Gwangju

Not to be confused with Gwangju in South Jeolla.

Gwangju City Center

Gwangju (광주, 廣州) is a city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea about 10 miles southeast of eastern Seoul. It is not to be confused with the Gwangju in South Jeolla province, with which it shares the same pronunciation but different Chinese characters. Gwangju in Gyeonggi is a smaller, more rural town that can arguably be included in the Seoul metropolitan area. Small businesses, factories, farms, and the rugged terrain are part of the city's identity. But because of the manufacturing industry, there is also a notable foreigner presence in Gwangju that has given a slight international feel to the community.

Understand

Gwangju's history has been tied to that of Seoul's. Close to historic Icheon, the city was an important part of ceramic production in Korean history and many royal artifacts can be traced back to Gwangju. In a more modern sense, Seongnam has been a part of Gwangju for a long time, but now Seongnam is separated after the riot of the poor residents in 1971. Gwangju is very well connected to the rest of the Gyeonggi province and a stop over may be worth your time to explore some history and experience some nature.

Climate

Gwangju (Gyeonggi)
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       21     −1 −9       24     3 −6       45     10 −1       76     17 6       96     22 12       142     26 17       384     29 21       316     30 22       169     26 17       52     20 9       53     11 1       23     2 −6 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm Korea Meteorological Administration
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.8     30 16       0.9     37 21       1.8     50 30       3     63 43       3.8     72 54       5.6     79 63       15     84 70       12     86 72       6.7     79 63       2     68 48       2.1     52 34       0.9     36 21 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Get in

While a subway line is being constructed, the only current way to easily get to and from Gwangju is bus. From Incheon International Airport there is an Airport Limousine that makes multiple trips day. Just make sure you are going to the Gwangju in the Gyeonggi province and not the South Jeolla province Gwangju.

From the Jamsil area of Seoul, the red 500-1 bus goes directly to Gwangju. From the Gangnam district, take the red 500-2. These two buses don't go through the city center until late at night, however.

From Gangbyeon station, take the red 1113-1. This bus DOES go through the city center multiple times a day.

Get around

There are dozens of local buses that run around Gwangju all day and taxis are also a very inexpensive option. The city is very pedestrian friendly and sidewalks abound!

• 1 Gyeonggi Gwangju General Bus Terminal (경기광주종합터미널), 30, Gwangju-daero, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-799-7901NOCC. Gyeonggi Gwangju General Bus Terminal is a major transportation hub in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, providing bus services to various cities across South Korea. (updated Oct 2024)

See

• 1 Gonjiam Bandi Forest (곤지암 반디숲), 139-22 Sindae-gil, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31 761 3206. 10:00~18:00 (Closed on Tuesday). It is a space where you can see various plants, some of them bulbous. Adult ₩9,000, Senior citizen/Adolescent ₩7,000, Children ₩6,000. (updated Nov 2022)
• 2 Gonjiam Ceramic Park (곤지암도자공원), 727 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31 799 1500. 9:00~18:00. This is an experiential complex cultural space where anyone can see, experience, and enjoy, with sculpture parks, ceramic shopping malls, complex cultural halls, performance halls, Paleolithic experience yards, and Jungang Lake Plaza. Adult ₩3,000, Youth & Soldier ₩2,000. (updated Nov 2022)
• 3 Gonjiamcheon (곤지암천), Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup. It flows through Gonjiam-eup, Docheok-myeon, and Sangdo-eup and joins Gyeongancheon Stream. (updated Sep 2024)
• 4 Hwadam Forest (화담숲), 278-1, Docheok Witro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 31 8026 6666. 09:00~18:00 (Closed on Monday). It is an arboretum where you can see various trees and natural scenery. Adult ₩10,000, Senior citizen/Adolescent ₩8,000, Children ₩6,000. (updated Nov 2022)
• 5 Namhansanseong (남한산성), San 23, Sanseong-ri, Namhansanseong-myeon, ☏ +82 31 743 6610. 00:00~24:00. A provincial park in Gyeonggi-do. Namhansanseong Fortress is rich in history and offers scenic hiking trails along the ancient fortress walls. There are several viewpoints where you can enjoy panoramic views of Seoul and the surrounding areas, and the hiking courses are suitable for casual hikes. (updated Nov 2022)
• 6 Paldang Observatory (팔당전망대), Paldang Water Quality Improvement Headquarters, 1692 Sansuro, Namjong-myeon. 9:00~18:00. You can see the natural scenery and things on display. Free. (updated Nov 2022)
• 7 Yulbom Botanical Garden (율봄식물원), 267-54, Taehejeong-ro, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31 798 3119. 10:00~17:00 (November~March), 10:001`8:00 (April~October). This is a Rural Art Theme Park, where you can experience cultivating vocational agriculture. Adult ₩5,000, Middle and high school students ₩4,000, Children ₩3,500, Riding a rail sled (30 minutes) ₩5,000. (updated Nov 2022)
• 8 Bunwon Kiln Site (분원도요지), 116, Bunwon-ri, Namjong-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. In Joseon Dynasty era, in most of the areas of Gwangju-si, there were Guanyaos (官窯) where manufactured ceramics that were used by royal family. The organization directing it, that is, a branch of Saongwon (司饔院), was located in Namjong-myeon, Bunwon-ri. Here, a number of high-quality white porcelains were manufactured at the time. Bunwon White Porcelain Museum, which was opened in 2003, uses the renovated building of the former Bunwon Elementary School. It is a private education center where shows the transition of Joseon’s national ceramics and the history of ceramics. It is a globally approved place to see the history of Joseon’s ceramics. (updated Oct 2024)
• 9 Gyeongan Marsh Ecological Park (경안천습지생태공원), 447 Jeongji-ri, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Gyeongan Marsh Ecological Park, filled with greens and reeds in spring, summer, and fall, is the home of many migratory birds throughout the year. The trees among the reeds by the lake add beauty to the park. This is a unique place that was naturally transformed into a marsh when the nearby farmlands and lowlands were submerged underwater with the construction of Paldang Dam in 1973. It now grows various aquatic plants and invites many migratory and resident birds, thus being a great place for birdwatching and for learning about nature. There is a great trail around the park where picnickers and local residents can take walks and bike rides. The marsh is great for natural purification, and purifies the water environment. It will be expanded in the future, and the park will attract many individual and group visitors as a nature-learning site. (updated Oct 2024)
• 10 Aengjabong Peak (앵자봉), San 173-1 Usan-ri, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Aengjabong Peak, located at Usan-ri, Toechon-myeon, looks like a Chinese oriole hatching eggs. You can see Mt. Yangja to the east and Mt. Mugap to the west from the peak. The mountain is only 667 m high, but it is such a great hiding place that the Catholic believers hid there to escape persecution during the 1801 Persecution. Cheonjinam Rock, the origin of Korea's Catholic church, is located here, attracting many Catholic believers. (updated Oct 2024)
• 11 Cheonjinam Rock (천진암), 1203, Cheonjinam-ro, Toechon-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-764-5994NOCC. Cheonjiam Rock is the sacred place where the Catholic philosophy was developed into a religion. It enshrines the tombs of the five founders of the Catholic Church and houses a monument, Korea Catholic Research Center, St. Mary Hall, Gwangam Church, and Korea Catholic Museum. Cheonjinam Grant Cathedral is under construction for a 100-year project, and constantly attracts many Catholic believers. (updated Oct 2024)
• 12 Hanok Village in Gwangju (경기광주 한옥마을), 39 Saeogae-gil, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-766-9677NOCC. 10:30~18:00. The ancient Korean house in Gwangcheon, South Chungcheong Province, which is more than 400 years old, has been relocated and restored. 1,000-year-old zelkova trees and pine trees harmonize with the hanok to change new clothes every season. In the beautiful nature, you can feel the tranquil atmosphere of the hanok and feel the relaxation of your life. It operates programs based on family, nature and art, including outdoor barbecues, one-day class cultural lectures, cafes, hanok stays, and baby stone shooting studios. (updated Oct 2024)
• 13 Mt. Mugap (무갑산), Toechon-myeon, Chowol-eup, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. Mt. Mugap in Chowol-eup stretches out to Gonjiam-eup and Toechon-myeon. It was named such because it is said that the soldiers who refused to surrender hid here during the Japanese invasion of 1592, or because the mountain looks like it’s wearing an armor. When you stand on top, you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Paldang Lake and other surrounding areas. Mt. Mugap, which is 578 m high, is not widely known among hikers, making it a great site for families to hike together as it’s quiet and secluded. It’s covered with Korean rosebay and mountain greens in spring, luxurious trees in summer, and colorful autumn leaves in fall. Its snow blossoms in winter can compare with those of Mt. Halla. (updated Oct 2024)
• 14 Mt. Taehwa (태화산), Docheok-myeon, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. Mt. Taehwa (664m) at Chugok-ri, Docheok-myeon is a low mountain with an acute peak. Nearby is Gonjiam Someori Gukbab Town and many fishing grounds that attract many visitors. On the southern skirt of the mountain is Baengnyeonam, which is said to have been built by Prist Iryeon in the 12th year of the reign of King Chungsuk of Goryeo. Beneath Daeungjeon is the legendary “Janggunsu,” which provides hikers with drinking water. You can reach the rock observation deck by following the small path through the luxurious forest. When you look down, you will see a valley and a long, open ridge leading to Baengmabong Peak beyond the valley. The top of Mt. Taehwa can be reached in about 3 hours through any trail. (updated Oct 2024)
• 15 Jungdae Mulbit Park (중대물빛공원), Gyeonggi-do, Gwangju-si, Jungdae-dong, 229 (Gwangju-si, Soonam-ro 307). Jungdae Mulbit Park, which was opened in August, 2012, used to be ‘Hongjoong Reservoir’, the artificial lake that provided water for agricultural use. It is now a waterside park equipped with playing facilities for kids, sports facilities, a fountain square, and so on. In the park, there are an observatory, the rose tunnel, the lotus road, an arch wooden bridge, an amplified fountain, and so on. (updated Oct 2024)

Do

• 1 Gonjiam Resort Ski Slope (곤지암 리조트 스키장), 278, Docheok Wit-ro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ 02-1661-8787NOCC. 09:00-21:00. Gonjiam Resort is popular for skiing and snowboarding. There are various leisure activities throughout the year, such as skiing and snowboarding in winter and golfing and hiking in summer. (updated Oct 2024)

Buy

• 1 Gyungan Market (경안시장), 14-1, Gyeongan-ro 25beon-gil, ☏ 031-761-2800NOCC. (updated Sep 2024)
• 2 Olive Young (올리브영 곤지암점), 45, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ 031-761-5073NOCC. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Emart (이마트 경기광주), 30, Gwangju-daero, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, ☏ 031-8026-1234NOCC. 10:00-23:00. Emart is South Korea's largest discount retailer, offering a wide range of products from groceries to household goods. (updated Oct 2024)

Eat

• Akira House. A good Japanese restaurant. 
• 1 Cheongsan Kalguksu (청산 칼국수), 11, Gonjiam-ro 50beon-gil, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ 031-769-5296NOCC. (updated Oct 2024)

Drink

• 1 Ediya coffee (이디야), 53, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ 0507-1416-4408NOCC. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Mega coffee (메가커피), 57, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ 031-761-2866NOCC. (updated Oct 2024)
• There is a Wa-Bar that is popular with expats.