216 Locations Including Villages, Islands, and Mountains
Understanding Jeollanam-do's History and Geography Through Place Names
As the Year of the Red Horse, Byeongo Year 2026, dawns, it has been revealed that among more than 820 horse-related place names officially registered nationwide, Jeollanam-do has the highest number with 216 locations.
The horse is the seventh animal in the twelve zodiac signs and represents the time from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It symbolizes vigor and dynamic spirit. In Buddhism, it is said to play a role in guiding the souls of the deceased.
In Jeollanam-do, horse-related place names are most commonly found in villages, with 128 locations, followed by 44 islands and 23 mountains. By city and county, Sinan County has 32, while Jindo County, Wando County, and Haenam County each have 14. The area with the fewest horse-related place names is Gokseong County, with three.
The most common type of horse-related place name is based on the shape of a horse. For example, in Mannyeon-ri, Dochomyeon, Sinan County, there is "Malseom" (Horse Island), named because the island resembles a horse. In Yeonggwang County, there is also Anmado, an island whose terrain resembles a horse saddle.
Detailed information about these officially registered place names can be found through the "Place Name Dictionary," a national land information platform operated by the National Geographic Information Institute.
Kim Seungchae, Director of Land Management at Jeollanam-do, stated, "Place names are important assets that contain the origins, history, and traditions of a region. We will enhance regional identity by properly maintaining and actively promoting correct place names."
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