History of Mokpo

while under the control of the Baekje kingdom. However, after the fall of Baekje, the region was amalgamated by Silla, and its name was changed to Myeonju In 946, its name was once again changed to Mullyang-gun, and it became a portion of Muan prefecture, Naju-mok, Haeyang province. At that time, the prefecture of Muan referred to a much larger area, which incorporated not only Mokpo but also current Muan and several islands of Sinan county. According to a KBS documentary, coastal and offshore areas of Mokpo witnessed superior productivity of crops, owing partially to their proximity to China. Important shipping routes were also established following the Yeongsan River to Naju.

Goryeo and Joseon Dynasties

Strictly speaking, the terminology of Mokpo has its origins in the Goryeo period. That dynasty's founder, Wang Geon, was at that time serving as a general for Later Goguryeo (Taebong) ruled by Gung Ye. Taebong covered the central area of the Korean peninsula to include the current Gaeseong, which was then called Song'ak. As a naval power, Wang Geon was ordered to attack Gyeon Hwon's Later Baekje, which like Later Goguryeo had also emerged with the disintegration of Unified Silla. The operation enjoyed fairly successful results. Wang Geon met his second queen, Janghwa, at this time, and their son