Gwangju

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This article is about Gwangju Metropolitan City. For the smaller city of the same name in Hangul and English near Seoul, see Gwangju, Gyeonggi.
"Kwangju" redirects here. For one of its sister cities which has a similar Chinese pronunciation, see Guangzhou.

Gwangju
광주시
Metropolitan City
Gwangju Metropolitan City
  transcription(s)
 • Hangul광주광역시
 • Hanja光州廣域市
 • Revised RomanizationGwangju-gwangyeoksi
 • McCune-ReischauerKwangju-kwangyŏksi
Downtown Gwangju from city hall
Downtown Gwangju from city hall
Flag of Gwangju
Flag		Official logo of Gwangju
Slogan of Gwangju
Map of South Korea with Gwangju highlighted
Map of South Korea with Gwangju highlighted
Country South Korea
RegionHonam
Districts5
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • MayorLee Yong-seop (Democratic)
 • BodyGwangju Metropolitan Council
Area
 • Total501.24 km2 (193.53 sq mi)
Population (October, 2014[1])
 • Total1,477,780
 • Density2,900/km2 (7,600/sq mi)
 • DialectJeolla
ISO 3166 codeKR-29
FlowerRoyal Azalea
TreeGinkgo
BirdDove
GDPUS$ 36.7 billion [2]
GDP per capitaUS$24,520 [2]
Websitegwangju.go.kr

Gwangju[a] (Korean pronunciation: [kwaŋ.dʑu]) is the sixth largest city in South Korea. It is a designated metropolitan city under the direct control of the central government's Home Minister. The city was also the capital of South Jeolla Province until the provincial office moved to the southern village of Namak in Muan County in 2005.

Its name is composed of the words Gwang (Hangul: 광; Hanja: 光) meaning "light" and Ju (주; 州) meaning "province." Gwangju was historically recorded as Muju (무주; 武州), in which "Silla merged all of the land to establish the provinces of Gwangji, Ungju, Jeonju, Muju and various counties, plus the southern boundary of Goguryeo and the ancient territories of Silla" in the Samguk Sagi.[4] Located in the heart of the agricultural Jeolla region, the city is also famous for its rich and diverse cuisine.

History[edit]

The city was established in 57 BC. It was one of the administrative centres of Baekje during the Three Kingdoms Period.[5]

In 1929, during the period of Imperial Japanese rule, a confrontation between Korean and Japanese students in the city turned into a regional demonstration, which culminated in one of the major nationwide uprisings against Imperial Japanese cruelty during the colonial period.

Modern industry was established in Gwangju with the construction of a railway to Seoul. Some of the industries that took hold include cotton textiles, rice mills and breweries. Construction of a designated industrial zone in 1967 encouraged growth in industry, especially in the sectors linked to the automobile industry.

In May 1980, peaceful demonstrations took place in Gwangju against Chun Doo-hwan, leader of the military coup d'état of December 12, 1979. The demonstrations were suppressed by military forces, including elite units of the Special Operations Command. The situation escalated after a violent crackdown, resulting in the Gwangju Uprising, where civilians raided armories and armed themselves. By the time the uprising was suppressed 9 days later, many hundreds of civilians and several police forces / soldiers were dead. After civilian rule was reinstated in 1987, a national cemetery was established, honouring the victims of the incident.[6]

In 1986, Gwangju separated from Jeollanam-do to become a Directly Governed City (Jikhalsi), and then became a Metropolitan City (Gwangyeoksi) in 1995.[5]

Due to a variety of factors, including the ancient rivalry between Baekje and Silla, as well as the biased priority given to the Gyeongsang region by political leaders in the 2nd half of the 20th century, Gwangju has a long history of voting for left-leaning politicians and is the main stronghold for the liberal Democratic Party of Korea along with its predecessors, as well as the progressive Justice Party.

Arts, culture, cuisine/food, cars and democracy are some of the keywords that can represent Gwangju.

Administrative divisions[edit]

Main article: List of districts of Gwangju

Gwangju is divided into 5 districts ("Gu").

Map Name Korean Hanja

Gwangju.png

Districts
Buk District 북구 北區
Dong District 동구 東區
Gwangsan District 광산구 光山區
Nam District 남구 南區
Seo District 서구 西區

Religion[edit]

Religion in Gwangju (2005)[7]

  Not religious (53%)
  Protestantism (20%)
  Buddhism (14%)
  Catholicism (13%)

According to the census of 2005, of the people of Gwangju 33% follow Christianity (20% Protestantism and 13% Catholicism) and 14% follow Buddhism.[7] 53% of the population is mostly not religious or follow Muism and other indigenous religions.

Population[edit]

The population model of Gwangju is as follows;[8]

Year Population
1960   409,283
1966   532,235
1970   622,755
1975   737,283
1980   856,545
1985 1,042,508
1990 1,139,003
1995 1,257,636
2000 1,352,797
2005 1,417,716
2010 1,475,745
2016 1,500,621

Climate[edit]

Climate data for Gwangju (1981–2010, extremes 1938–present)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 18.8
(65.8) 		21.1
(70) 		26.8
(80.2) 		29.1
(84.4) 		33.9
(93) 		36.7
(98.1) 		38.5
(101.3) 		38.5
(101.3) 		34.4
(93.9) 		31.1
(88) 		27.1
(80.8) 		19.7
(67.5) 		38.5
(101.3)
Average high °C (°F) 5.3
(41.5) 		7.8
(46) 		13.0
(55.4) 		19.6
(67.3) 		24.3
(75.7) 		27.5
(81.5) 		29.6
(85.3) 		30.7
(87.3) 		26.9
(80.4) 		21.8
(71.2) 		14.6
(58.3) 		8.1
(46.6) 		19.1
(66.4)
Daily mean °C (°F) 0.6
(33.1) 		2.5
(36.5) 		7.0
(44.6) 		13.2
(55.8) 		18.3
(64.9) 		22.4
(72.3) 		25.6
(78.1) 		26.2
(79.2) 		21.9
(71.4) 		15.8
(60.4) 		9.1
(48.4) 		3.1
(37.6) 		13.8
(56.8)
Average low °C (°F) −3.1
(26.4) 		−1.8
(28.8) 		2.1
(35.8) 		7.5
(45.5) 		13.0
(55.4) 		18.2
(64.8) 		22.5
(72.5) 		22.8
(73) 		17.8
(64) 		10.9
(51.6) 		4.5
(40.1) 		−0.9
(30.4) 		9.5
(49.1)
Record low °C (°F) −19.4
(−2.9) 		−17.7
(0.1) 		−10.7
(12.7) 		−4.5
(23.9) 		1.4
(34.5) 		7.2
(45) 		14.9
(58.8) 		12.6
(54.7) 		5.6
(42.1) 		−2.7
(27.1) 		−7.2
(19) 		−13.7
(7.3) 		−19.4
(−2.9)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 37.1
(1.461) 		47.9
(1.886) 		60.8
(2.394) 		80.7
(3.177) 		96.6
(3.803) 		181.5
(7.146) 		308.9
(12.161) 		297.8
(11.724) 		150.5
(5.925) 		46.8
(1.843) 		48.8
(1.921) 		33.5
(1.319) 		1,391
(54.764)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) 11.0 9.0 9.5 8.9 9.3 10.7 15.5 14.9 9.8 6.8 9.0 10.0 124.4
Average snowy days 11.1 7.1 2.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 8.1 31.0
Average relative humidity (%) 67.7 65.2 62.9 61.9 66.4 72.8 80.0 78.1 74.3 68.4 68.1 68.8 69.5
Mean monthly sunshine hours 159.9 164.6 192.0 213.0 222.8 169.2 145.4 172.6 172.3 205.2 163.6 155.9 2,136.3
Percent possible sunshine 51.1 53.4 51.8 54.3 51.3 39.0 32.9 41.4 46.3 58.5 52.7 51.1 48.0
Source: Korea Meteorological Administration[9][10][11] (percent sunshine and snowy days)[12]

Education[edit]

Chonnam National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju Education University are public universities in Gwangju.

Honam University, Gwangju University, Gwangshin University, Gwangju Women's University, Nambu University, Chosun University, and Honam Christian University are private universities.

Gwangju Health University is a private community college offering associate degrees in humanities and social sciences, healthcare sciences, and a bachelor's degree in nursing.

Gwangju has 593 schools, consisting of 234 kindergartens, 145 elementary schools, 84 middle schools, 65 high schools, 1 science high school,[13] 7 junior colleges, 9 universities, 38 graduate schools, and 11 others (as of 1 May 2009) with a total of 406,669 students, or 28.5% of the total city population. The average number of students per household is 0.8.

Transportation[edit]

The city is served by the Gwangju Subway. An extension was completed in April 2008 with another due for completion in 2012. There are two KTX (high-speed rail) stations in the city: Gwangju Station and Gwangju Songjeong Station. Gwangju Songjeong station connects to the Gwangju Subway and local bus system. Now the Songjeong station is mainly used.

Gwangju has an extensive system of public buses that traverse the city.[14] Bus stops and buses themselves contain stop information in Korean and in English. Local buses, but not the subway or KTX, connect to the intercity Gwangju Bus Terminal known as U-Square.[15]

Gwangju public transport fares can be paid with cash, some Korean bank cards, or via reloadable public transport cards, or small accessories attachable to phones or keychains, such as Hanpay, T-Money, and CashBee which are available at convenience stores.[16] A small discount is provided when using non-cash fare.[16] Reduced fares are available for youth (13 to 18) and children (7 to 12).[16] As of August 1, 2016 Gwangju transportation fares, in KRW, are:[17]

Adult Adult Youth Youth Child Child
Cash Non-cash (Card) Cash Non-cash (Card) Cash Non-cash (Card)
Regular Buses 1,400 1,250 1,000 800 500 400
Express Buses 1,800 1,700 1,500 1,350 1,000 850

Transfers can be made for free between local bus routes and the subway when using non-cash fare, provided that the user taps off when changing between modes of transportation, is going in the same direction, and, in the case of bus-to-bus transfers, is taking a bus with a different route number.[16][18] Free transfers between buses can be taken within one hour of tapping off; transfers from bus to subway must occur within half an hour.[19]

Most local taxis accept local and foreign cards in addition to cash and public transportation cards such as Hanpay.[20]

Gwangju is also served by the Gwangju Airport.

Tourism[edit]

  • Gwangju Asia Culture Center – The Asia Culture Center (also known as the ACC or Asian Culture Complex) is a facility located in downtown Gwangju designed to celebrate and explore Gwangju's artistic and democratic culture and history as well as provide space to host exhibits, experiences, and events from international artists. It is built primarily below street level, though its design incorporates large amounts of natural lighting. There are five facilities: ACC Exchange, ACC Theater, ACC Creation, ACC Archive & Research, and ACC Children.[21]
    • Facilities
      • ACC Exchange includes May 18 Memorial Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, the Ticket Office and Visitor Centre, and the Exchange and Cooperation centre. It is the only facility located on street level and incorporates buildings that survived the May 18th democratic uprising. The May 18th Democracy Square and a public use plaza are also located on street level. ACC Exchange has no charge for admission to the May 18 Memorial.
      • ACC Archive and Research, located in basement levels one through four includes a lecture room, conference hall, the Asian Culture Research Institute, Asian Culture Academy, Library Park, a Theater, a Reading Room, the Asian Culture Resource Archives, and the Culture Archive Storage. The Archives are free to the public.
      • ACC Creation, located in basement levels two through four contains six spaces for exhibits and installations and the ACT Studio. General admission to the exhibits is 20,000 won, 14,000 won for students, and 5,000 won for elementary aged students.
      • ACC Theater, located in basement levels three and four, includes two theaters with convertible seating, one of which can open to connect with the Outdoor Space to form an Outdoor Theater with open-air seating. Pricing for theater events varies.
      • ACC Children, located in basement levels one and two, comprises the Culture Adventure centre, Children's Content R&D Center, the Play Culture, Play Kids, Playhouse, and Play Library centres, a Cafeteria and Lunch Lounge, and a Children's Event Hall.[22] Prices vary between areas of ACC Children.
  • Gwangju Biennale – This is a modern art festival that is held every two years. It was first launched in 1995. The Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall is located at the Jung-oe Park Culture Center and the Science Center.
  • Gwangju Culture & Art Center – The Center regularly hosts events.Gwangju Culture & Art Center Official Website
  • Gwangju Hyanggyo (Confucian School) – Gwangju Hyanggyo is located in the Gwangju Park in Sa-dong. There are traditional houses here estimated as built during the 1st year of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. This school continues to hold memorial ceremonies for Confucius twice a year. Admission is free. More about Gwangju Hyanggyo
  • Gwangju National Museum – The museum houses a permanent collection of historical art and cultural relics that date back to the old Joseon and Goryeo periods of Korean history. The museum also organizes exhibitions and cultural learning activities that are open to the public.
  • Gwangju 5.18Road – 5.18 Road is the course about the Democratisation Movement in 1980. The courses include the historical places. More about 5.18Road
  • May 18th National Cemetery
  • 8 Scenes and 5 Flavours of Gwangju
  • Food streets
    • Gwangju has numerous designated Food Streets where multiple restaurants serving dishes renowned to Gwangju can be found. These include Mudeungsan Boribap Street (a meal of barley with a variety of side dishes),[23] Duck Cook Street (oritang, a duck stew, and grilled duck),[24] Folk Tteokgalbi Street[25] (a meal of grilled minced pork or beef patties eaten wrapped in lettuce and served with ox bone soup and a variety of side dishes) and Kotgejang Baekban Street[26] (a meal of crabs preserved in soy sauce served with a variety of side dishes).

Sport and culture[edit]

Gwangju Sangmu Gymnasium

Cityscape[edit]

This picture was taken from a hill overlooking Gwangju

International relations[edit]

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in South Korea

Twin towns – Sister cities[edit]

Gwangju is twinned with:[31]

Partnerships and Cooperations[edit]

Other forms of partnership and city friendship similar to the twin city programmes exist:

Notable people[edit]

Literature
Idol

See also[edit]

About Gwangju
See also: Category:Gwangju.
General lists

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ In the 19th century, Gwangju was also known in English sources as Tsien-tsiou.[3]

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Global city GDP 2014". Brookings Institution. Archived from the original on 4 June 2013. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
  3. ^ EB (1878), p. 390.
  4. ^ "Origin and History of Gwangju". www.gwangju.go.kr (in Korean). Retrieved 2018-04-18.
  5. ^ a b "The History of Gwangju".
  6. ^ "May 18th Democratic Uprising".
  7. ^ a b 2005 Census – Religion Results Archived 4 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ^ National Statistical Office of South Korea
  9. ^ "평년값자료(1981–2010) 광주(156)" (in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  10. ^ "기후자료 극값(최대값) 전체년도 일최고기온 (℃) 최고순위, 광주(156)" (in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  11. ^ "기후자료 극값(최대값) 전체년도 일최저기온 (℃) 최고순위, 광주(156)" (in Korean). Korea Meteorological Administration. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  12. ^ "Climatological Normals of Korea" (PDF). Korea Meteorological Administration. 2011. p. 499 and 649. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 December 2016. Retrieved 10 January 2017.
  13. ^ Gwangju science academy
  14. ^ "광주광역시 버스정보". bus.gjcity.net. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  15. ^ "U-Square (Gwangju Bus Terminal) (유스퀘어(광주종합버스터미널)) | Official Korea Tourism Organization". english.visitkorea.or.kr. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  16. ^ a b c d "광주광역시 버스정보". bus.gjcity.net. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  17. ^ "광주광역시 버스정보". bus.gjcity.net. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  18. ^ "Gwangju Guide : Bus". Gwangju Guide. 11 June 2011. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  19. ^ "쿄통카드/요금안내 광역대중교통확승제FAQ – Q.5".
  20. ^ "Living in Gwangju : Transport". Gwangju Guide. Gwangju International Center. 8 January 2013. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 29 July 2016.
  21. ^ "Asia Culture Center". www.acc.go.kr. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  22. ^ "Asia Culture Center". www.acc.go.kr. Retrieved 2016-07-29.
  23. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160910054814/http://utour.gwangju.go.kr/contents.do?S=S02&M=041101000000
  24. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160807071139/http://utour.gwangju.go.kr/contents.do?S=S02&M=041102000000
  25. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160807034556/http://utour.gwangju.go.kr/contents.do?S=S02&M=041103000000
  26. ^ https://web.archive.org/web/20160807012127/http://utour.gwangju.go.kr/contents.do?S=S02&M=041104000000
  27. ^ (in Korean) K-League news 4강 역사를 쓴 그곳, 광주 월드컵 경기장 Dream stadium of K-League Archived 16 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine.
  28. ^ KOFICE 3rd Asia Song Festival Archived 29 August 2011 at the Wayback Machine. 22 September 2006. Retrieved 2011-10-12
  29. ^ "2016 광주 ACE Fair". www.acefair.or.kr. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  30. ^ "Korea National Park". english.knps.or.kr. Retrieved 2016-04-25.
  31. ^ Gwangju Sister Cities Archived 4 July 2014 at the Wayback Machine.
  32. ^ Sister Cities Program. Sainternationalrelations.org. Retrieved on 2011-12-11.
  33. ^ "Guangzhou Sister Cities[via WaybackMachine.com]". Guangzhou Foreign Affairs Office. Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 2013-07-21.
  34. ^ http://www.pemkomedan.go.id/news_detail.php?id=106 Medan Menjalin Hubungan Kota Kembar Keempat Retrieved September 10, 2013 Archived 23 April 2007
  35. ^ "MPSP sets sights on city status". The Star. 1 August 2016.
  36. ^ Pessotto, Lorenzo. "International Affairs – Twinnings and Agreements". International Affairs Service in cooperation with Servizio Telematico Pubblico. City of Torino. Archived from the original on 2013-06-18. Retrieved 2013-08-06.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 35°10′N 126°55′E / 35.167°N 126.917°E / 35.167; 126.917

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