Mokpo (Korean pronunciation: [mok̚.pʰo]; Mokpo-si) is the third largest and most densely populated city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, located at the southwestern tip of the Korean Peninsula, close to Yudal mountain. Mokpo has frequent high-speed train services to Seoul, and is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent Yellow Sea and Dadohae National Maritime Park.
During the Japanese Occupation (1910–1945), Mokpo served as a crucial port for both commercial ventures and public transportation, due to its location along the sea routes between the Japanese archipelago and the Chinese mainland. The large number of islands surrounding Mokpo have also served as a protective barrier, making the city less vulnerable to high tides and tsunamis. In the occupation era, large residential areas were built to accommodate the Japanese colonists, which are now the city's historic districts. The end of World War II and Korea's independence in 1945 were responsible for the city slowly losing its position as a host to major government organizations and wartime industries. This led to a reduction in the size of Mokpo, which is currently a mid-sized city in the Honam region.
Mokpo is served by Muan International Airport (). Flights operate domestically from Jeju island, and internationally from Taiwan, Guam, and various cities in China and Southeast Asia. Bus 1000 and an intercity bus route connect the airport to Mokpo.
Most international travellers will enter the country via Incheon International Airport (). Airport buses from ICN to Mokpo take about 4½ hours for ₩40,400. A faster alternative is to take the KTX from Gwangmyeong Station. Airport page for more information.
Alternatively Gwangju airport has regular flights from Seoul Gimpo and Jeju. Intercity buses from Gwangju Songjeong Bus Terminal to Mokpo.
At the very southwestern corner of the Korean peninsular, Mokpo is a large port city with some claim to fame from hosting the Korean Formula 1 circuit. t is located in the southwest end of Jeollanam-do. As of 2020, the population was 227,178, accounting for 12.1% of the total population of Jeollanam-do, the second largest after Yeosu-si and Suncheon-si.
