South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do; 전라 남도; 全羅南道) is a province (Do) in the southwest of South Korea. The province was formed in 1896 from the southern half of the former Jeolla Province, remained a province of Korea until the country's division in 1945, then became part of South Korea. The provincial capital and largest city is Gwangju, which is separately administered as a provincial-level Metropolitan City. The capital was originally located at Naju and was moved during the Japanese Colonial Period.
The province is part of the Honam region, and is bounded on the west by the Yellow Sea, on the north by North Jeolla Province, on the south by Jeju Strait, and on the east by South Gyeongsang Province.
There are almost 2,000 islands along the coastline, about three quarters of which are uninhabited. The coastline is about 6,100 kilometres long. Some of the marine products, in particular oyster and seeweed cultivation, are leading in South Korea.
The province is only partially mountainous. The plains along the rivers Somjin, Yongsan and Tamjin create a large granary. There is abundant rainfall in the area, which helps agriculture. The province is also home to the warmest weather on the peninsula. This helps to produce large amounts of agricultural procude, mainly rice, wheat, barley, pulses and potatoes. Vegetables, cotton and fruits are also grown in the province.
A small amount of gold and coal is mined in the province, but industries have also been developed in the area.
Apart from Gwangju and Naju, other large or notable cities in the province are Mokpo, Suncheon, and Yeosu.
Area: 11,858 square kilometres
Population (excluding Gwangju Metropolitan City): 1,994,287 (2000 census).
Coastline in South Jeolla
Administrative divisions: