gun. In 1914, Yeosu-gun merged with Dolsan-gun, further increasing its territory. Yeosu-myeon continued to grow and in 1931, Yeosu-myeon became Yeosu-eup. In 1949, Yeosu became a city. In 1998, Yeosu city merged with Yeochon city and Yeochon-gun, creating the unified city of Yeosu.
Yeosu-si, Yeocheon-si, and Yeocheon-gun were merged into Yeosu-si on April 1, 1998. The former Yeocheon City Hall was divided into two buildings and the former Yeocheon County Office into three buildings.
Yeosu Rebellion
In October 1948, the town of Yeosu was taken by South Korean soldiers who refused to take part in the suppression of the ongoing Jeju Uprising.
Recent history
On December 25, 1920, Yeosu Station started to operate as a railway that connects Yeosu and Gwangju. On October 1, 2011, however, the station was relocated to Deokchung-dong and renamed Yeosu Expo Station, as the venue served for Yeosu World Expo in 2012.
In the 142nd General Assembly of BIE, held in Paris on 26 November 2007, the global community selected Yeosu as the host city for the 2012 World Expo. This was Korea's second World Expo, following Daejeon's 1993 Fair.
Festivals
Hyangiram Sunrise Festival (여수향일암일출제) is an annual festival that begins on New Year’s Eve. It takes place at Hyangiram Hermitage, a historical building that was built in 644. The word “Hyangiram” itself refers to “a hermitage facing the sun”, in which visitors could view the breathtaking panorama of sunrise over the horizon. The festival consists of other activities and cultural events such as fireworks, folk street music, and lighting of wishes.
Attractions
Hyangiram Hermitage is a Buddhist temple that was first built by the monk Wonhyo in 644.
The Yeosu Maritime Cable Car is an aerial tramway that goes between the island Dolsando and the mainland.
Yeongchwisan is a culturally important mountain in the city. There are two Buddhist Temples on the mountain: Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage, where ritual ceremonies and prayers were held during ancient days. Also known for its azalea flower blossoms, an azalea festival is held annually on the mountain in April during spring.
In the harbour there is a full-size model of one of Admiral Yi's turtle ships, which are timber shelled vessels that were used with great success against the Japanese navy.
Manseongri Beach near Yeosu has volcanic 'black' sand and is popular with Korean tourists. Recently, the famous Korean band Busker Busker made a song based on Manseongri Beach's night view. This popularised the site with Korean tourists. There are public showers and restrooms as well as on-duty lifeguards. Many restaurants located along the beach have beach-side tables and serve various seafood dishes. It is possible to take ferries to many of the local islands for an authentic taste of rural Korean food.
Dolsan Bridge has changing lights at night. It is a bridge connecting downtown Yeosu with Dolsan Island.
A number of parks exist in the city, including Yi Sun-sin Park, Dolsan Park, and Geobukseon Park.
The island Odongdo has many camellia flowers. There are 70 species of wild flowers there. A small population of local finless porpoises are present here.
Big-O show is a famous show in Yeosu which features an ocean fountain event and a hologram show. The show consists of three parts. The fountain spouts in accordance with classic and jazz music. Unique to this fountain is a large round steel frame at its centre.
The Ocean Resort is home to Yeosu's only waterpark. It offers condominium-style rooms and other facilities. Located in Soho-dong, the resort overlooks the yacht marina.
Hanhwa Aqua Planet is a large aquarium.
Ungcheon Beach Park allows both swimming and camping for much of the year.
Local specialities
Gejang, or marinated raw crab is a representative speciality of Yeosu and a traditional Jeolla cuisine dish.
Yeosu is known for its , which is made from mustard greens, that was developed in the Yeosu town Dolsan.
Population
Yeosu has a population of 282,946 as of May 2019.
Climate
Yeosu has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen: Cwa) with very warm summers and cold winters. Rainfall is much heavier in the summer, with June to August recording over of rainfall per month. The highest temperature ever recorded is on 20 July 1994 while the lowest temperature ever recorded is on 16 February 1977.
Sister cities
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
Karatsu, Saga, Japan
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Sikeston, Missouri, United States
Vanino, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia
Weihai, Shandong, China
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
Lishui, Zhejiang, China
Cebu City, Philippines
Belize City, Belize
Seward, Alaska, United States of America
Notable people
Maangchi (Real Name: Emily Kim or Kim Kwang-Sook, Hangul: 김광숙), Korean-American YouTuber and author
Dohee (Real Name: Min Do-hee, Hangul: 민도희), singer, dancer, actress and K-pop idol, former member of K-pop girlgroup Tiny-G
See also
List of cities in South Korea
Korea2012 Yeosu Expo
References
External links
City government
Cities in South Jeolla Province
Populated places established in 1949
Port cities and towns in South Korea