Ever wonder how a neighborhood can evolve from a fishing town to a commercial hub? Today we are standing in Geonip-dong. It is a fascinating area in Jeju City. Geonip-dong has a story etched in its very name.
The origin of Geonip-dong is debated. One compelling theory links it to the Silla kingdom. Legend says that members of the Go family journeyed from Silla to Jeju. The name Geonip may honor their arrival.
In 1914, Geonip began as a district. Later in 1955, it was incorporated into Jeju City becoming a “dong” or neighborhood. This marked a significant step in its development. Geonip-dong transformed from a simple fishing village into a commercial center. The opening of the nearby Port of Jeju spurred this growth.
Geonip-dong’s geography is also unique. It is often called a mountainous area. The village centers on the Sanjicheon stream in the west. This stream shapes the landscape. To the east, it stretches toward ‘Goeunimor’. This area borders Hwabuk. Together, these areas form a natural village. This village is a legally recognized neighborhood. Geonip-dong is further divided into 20 Tongs and 113 bans.
Geonip-dong offers several attractions. You can explore the Gim Man-deok museum built in 1978. A visit to Sarabong mountain is worthwhile. You could also see the Mochungsa shrine. The Jeju National Museum is located here. Also the April 3rd incident history museum opened in 2023. It is located in the town’s old alcohol factory. This site was once used as a concentration camp.
Let us talk about the people of Geonip-dong. The population in December 2022 was 8866 people. This gives a density of about 3500 people per square kilometer. In 2020, there were 4691 males and 4415 females. The population includes a range of age groups. There are 1064 residents aged 0-14 years. A large portion 6220, is between 15 and 64 years old. Older residents aged 65 and over number 1822. The oldest residents aged 90 or more total 62. In 2020, 8783 residents held Korean citizenship. There were also 323 foreign citizens.
Geonip-dong’s story is a testament to Jeju Island’s dynamic history. It is a blend of ancient legends and modern development. Geonip-dong stands as a vibrant neighborhood.