During the Baekje period, Seocheon was comprised of one gun (Seollim-gun) and two hyoeons (Masan-hyeon and Bijung-hyeon). During the Ungjin and Sabi period of Baekje, Seocheon, situated in the mouth of the Geumgang River, was considered a military and diplomatic hub.

The name of this region was changed to Seorim-gun during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of the Unified Silla period. Then, in 1314 (first year of reign of King Chungsuk in the late Goryeo Dynasty), it was promoted to the government post of Jiseojusa in recognition of the meritorious service of Yi Eon-chung, whose hometown was Seocheon.

During the process of renaming all of the administrative regions nationwide on October 15, 1413 (13th year of reign of King Taejong of Joseon Dynasty), it was given its present-day name, Seocheon, for the first time.

2013 marked the 600th anniversary of the region gaining the name Seocheon. This should be an impetus for the people of Seocheon to reflect on the true value of life and to design the future of Seocheon.