Gwangju is the most central city of the southwestern coastal area of Korea and a hub in the national transportation system; from here you can reach anywhere in Korea within a day. It covers an area of 501.20 km2 ( about 124 thousand acres) and has population of 1.38 million.

Gwangju is composed of 5 administrative districts: Dong-gu- Seo-gu- Nam-gu- Buk-gu- and Gwangsan-gu.

The city lies between a mountainous area to the east and a plain area to the west. The city is surrounded by mountains such as Mt. Mudeung, Janwon Summit, Mt. Yangrim, and Mt. Seong-geo, naturally forming Gwangju Basin.

Gwangju prides itself on its long history and ancient tradition, and  it is famous for being a town of art and learning as well as the center of the Southern Culture of Korea.

Gwangju cherishes the tradition of patriotism with which the citizens have defeated national crises. The loyal volunteer armies rose against Japanese invasions in 1592 and students fought for national independence under the rule of Japanese Occupation in the early 20th century. A strong sense of justice, called the spirit of Gwangju was conspicuously seen in the Gwangju Democratic Uprising on May 18, 1980.

It's also famous as a town of tastes because of its distinguished food culture, which has been well developed thanks to its vast open fields and mild weather.

[INFORMATION SOURCE: Tourist Department of Gwangju City]