City Introduction

Gwangju Metropolitan City is a city in the southwest of South Korean, which is adjacent to South Jeolla Province. It is located in the east of Mudeungsan (1,187m) and the upstream of the Yeongsan River. It is the fifth largest city in South Korean, and also an administrative, military, economic, social and cultural hub city in the southwest of South Korean. It covers an area of 501.31 square kilometers, and has a population of 1,488,467 (2013). Gwangju belonged to Mahan during the Proto-Three Kingdoms period and Baekje during the Three Kingdoms period. Gwangju was called Mujinju during Baekje and Muju during Silla, and became a capital during the post Baekje, which made it become a political and cultural center together with Jeonju in the Honam area of South Korean. On November 1, 1986, it became a Directly Governed City, and then became a Metropolitan City (Gwangyeoksi) in 1995 after the implementation of local self-government in 1991. Gwangju now is divided into 5 districts, which consist of 91 dongs. Its city flower is royal azalea and city bird is the dove. It is rich in rice, cotton and silk in the nearby place. Its major industries include textile (cotton and silk), brewing, and papermaking; Its famous handicraft is the fan. It has railway leading to Seoul. The host city for 2015 Summer Universiade was selected on May 23, 2009. The game will be held in Gwangju Metropolitan City from July 3 to 14, 2015.

 

 

 

 

History and Culture

The name of Gwangju has come into use in the of 23rd year of Taejo of Goryeo (AD 940). In the 22nd year of Gongminwang (1303), Gwangju was established, and in the 12th year of Sejong the Great (1403), it was called Mujinju. In 1931, it was Gwangfu, and renamed Jikhalsi in 1945; on July 1, 1973, district system was implemented, and on November 1, 1986, it was a Directly Governed City. Gwangju now is divided into 4 districts, which consist of 83 dongs and 9 Liaison Offices (affair offices). Its city flower is royal azalea and city bird is the dove. Since ancient times Gwangju has centered on Baekje culture, and has rich historical and cultural heritage. Its scenic spots and historic sites include Mudungsan, Jinwuti Pond, Gwangju city, Xiqing Tower, Wulaing Temple, Jeungsimsa Temple, etc. Gwangju was called Double-State Holy Land in the ancient time, and the people here are kind and unsophisticated. It is famous for its education and culture in South Korean, and now it has 7 universities. Gwangju is also known as a military city, with military education organizations cluster in Gwangju Sangmu. There are over 200 Chinese and ethnic Chinese, whose original family home are mostly Shandong.

In Gwangju which has beautiful scenery and lots of attractions, there is a popular saying that “Mudungsan is necessary at the mention of Gwangju, and Gwangju is necessary at the mention of Mudungsan”. Mudungsan, as a symbol of Gwangju, shows its splendid wonderful views with grand bizarre rocks.

City Positioning

Gwangju Metropolitan City is of the seven largest cities in South Korean, and also the largest city in the southwest area of South Korean. Its famous tourist attractions include Mudeungsan Provincial Park, and its most representative cultural activities include Gwangju Kimchi Festival and Gwangju International Art Festival. In addition, Gwangju’s Chajeonnori is classed as intangible cultural heritage.

 

 

 

 

Natural Environment

Gwangju Metropolitan City, near the South Jeolla Province, is the fifth largest city in South Korean, and also an administrative, military, economic, social and cultural hub city in the southwest of South Korean. It covers an area of 501.31 square kilometers, and has a population of 1.41 million.

 

 

 

 

Climate

Separated by Mudungsan, Gwangju has an inland climate in the southeast and an oceanic climate in the west.

 

 

 

 

Useful Information

Network

South Korea is leading in the world in terms of network coverage, and it is very easy to find a net bar in downtown. The 3G and 4G signals covering the whole Seoul are enough to meet people’s network demand. The coffee house provides free WIFI generally, and the password is marked in the prominent place on the wall, and you may go to the checkout counter for inquiry if it is unavailable.

Post Office

The building of post office is in red, and the mailbox is also red. In South Korea, when letter or article is mailed, both domestic and foreign, the price is calculated based on the unit of gram (g). The expense of postcard is irrelevant to weight, based on types, 350 KRW/piece for air transport and 250 KRW/piece for maritime transport. Post the stamp after buying from post office or stationery store, and put the card into the mailbox in the street or international mail box in the post office.

 

 

 

 

Visa Information

Required materials:

Passport: The valid period of passport should be at least more than six months

Picture: It’s better to supply a 2cun color picture with white ground (within half a year) different from that on passport, (the same picture as that on the new passport can be used)

Employment certificate: It is necessary to indicate company address and Tel. (sample is provided)

ID card: Clear copy (copy both sides clearly on one piece of A4 paper)

Deposit certificate: 1. Copy of bank passbook of people applying for visa (deposit term more than 6 months, over 50 thousand Yuan) or original of deposit certificate issued by the bank

3. Community property can be supplemented by marriage certificate or household register (original and copy)

Property certificate: 1. Property ownership certificate (over 70㎡ for Shanghai and over 100㎡ for other provinces and cities)

Car property certificate: 1. Personal car registration card or vehicle driving license (copy)

Business license: Copy of business license bearing company official seal.

 

 

 

 

Currency Exchange

Use the currency of Renmingbi. In case of currency exchange, please check real-time daily RMB foreign exchange rates.

 

 

 

 

Religion

None

 

 

 

 

Tourism Service Number

Alarm call 112 and fire alarm call 119 of South Korea.

When using the public phone by the road, first press emergency call button, then press 112, and the call is free. (visitors who don’t understanding Korean can also dial 112 for reporting in Chinese or other language. The police will arrive on the scene within 3-10 minutes after receiving the report), do not be panic when cooperation with the police is required for case or accident, and may immediately contact with Chinese embassy in South Korea and apply for help.

 

 

 

 

Notes

1. Now South Korea provides people who go to South Korea with tourist visa several times within two years, have good movement record of OECD country or are graduates of “211 Project” key universities with tourism multiple entry visa, very convenient for people shop in Seoul, and it is necessary to consult local competent consulate for details about whether you are eligible to apply for multiple entry visa.

2. South Korean is very disgusted with good waste, most South Korean people finish up the plate when dining. China tourists should pay attention during dining. Most Korean good is calculated by share of each person, one share is enough for people with common food intake, two or taking extra order properly for people with larger food intake for avoidance of waste.

3. Almost all restaurants in South Korean provide “free” appetizer. It is actually included in the price of dishes, so you may order again after eating up the appetizer on table.

4. Take all valuables with you or deposit them in the reception or safe box in travel. Check all articles in your bag and wallet at any time.

5. All tickets, like gate tickets, visiting tickets and ride tickets should be bought in the designated ticket office (especially KTX high-speed rail tickets).

6. When taking a taxi, especially at night, first try to confirm the plate number or information of the driver and vehicle (there is a sign bearing information of drivers before the co-pilot position of a taxi).

 

 

 

 

Festivals(Important/Historical/Folks Ones)

Gwangju Biennale

Features: Gwangju Biennale, starting from 1995, is held every two years, each of which lasts for 3 months. It consists of various special exhibitions centering on the international exhibitions of modern art, international academic conferences, various cultural activities and supplementary activities performed by high level groups both at home and abroad, etc. During Gwangju Biennale, various songs and dances, instrument performance, public performance, etc. will also be held, in order to strengthen the communication between the tradition and the modern, between the east and the west, between various cultural circles and between nationalities.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival

Features: Gwangju is the home of Kimchi in South Korean. Gwangju Kimchi Festival will show the unique taste of Gwangju Kimchi to the world. It consists of exhibition activity for you to fully know the making process of Kimchi, various Kimchi making competitions and various cultural activities. In addition, during this festival, you can appreciate traditional Pansori, public cultural performance, etc.

Time: November of each year