You Belong In Mokpo | More About The City

About Mokpo

A port city with a long history and a simple lifestyle.

The Location Of Mokpo

Map of South Korea highlighting Mokpo, a city located at the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula.

Mokpo, located in the southwestern tip of Jeollanam-do, is a city bordered by Sinan-gun, where the county of Muan-gun is located to the north and numerous islands to the west float on sea.

Muan-gun is also home to Muan International Airport, making it convenient for international travellers to visit.

Mokpo ferry terminal with a large ferry docked, surrounded by trucks and shipping containers.

Since Mokpo is located halfway between Nagasagi, Japan and Shanghai, China, it was also a Korean port city that received a lot of attention from neighbouring contries in the past.

The Population Of Mokpo

Panoramic view of Mokpo's port area with fishing boats and commercial buildings along the harbor.

The population of Mokpo is 223,362 as of 2021.

In 1940, Mokpo, Busan and Incheon all had around the same population of 80,000, but now it is home to over 220,000 residents.

Compared to Busan with 4 million residents and Incheon with 2 million residents, we can feel how stagnant the growth of Mokpo has been.

Interior view of Muan International Airport, featuring its spacious glass architectural design.

However, Mokpo is not transforming into a place where you can enjoy a pleasant trip thanks to its improved accessibility to the West Coast Expressway, High Speed Rail and Muan International Airport.

Interesting Facts About Mokpo

Vintage posters of Korean songs about Mokpo, symbolizing the port city's history of sadness and separation.

1. Port Of Mokpo Is A Symbol Of Sadness?

In the olden days, Mokpo was a popular port for Korean passenger ships, although it's not so much so anymore.

From the 1930s to the 2000s, dozens of songs including "Tears Of Mokpo · 목포의 눈물", "Ferry To Mokpo · 목포행 연락선", and "Crying At Port Of Mokpo · 울고갈 목포항" became the symbol of separation and sadness.

Facade of a building used as the filming location for the K-drama Hotel Del Luna in Mokpo.

2. K-drama Filming Locations

Mokpo has recently gained popularity as a location for various dramas and movies.

For instance, Mokpo Modern History Hall 1 was the filming location of Hotel Del Luna!

The Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain at night, with colorful lights and water jets creating a vibrant display.

3. Mokpo Dancing Sea Fountain 목포의 바다분수

The Dancing Sea Fountain is a popular tourist destination in Mokpo. It's a marine fountain created by drawing in seawater.

Citizens objected a lot before its construction because salt can reach the ground and ruin the soil, but after its construction, no one objected as the end result was just stunning!

Celebrities From Jeollanam-do

1. Super Junior Donghae

Super Junior member Donghae posing in a casual white t-shirt.