Gyeonggi: The Historical and Administrative Heart of the Korean Peninsula
The region of Gyeonggi (Korean: 경기; Hanja: 京畿) occupies a central position on the Korean Peninsula. Historically situated in the west-central region, it has served as a vital corridor for power, culture, and administration for centuries. Today, the name refers to areas spanning both South and North Korea, encompassing the modern Gyeonggi Province and Incheon Metropolitan City in the south, as well as the Kaesong Industrial Region and various counties in the north.
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Key Facts
- Etymology: The name means "Area Surrounding the Capital."
- Historical Origin: First used in 1018 during the Goryeo dynasty.
- Geographic Scope: Spans the central region of the Korean Peninsula.
- Modern Division: Includes Gyeonggi Province (South Korea) and parts of North Korea including Kaesong.
- Former Name: Known as Gwannae-do prior to the Goryeo period.
Etymology and Origins
The name Gyeonggi is derived from a combination of two Hanja characters: Gyeong (京), meaning "capital," and Gi (畿), meaning "near." This terminology stems from the historical relationship between the capital city and its surrounding administrative areas, specifically in relation to the former capital, Gaegyeong (modern-day Kaesong). The term was officially adopted in 1018 during the Goryeo dynasty, replacing the earlier designation, Gwannae-do.
A Journey Through History
Unified Silla and Goryeo Eras
During the late Three Kingdoms period, the southeastern kingdom of Silla unified the peninsula up to the Taedong River. Following this unification, the capital was moved from Gyeongju to Kaesong. During this era, Gyeonggi functioned as a frontier region for Kaesong and served as the area surrounding the secondary capital, Namgyeong (modern-day Seoul).
The Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire
A major turning point occurred in 1392 when General Yi Seong-gye, later known as Taejo of Joseon, established the Joseon dynasty. Two years later, the capital was moved south to Hanseong (modern-day Seoul). Under the Joseon dynasty, Hanseong functioned as both the national capital and the provincial capital of Gyeonggi, which was one of the Eight Provinces (paldo).
In 1895, King Gojong implemented the 23 District system, temporarily dividing Gyeonggi into five districts (bu): Hanseong-bu, Incheon-bu, Gaeseong-bu, Gongju-bu, and Chungju-bu. This was reorganized into eighteen provinces a year later. Following the annexation of the Korean Empire by the Empire of Japan in 1910, the region was administered as part of Chōsen, with the administrative center located in Keijō.
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Contemporary History (1945–Present)
Following Korea's liberation from Japanese rule in 1945, the peninsula was temporarily partitioned by the United States and the Soviet Union at the 38th parallel north. Most of Gyeonggi fell under the American occupation zone. The geopolitical shifts of the subsequent Korean War resulted in significant changes; for instance, Kaesong transitioned from a South Korean city to a North Korean city.
Administrative Divisions and Modern Geography
Due to the ongoing political division of the peninsula, both the North and South Korean governments claim sovereignty over the entire region, and neither recognizes the internal administrative changes made by the other. This results in two distinct administrative frameworks for the Gyeonggi region.
Gyeonggi in South Korea
In the South, Gyeonggi Province is a major administrative hub with Suwon as its capital. It contains several highly populated cities and various counties.
| Rank | Name | Hangul | Population (2015.5) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suwon | 수원시 | 1,177,376 |
| 2 | Seongnam | 성남시 | 974,580 |
| 3 | Goyang | 고양시 | 1,041,706 |
| 4 | Yongin | 용인시 | 968,346 |
| 5 | Bucheon | 부천시 | 852,758 |
| 6 | Ansan | 안산시 | 704,765 |
Gyeonggi in North Korea
In the North, the region includes areas such as Kaesong City, Kaep'ung Ward, Changp'ung County, and Ch'ŏrwŏn County. These areas are part of the seven provinces claimed by the North Korean government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gyeonggi mean?
The name Gyeonggi means "Area Surrounding the Capital," derived from the Hanja characters for capital (Gyeong) and near (Gi).
When was the name Gyeonggi first used?
The name was first used in 1018 during the Goryeo dynasty.
How is Gyeonggi divided today?
The region is divided between South Korea (Gyeonggi Province and Incheon) and North Korea (including Kaesong and surrounding counties).
What was the former name of the Gyeonggi region?
Prior to the Goryeo dynasty, the region was known as Gwannae-do.
Which city served as the capital during the Joseon dynasty?
Hanseong, which is known today as Seoul, served as the capital during the Joseon dynasty.