Gwangju

Gwangju is the biggest city in Jeolla Province and the 6th largest city with a population of approximately 1.47 million.(October 2014) Gwangju is a 1,100 years-old city that was reborn as Gwangju-si(city) from Gwangjubu(division) when the Republic of Korea was established in 1948. In 1986, Gwangju became a ‘jik-hal-si(self-governed city)’, and has since been designated a ‘gwang-yeok-si.(metropolitan city)’

Against the backdrop of Mudeungsan Mountain (1,187m), the city has many important cultural heritages and attractive landscapes as well. In particular, the changes of Mudeungsan Mountain throughout the four seasons are considered the most beautiful scenic sights in Gwangju, along with the walking trail in Jungoe Park.

In addition, Gwangju is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine made with a variety of abundant ingredients ranging from agricultural products cultivated in wide plains to seafood caught in the nearby coastal areas.

Regarding local festivals, the Gwangju World Kimchi Culture Festival is held every year to promote kimchi, one of the most representative foods of Korea, while the Gwangju Biennale provides a spotlight for many cultural and artistic projects in order to raise Gwangju’s profile and status as a leading cultural city in Asia.

Currently, Gwangju is striving for designation as a UN Human Rights City, in an attempt to establish its identity as a democratic peaceful city of human rights. The city was a candidate for the 2013 Game but lost the Universiade to Kazan, Russia. After two years later, Gwangju has won the right to host the Summer Universiade in 2015.