Photo Essay: Mokpo’s Japanese-Era Tunnels

By Isaiah Winters

▲ The entrance of the bigger tunnel seen at low tide.

▲ The first tunnel looks out to sea where an American invasion likely would have come from. ◀ The second tunnel looks across the port in the direction of Mokpo itself. ▲ Another view from Yudal Mountain, this time looking out at the islands of Sinan-gun.

If not for Gwangju, I’d be in Mokpo. There’s so much about the port city that endears me to it, including Yudal Mountain, Goha Island, and the cable car connecting them. The first time I took the latter, I spotted a tunnel on the inner shore of Goha Island that appeared to be in disuse and vowed to check it out one day – which, given my obsessive personality, happened to be the very next day.

Hiking down to the tunnel was a thorny nightmare, but for my effort, I was rewarded with a surprise second tunnel nearby. Luckily, the tide was low enough for me to enter them both and snoop around. In the back of each were deep drill holes that likely would have been stuffed with dynamite and blasted away had WWII not ended. Apparently, fearing an American invasion, the Japanese forced local Koreans to make tunnels along coastal areas like Mokpo that could provide shelter, munitions storage, and surprise hideouts in case of enemy attack.

I don’t recommend you try to find these on your own, as they can be quite dangerous. To safely explore far more elaborate tunnels in Mokpo, visit the Mokpo Modern History Museum.

Originally from Southern California, Isaiah Winters is a Gwangju-based urban explorer who enjoys writing about the City of Light’s lesser-known quarters. When he’s not roaming the streets and writing about his experiences, he’s usually working or fulfilling his duties as the Gwangju News’ heavily caffeinated chief proofreader. You can find more of his photography at @d.p.r.kwangju