Cities of South Korea. Gwangju. Korea through the eyes of a Kazakh woman: expensive electricity, compulsory insurance and small apartments Download attractions of Gwangju South Korea

Gwangju from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Gwangju.

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Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea. It was built back in 57 BC. e., but became famous throughout the world in 1980 after the uprising in the struggle for democracy. Since then, Gwangju has been considered the capital of democracy in South Korea and one of the cultural and historical centers of the country. There are many museums, galleries, as well as parks and quiet green streets where it is very pleasant to walk.

In the fall, Gwangju hosts a kimchi cabbage festival and a contemporary art exhibition.

How to get to Gwangju

The most convenient way to travel to Gwangju is from Seoul. There are cities closer, but from the capital buses and trains run most often and there is a choice.

• By train:

Trains from Seoul to Gwangju depart three times a day, seven days a week. Some of them have a transfer, but there are also direct ones. A regular train takes about 4 hours (some a little longer), ticket prices start from 27,500 KRW. The high-speed train travels from Seoul to Gwangju in just 1.5 hours, the trip costs from 46,800 KRW.

• By bus:

Buses from Seoul to Gwangju depart every 15 minutes from the Central City Bus Terminal. Travel time is about 3.5 hours, the fare starts at 21,000 KRW.

• By plane:

From Seoul to Gwangju you can take Asian Airlines flights, but this option is not the most convenient. There are few flights (several times a month), and the price of flights can be unpredictable - from 40 to 350 USD and above. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.

Search for flights to Incheon (the closest airport to Gwangju)

Gwangju Hotels

Gwangju has a large selection of hotels and apartments in different price categories. Unlike other cities in South Korea, there is a lot of budget accommodation - guest houses and hostels.

Holiday Inn 4* is considered one of the best hotels in the city; it is located 5 minutes drive from the airport in a building in a futuristic style. Each room has a private bathroom, TV and air conditioning, and there is a good restaurant serving Western and Korean cuisine on site. Accommodation prices - from 120 USD per day for a double room.

Ascetic budget hotels will cost 40-60 USD per night for a double room. For this money you will get a small room with a bed and a shower (in the cheapest hotels there may be a shower on the floor of several rooms). Honest “three rubles” with a shower in the room cost from 60 to 100 USD per day.

Cafes and restaurants in Gwangju

On the streets of Gwangju you can find cafes serving not only Korean, but also Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine. Italian and American dishes are also highly respected here - pizza, burgers, French fries and beer.

Minsokchon Chungjangno Branch is considered one of the best restaurants in the city. It is quite inconspicuous from the street, but the food there is excellent. The meat deserves special attention - this restaurant specializes in Asian (specifically Korean) barbecue. The most popular inexpensive food is the Nolboo Bossam fast food chain. There are cafes in different parts of the city where you can have a cheap snack on typical Korean dishes.

Sights and entertainment in Gwangju

Almost every Korean city has its own historical gate located at the entrance. Previously, they marked the boundaries of the city territory, and today they are considered architectural and cultural monuments. There is one in Gwangju, they were built in 57 BC. e., in the year the city was founded. It is impossible to drive past - it is a huge wall with a canopy in the form of a two-level pagoda.

In the eastern district of Gwangju there is Art Street, which is very popular with both tourists and locals. It is only 300 m long and attracts artists and other craftsmen to sell their paintings, sculptures and other art objects. On Saturdays it is even more interesting - a local flea market opens, attracting connoisseurs of rarities from all over the country. If you're lucky, you can buy real Korean antiques here: old coins, books, decorative items, etc.

The most popular of the city museums is the National. It occupies a two-story building in a typical Korean style, and everything that is considered valuable in the province is collected there. In the exhibition halls you can see numerous archaeological finds, such as ancient tools, dishes, works of art from different eras, and temporary exhibitions are also regularly held here.

There is a very beautiful park in Gwangju - Mudongsan Mountain Park. On its territory there are several Buddhist temples, a lot of greenery, among which it is very pleasant to walk along winding mountain paths, and there are also several good Korean restaurants where you can always relax and have a snack after a walk.

Neighborhood

An hour's drive from Gwangju is the town of Bosong - the largest and most famous green tea plantations in the country. The first tea plantings were planted here by the Japanese during the occupation; today there are many more plantations. Bosong has historically had very favorable conditions for growing tea - rich sea air and fertile soils on mountain layers, so about 40% of all Korean green tea is produced here.

There are several tea plantations in Bosong, which are rightfully considered local viewing platforms - they offer very beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area.

30 km from Gwangju is the city of Tamyang, which is famous for its bamboo and pine theme parks. Pine Park is considered one of the most scenic in Korea, with a camping area and barbecue areas, and Koreans love to come here on weekends. Tourists will be interested in the museum of bamboo products. If you wish, you can rent a house in the park and stay overnight.

Events

The most interesting time to come to Gwangju is in the fall. In the second half of November, one of the most beloved holidays by the townspeople takes place here - the kimchi festival (this is the national Korean dish - cabbage in a special spicy sauce made from red pepper, onion, garlic and ginger). The festival lasts a whole week, during which time the best Korean chefs come here and participate in competitions, Korean music concerts and other musical and theatrical performances, chef master classes and, of course, tastings.

Another important cultural event is the Gwangju Biennale contemporary art exhibition. It takes place every two years for two months, from early September to early November. During this time, artists from all over the world come here - singers, dancers, actors and other creative personalities who demonstrate their sometimes strange and unusual skills to connoisseurs of modern art.

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Gwangju is part of Gyeonggi Province, the most populous region. This city is located in the central part of the republic, among picturesque green hills, having a reputation as the cultural and scientific center of the country.

Peculiarities

There are many historical architectural monuments, educational institutions, museums, art galleries, exhibition centers and Buddhist temples here. In addition, nanotechnology is actively developing here, work is underway to develop new energy sources, and the production of cars and modern electronic devices has been established. There are also several large industrial complexes in Gwangju, where international exhibitions are often held. Agriculture and livestock farming are well developed.

High technology has become an integral part of Gwangju, and due to the large number of office centers and the presence of large financial corporations, it can be mistaken for the economic capital of the country. Despite the abundance of multi-storey high-rise buildings and buildings made of glass and concrete, the city area has green parks, quiet streets and excellent places for walking in the fresh air.

Gwangju is of great interest to travelers. Here you can have a very exciting time, getting acquainted with both high-tech Korean developments and the cultural traditions of the city. In any case, the baggage of impressions after several days in the scientific capital of Korea is completely filled.

general information

Gwangju covers an area of ​​501.36 square meters. km. The population is 1.5 million people. Time zone is UTC+9, local time is 6 hours ahead of Moscow.

A brief excursion into history

The city was founded in 57 BC, and 400 years later it became the capital of the ancient kingdom of Baekje, holding this status for more than three centuries. It received its current name in 940. Over the past decades, Gwangju has grown greatly and taken on the appearance of a modern metropolis with an abundance of high-rise buildings, large shopping complexes and developed infrastructure.

Climate

The best time of year to travel to Gwangju is autumn or the first half of spring. The air temperature at this time does not exceed +20 degrees and the streets are not stuffy, typical of the summer period. In winter it is often quite cold, the thermometer usually drops below zero. Snow does not fall often.

How to get there

There are only connecting flights from Moscow to Gwangju: via Seoul (Air China/Asiana or Aeroflot/Korean Air/Asiana), Jeju (Hainan/Korean Air or China Eastern/Korean Air). Travel time is 15 hours or more, depending on the connection.

Transport

Getting around the city is very easy, although travel time increases during rush hour. The main types of transport are buses and taxis. There is a recently opened metro line in the south-eastern part of the city. A taxi is very cheap; for a tourist who is not familiar with the city, this is the most convenient way to get around.

Attractions and entertainment

One of the main historical attractions of Gwangju is Fort Namhanseong, built in 1626. Its walls, stretching for a distance of about 12 km, are more than 3 meters high. Their thickness is no less impressive. Over the centuries that have passed since its construction, the fortress has not lost any of its former grandeur and still delights numerous visitors with its medieval appearance. Of no less interest is one of the first Christian churches on Korean soil - Chongjinam. It was built in the 18th century by Asian builders in an oriental style. As a result, its architectural image turned out to be somewhat unusual, but this did not make it any less attractive. Europeans who adhere to the Christian religion definitely visit Chongjinam in order to see this architectural masterpiece with their own eyes. Not far from the city center is the Street of Arts, where there are a number of shops selling works of modern and traditional art. The real craft pride of Gwangju is the place Punwonni, famous for its ceramic production, which originated here during the Joseon Dynasty. The World Ceramics Exhibition is held here annually, attracting hundreds of interested people from all over the world. Foreign tourists stroll along this street with great interest, sometimes buying exquisite ceramic products as souvenirs.

The park on Mount Mudong is ideal for walking and spending time outdoors. Depending on the time of year, certain plants bloom here, and the air is fragrant with all sorts of aromas. Heart of Gwangju - Chungjangno Square, located near the government residence. There are shops and souvenir shops here, and along the perimeter of the square there are trees and flower beds. Another great place to go is Sajik Park, famous for its cherry trees that form unique living tunnels. Also worthy of attention Junge Park And Pochungsa Temple, which has original exterior decoration and luxurious interior spaces. At a short distance from the city there is a temple complex Eunchsa, the territory of which is decorated with 18 pagodas and 80 Buddha statues in various positions. Also in the surrounding areas there is a bamboo cultivation center, which is a whole scattering of bamboo fields. Of great importance for the city is the national cemetery with a memorial dedicated to the events of 1980, when civilian demonstrations against the military regime of Chun Doo-Hwan took place here. That action was accompanied by a brutal dispersal of demonstrators, when unarmed people were shot from automatic weapons. Later, all these events were entitled as "Gwangju Massacre". After some time, a civilian form of government was restored in the city, and Gwangju began to be called the “temple of Korean democracy.” In order to honor the memory of the victims, it was decided to open a cemetery and establish a memorial.

Despite the fact that the city has a reputation as the scientific center of South Korea, the tourist infrastructure is well developed here. A wide selection of hotels, combined with a high level of service, allows guests to easily decide on accommodation, and the presence of interesting attractions allows them to have fun outside the hotel. The annual tomato festival, which is regularly held in Gwangju at the height of the growing season, also adds color. The event program includes a free tomato tasting, a fair, as well as various competitions among its participants and spectators. The festival is always eventful and interesting, especially since it is visited not only by Koreans, but also by foreign tourists.

Accommodation

One of the best hotels in Gwangju is the Holiday Inn. Unlike other Korean cities, Gwangju has many budget hotels and apartments.

Kitchen

Korean food can be enjoyed at a cafe in Tteok Galbi near Seong-Jeong Ri subway station. Local cuisine is also prepared in Nolboo Bosam chain cafes located in different places in the city. There are also many other culinary traditions in the city - Thai cuisine, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc.

Shopping

Korea has good shopping and Gwangju is no exception; the city has several shopping centers and markets.

Precautionary measures

The city is safe for travelers; it is better to keep an eye on personal belongings in public places.

City: Gwangju
Region: Honam
Population (with surrounding area): more than 1.5 million people
Square: 501 sq. km.

Gwangju has a population of almost one and a half million people, making it the sixth largest city in Korea. It is located in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula and is located on a wide lowland. The government seat of Jeollanam-do Province has been located in this city for many years.

The city was founded in fifty-seven BC and since then has remained an important economic and political center of the country. After the construction of the railway connecting Gwangju with Seoul at the beginning of the last century, modern industry began to develop in the city. Today it ranks second (after Daegu) in the development of the textile industry, or more precisely, the production of silk and cotton fabrics. At the same time, the construction of breweries and rice processing plants began in Gwangju. The construction of a vast industrial zone in 1967 marked the beginning of the growth of heavy industry, especially industries closely related to the automobile industry.

In the twenty-ninth year of the last century (during Japanese rule), the confrontation between the Korean and Japanese student masses escalated into a regional demonstration, which grew into a nationwide uprising against the Japanese occupation.

In May 1980, civilian demonstrations took place throughout the city to protest against the military government led by Chun Doo-Hwan, who had recently come to power. These popular unrest were suppressed with the help of the army. Many historians are confident that the suppression of demonstrations was accompanied by brutal actions by the military. There have been several recorded cases of military personnel opening fire on unarmed Protestants. This episode went down in history under the name “Gwangju Massacre.” These days, the city is often called the “temple of Korean democracy.” With the restoration of a civil form of government in Gwangju, it was decided to open a national cemetery in honor of those killed during those terrible events.

Mount Mudong, together with a wonderful park that delights visitors with completely different plants depending on the time of year, are considered symbols of Gwangju. Another symbol, as well as the heart of the city, has long been Chungjangno Square. Next to it is the seat of government and a huge number of shops. The real jewels of the city, attracting tourists from all over the world, are the Sajik and Junge parks, as well as the magnificent Pochungsa Temple.

The sun is the source of life on the planet. Its rays provide the necessary light and warmth. At the same time, ultraviolet radiation from the Sun is destructive for all living things. To find a compromise between the beneficial and harmful properties of the Sun, meteorologists calculate the ultraviolet radiation index, which characterizes the degree of its danger.

What kind of UV radiation from the sun is there?

The sun's ultraviolet radiation has a wide range and is divided into three regions, two of which reach the Earth.

• UVA. Long-wave radiation range
  315–400 nm

  The rays pass almost freely through all atmospheric “barriers” and reach the Earth.

• UV-B. Medium wave range radiation
  280–315 nm

  The rays are 90% absorbed by the ozone layer, carbon dioxide and water vapor.

• UV-C. Shortwave range radiation
  100–280 nm

  The most dangerous area. They are completely absorbed by stratospheric ozone without reaching the Earth.

The more ozone, clouds and aerosols in the atmosphere, the less the harmful effects of the Sun. However, these life-saving factors have a high natural variability. The annual maximum of stratospheric ozone occurs in spring, and the minimum in autumn. Cloudiness is one of the most variable characteristics of weather. The carbon dioxide content also changes all the time.

At what UV index values ​​is there a danger?

The UV index provides an estimate of the amount of UV radiation from the Sun at the Earth's surface. UV index values ​​range from a safe 0 to an extreme 11+.

• 0–2 Low
• 3–5 Moderate
• 6–7 High
• 8–10 Very high
• 11+ Extreme

In mid-latitudes, the UV index approaches unsafe values ​​(6–7) only at the maximum height of the Sun above the horizon (occurs in late June - early July). At the equator, the UV index reaches 9...11+ points throughout the year.

What are the benefits of the sun?

In small doses, UV radiation from the Sun is simply necessary. The sun's rays synthesize melanin, serotonin, and vitamin D, which are necessary for our health, and prevent rickets.

Melanin creates a kind of protective barrier for skin cells from the harmful effects of the Sun. Because of it, our skin darkens and becomes more elastic.

The hormone of happiness serotonin affects our well-being: it improves mood and increases overall vitality.

Vitamin D strengthens the immune system, stabilizes blood pressure and performs anti-rickets functions.

Why is the sun dangerous?

When sunbathing, it is important to understand that the line between the beneficial and harmful Sun is very thin. Excessive tanning always borders on a burn. Ultraviolet radiation damages DNA in skin cells.

The body's defense system cannot cope with such aggressive influence. It lowers immunity, damages the retina, causes skin aging and can lead to cancer.

Ultraviolet light destroys the DNA chain

How the Sun affects people

Sensitivity to UV radiation depends on skin type. People of the European race are the most sensitive to the Sun - for them, protection is required already at index 3, and 6 is considered dangerous.

At the same time, for Indonesians and African Americans this threshold is 6 and 8, respectively.

Who is most influenced by the Sun?

People with fair hair
skin tone

People with many moles

Residents of mid-latitudes during a holiday in the south

Winter lovers
fishing

Skiers and climbers

People with a family history of skin cancer

In what weather is the sun more dangerous?

It is a common misconception that the sun is dangerous only in hot and clear weather. You can also get sunburned in cool, cloudy weather.

Cloudiness, no matter how dense it may be, does not reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation to zero. In mid-latitudes, cloudiness significantly reduces the risk of getting sunburned, which cannot be said about traditional beach holiday destinations. For example, in the tropics, if in sunny weather you can get sunburnt in 30 minutes, then in cloudy weather - in a couple of hours.

How to protect yourself from the sun

To protect yourself from harmful rays, follow simple rules:

Spend less time in the sun during midday hours

Wear light-colored clothing, including wide-brimmed hats

Use protective creams

Wear sunglasses

Stay in the shade more on the beach

Which sunscreen to choose

Sunscreens vary in their degree of sun protection and are labeled from 2 to 50+. The numbers indicate the proportion of solar radiation that overcomes the protection of the cream and reaches the skin.

For example, when applying a cream labeled 15, only 1/15 (or 7 %) of the ultraviolet rays will penetrate the protective film. In the case of cream 50, only 1/50, or 2 %, affects the skin.

Sunscreen creates a reflective layer on the body. However, it is important to understand that no cream can reflect 100% of ultraviolet radiation.

For everyday use, when the time spent under the Sun does not exceed half an hour, a cream with protection 15 is quite suitable. For tanning on the beach, it is better to take 30 or higher. However, for fair-skinned people it is recommended to use a cream labeled 50+.

How to Apply Sunscreen

The cream should be applied evenly to all exposed skin, including the face, ears and neck. If you plan to sunbathe for a long time, then the cream should be applied twice: 30 minutes before going out and, additionally, before going to the beach.

Please check the cream instructions for the required volume for application.

How to Apply Sunscreen When Swimming

Sunscreen should be applied every time after swimming. Water washes away the protective film and, by reflecting the sun's rays, increases the dose of ultraviolet radiation received. Thus, when swimming, the risk of sunburn increases. However, due to the cooling effect, you may not feel the burn.

Excessive sweating and wiping with a towel are also reasons to re-protect the skin.

It should be remembered that on the beach, even under an umbrella, the shade does not provide complete protection. Sand, water and even grass reflect up to 20% of ultraviolet rays, increasing their impact on the skin.

How to protect your eyes

Sunlight reflected from water, snow or sand can cause painful burns to the retina. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses with a UV filter.

Danger for skiers and climbers

In the mountains, the atmospheric “filter” is thinner. For every 100 meters of height, the UV index increases by 5 %.

Snow reflects up to 85 % of ultraviolet rays. In addition, up to 80 % of the ultraviolet reflected by the snow cover is reflected again by clouds.

Thus, in the mountains the Sun is most dangerous. It is necessary to protect your face, lower chin and ears even in cloudy weather.

How to deal with sunburn if you get sunburned

Use a damp sponge to moisten the burn.

Apply anti-burn cream to the burned areas

If your temperature rises, consult your doctor; you may be advised to take an antipyretic

If the burn is severe (the skin swells and blisters greatly), seek medical attention

An ancient city founded back in 57 BC, and now a major industrial center, is Gwangju in the Republic. It is located in the most densely populated region of the country. This is where the Jeollanamado provincial government building is located.

general information

The city is considered a satellite - it is the sixth largest in the country in terms of area. Industry in Gwangju is very developed. These are the automotive industry, the production of ceramics and textiles, agriculture, and rice cultivation. The main type of industrial production is considered to be the production of photons for radioactive emitters, nanotechnology is being developed, cars and various electronics are being produced.

Despite the fact that this big city has many offices, skyscrapers and industrial zones, there are quiet public gardens and streets with green spaces where you can take a good break from the bustle of the central part of the city.

Where is Gwangju located?

The historically famous city of Gwangju is located in South Korea and is located in the southwest of the country and occupies 501.4 square meters. km, and population density per 1 km. sq. – 500 people with a total number of 150,000 people. The map shows that Gwangju is located in a picturesque bamboo valley, between the inaccessible mountains of Geumdang, Byongpung, Mudeung, Samkak, Udeung. Once upon a time, at the dawn of its heyday, Gwangju became famous for the birth of Korean classical medieval poetry, gasa, based on the celebration of the beauty of the local flora.

Climate conditions of Gwangju

Those planning to visit Gwangju will be interested to know that the temperature in this area is almost always moderate without sudden changes. July is considered the rainiest month, and December is the driest month. In August, the thermometer shows the highest annual mark - +27°C, the lowest in January - +0.7°C. It is best to go here in spring and early summer, when the temperature is optimal – +20°C.

Attractions and entertainment in Gwangju (South Korea)

The rich history of the city of Gwangju did not give it such fame as the series of anti-government uprisings that took place in 1980. Many people died during them, and this tragic date is forever etched in the memory of Koreans. If you are choosing where to go in Gwangju, we recommend paying attention to the following cultural and tourist sites:

1. Museum of Art. It contains a variety of unusual exhibits that represent contemporary art in South Korea.


2. Entrance gate. Traditionally, a Korean city begins with a gate. They once protected residents from enemy invasion, and are now a historical monument.


3. Just 300 meters long, the street in the eastern part of the city attracts not only tourists, but also famous collectors from all over South Korea. Here you can purchase or view various pieces of art that cannot be found anywhere else. The good thing about this place is that you can come here 24 hours a day.


4. Boseong tea plantations. More than 40% of all tea in Korea is produced here. A beautiful panorama opens from different levels of tea plantings.


5. National Cemetery May 18th. Those who died in the struggle for democracy in the bloody 1980 are buried in this memorial complex, built in 1997. The bodies of the dead revolutionaries were transferred here from the Manvoldon cemetery.


6. Mudeungsan Park. Looking at photos of Gwangju in Korea, one cannot help but pay attention to the photographs taken in this city. It bears the name on which it is located, which is quite unusual for natural objects. The mountain has a height of just over a kilometer with three peaks and a fairly gentle slope, which makes it a favorite vacation spot among locals and tourists.


7. Its walls, about 12 km long and over 3 m high, once protected the city from enemy invasion.
8. Gwangyang. The football stadium of the local team "Dungeon Dragon" can accommodate more than 13 thousand fans, and if necessary, the seats increase to 20 thousand. The team's home matches and training games are held here.


9. “Chunwe Konwon.” In the west of Gwangju there is a park offering its visitors all kinds of entertainment:
   • natural green area for picnics and walks;
   • playgrounds;
   • ethnographic museum complex;
   • attractions;
   • Exhibition Center;
   • amazing bridge in the shape of a rainbow.


10. This Chinese-style building houses more than 40,000 artifacts of the region's cultural heritage. They are located on two floors and include:
    • pottery;
    • iron products;
    • stone tools;
    • works of art;
    • artistic works of masters from the Joseon Dynasty.

Hotels and restaurants

To appreciate all the delights of Gwangju, this amazing city of South Korea, you need to live here for at least some time. Travelers leave positive reviews about the service in local hotels, from which you can choose both budget and high-class:

• Hotel Icon;
• Hotel Atrium;
• Pacific Hotel;
• Hill House Hotel;
• Hotel President;
• Holiday Inn;
• Lotte Hotel Seoul;
• Hyatt Regency Jeju;
• Hotel Skypark Central Myeongdong;
• Ibis Styles Ambassador Seoul Myeongdong.

Korean cuisine simultaneously attracts and repels Europeans. To understand whether her original dishes will suit your taste, you need to try them. On the streets of the city there are numerous snack bars and expensive restaurants where you can taste local, Thai, Vietnamese and traditional European cuisine:

• Pho Hanoi;
• Damijeong;
• Dongmakgol Chueotang;
• Dangsan Namujip;
• Nolboo Bosam;
• Arirang House;
• Hyanggyewon;
• Gangmaeul Daramjwi;
• Daegwang Shikdang;
• Domino's Pizza Opo.

Shopping in the city

To shop in Gwangju, tourists go to markets and shopping centers. Here you can buy art objects, Korean cosmetics and the miraculous ginseng root, fans, and wooden masks.

Gwangju Transportation System

For tourists who do not know the city, the best means of transportation is a taxi, especially since its prices are quite low. Anyone who wants to spend as little money as possible can travel around the city by bus. Not long ago, a metro line opened, but only in the southeastern part of the city.

How to get to the city?

To get here from the capital, you need to cover the distance from Seoul to Gwangju, and the best way to do this is by plane. Travel time will take no more than 50 minutes. By train, travel time will take from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the chosen route.