Did the Gimpo Peninsula always exist? No. The Ara Canal’s construction technically transformed the Gimpo Peninsula into “Gimpo Island.” However, that name isn’t officially recognized in Korea. The Gimpo Peninsula, nestled on South Korea’s west coast, occupies a significant portion of Gimpo city and parts of Incheon. Imagine vast plains stretching across the peninsula, interrupted only by the low hills of Tongjin-eup and Daegot-myeon to the northwest. This northwestern area is often called the Tongjin Peninsula, a nod to its history as Tongjin County. The Gimpo Peninsula’s eastern side merges seamlessly with the Gimpo Plains. These plains extend across the Han River, encompassing parts of Goyang City and Paju City. Rice cultivation has thrived here for millennia. In fact, the Gimpo Plains are believed to be the Korean Peninsula’s first rice-growing region, evidenced by the discovery of 5,000-year-old carbonized rice. This area historically provided rice to Korean kings. Today, residential development has significantly altered the landscape, transforming former rice paddies into modern living spaces. The Gimpo Peninsula boasts a rich history. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was divided between Tongjin County and Gimpo County. In 1914, under Japanese rule, these counties merged with Yangcheon County (now part of Seoul) to form a new Gimpo County. Over time, various administrative changes shifted parts of the peninsula and surrounding areas between Gimpo, Incheon, and Seoul. These changes impacted the jurisdictional boundaries, leading to the unusual situation of Gimpo International Airport now residing in Seoul despite its name.
Gimpo Peninsula
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