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Busan (Pusan) - History |
Pusan
is the capital of Kyongsang nam do (province), South Korea. During
the Koryo dynasty (10th to late 14th century), it was named Pusanpo (Korean pu,
meaning "kettle"; san, "mountain" [from the shape of
the mountain behind it]; and po, "bay," or
"harbour").
Pusan
was invaded by the Japanese in 1592. The city
was opened to Japanese trade in 1876 and to general foreign trade in 1883.
After 1910, when Korea became a Japanese protectorate, the city was the centre
of a flourishing trade with Japan. Under the Japanese (1910-45) the city developed into a modern
port, with ferry service connecting the city with Shimonoseki, Japan, and rail
lines connecting Korea to China and Russia terminating in Pusan. The city became
overpopulated with repatriates from overseas when Korea gained independence in
1945 and again with refugees during the Korean War (1950-53), when it was the
temporary capital of the Republic of Korea. During
the Korean War (1950-53), Pusan was a major port of entry and supply depot for
United Nations forces.
Pusan is now the nation's largest port and second largest city. Its deep harbour and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest container handling port in the country and the fourth largest in the world, with potential for even more growth. It has the status of a special city under the direct control of the home minister, with administrative status equal to that of a province.
