- Not to be confused with Gwangju in South Jeolla.
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 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.
Gwangju in Gyeonggi Province is an exciting city filled with diverse activities that are hard to find elsewhere in the Seoul metropolitan area. Blending traditional agriculture with modern industry, it offers a unique atmosphere and beautiful mountains and valleys, ideal for hiking and camping year-round. In winter, you can even enjoy skiing at a local resort, adding to the variety of outdoor activities available. The city also features a pottery park where visitors can experience the charm of traditional Korean ceramics, making it popular for family outings and cultural experiences. With a significant foreign presence, Gwangju also has a multicultural vibe, creating a lively city where tradition and modernity, nature and culture, come together in harmony.
Understand
[edit]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
[edit]Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province experiences a varied climate throughout the year. Average monthly high temperatures range from -1°C in January to 30°C in August, with the warmest months being July and August. Lows span from -9°C in January to 22°C in August. Rainfall is heaviest in July (384 mm) and August (316 mm), while the driest months are January (21 mm) and December (23 mm). This region sees cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers with a pronounced monsoon season in the summer months.
Gwangju's weather is fairly typical of the Gyeonggi Province area, where the overall climate is influenced by inland conditions and proximity to the Korean Peninsula's mountainous areas.
Neighboring areas like Seongnam, Suwon, and Yangju share a very similar climate to Gwangju, as they are also in the central-western part of South Korea. These cities experience similar seasonal temperature patterns, though some regions with higher altitudes (like Yangpyeong) may experience slightly colder temperatures in winter.
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Get in
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While a subway line is being constructed, the only current way to easily get to and from Gwangju is by 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 goes through the city center multiple times a day. If you travel by taxi, you can use the 'Kakao T' or 'Uber' application.
To reach Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do by car, you can take the Gyeonggi Expressway (Gyeonggi Jungang Expressway) or the Yeongdong Expressway, depending on your location.
From Seoul:Start by getting on the Gyeonggi Expressway (No. 1) from central Seoul. Follow the signs for Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The journey takes around 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
From Incheon:Take the Yeongdong Expressway (No. 50) heading south. Merge onto the Gyeonggi Expressway and continue until you reach Gwangju. The trip typically takes about 50 minutes to an hour.
From Suwon:Head north on the Gyeonggi Expressway toward Gwangju. The drive will take around 30 to 40 minutes.
Get around
[edit]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, ☏ +82 31-799-7901. Gyeonggi Gwangju General Bus Terminal is a major transportation hub in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, providing bus services to various cities across South Korea.
- 2 Gonjiam Terminal Bus Station (곤지암 터미널 버스 정류장).
- 3 Gwangju City Hall, Namhansanseong Art Hall Bus Stop (광주시청.남한산성아트홀 버스 정류장).
See
[edit]- 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, child ₩6,000.
- 2 Gonjiam Ceramic Park (곤지암도자공원), 727 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31 799 1500. Daily 09:00-18:00. 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.
- 3 Gonjiamcheon (곤지암천), Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup. It flows through Gonjiam-eup, Docheok-myeon, and Sangdo-eup and joins Gyeongancheon Stream.
- 4 Hwadam Forest (화담숲), 278-1, Docheok Witro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 31 8026 6666. Daily 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, child ₩6,000.
- 5 Namhansanseong (남한산성), San 23, Sanseong-ri, Namhansanseong-myeon, ☏ +82 31 743 6610. 24 hr. A provincial park. 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.
- 6 Paldang Observatory (팔당전망대), Paldang Water Quality Improvement Headquarters, 1692 Sansuro, Namjong-myeon. Daily 09:00-18:00. You can see the natural scenery and things on display. Free.
- 7 Yulbom Botanical Garden (율봄식물원), 267-54, Taehejeong-ro, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31 798 3119. Nov-Mar: 10:00-17:00, Apr-Oct: 10:00-18:00. This is a Rural Art Theme Park, where you can experience cultivating vocational agriculture. Adult ₩5,000, middle and high school student ₩4,000, child ₩3,500, riding a rail sled (30 minutes) ₩5,000.
- 8 Bunwon Kiln Site (분원도요지), 116, Bunwon-ri, Namjong-myeon. 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.
- 9 Gyeongan Marsh Ecological Park (경안천습지생태공원), 447 Jeongji-ri, Toechon-myeon. 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.
- 10 Aengjabong Peak (앵자봉), San 173-1 Usan-ri, Toechon-myeon. 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.
- 11 Cheonjinam Rock (천진암), 1203, Cheonjinam-ro, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31-764-5994. 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.
- 12 Hanok Village in Gwangju (경기광주 한옥마을), 39 Saeogae-gil, ☏ +82 31-766-9677. Daily 10:30-18:00. The ancient Korean house in Gwangcheon, 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.
- 13 Mt. Mugap (무갑산), Toechon-myeon, Chowol-eup. 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.
- 14 Mt. Taehwa (태화산), Docheok-myeon. Mt. Taehwa (664 m) 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.
- 15 Jungdae Mulbit Park (중대물빛공원), Jungdae-dong, 229 (Gwangju-si, Soonam-ro 307). Jungdae Mulbit Park wax built on an 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.
Do
[edit]- 1 Konjiam Resort Ski Slope (곤지암 리조트 스키장), 278, Docheok Wit-ro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 2-1661-8787. Daily 09:00-21:00. There are various leisure activities throughout the year, such as skiing and snowboarding in winter and golfing and hiking in summer.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Gyungan Market (경안시장), 14-1, Gyeongan-ro 25beon-gil, ☏ +82 31-761-2800. It is a traditional market.
- 2 Olive Young (올리브영 곤지암점), 45, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-761-5073. It is a health and beauty store and sells other household items mainly in cosmetics.
- 3 Emart (이마트 경기광주), 30, Gwangju-daero, ☏ +82 31-8026-1234. Daily 10:00-23:00. Emart is South Korea's largest discount retailer, offering a wide range of products from groceries to household goods.
- 4 No Brand Gwangju Taejeon Store (노브랜드 광주태전), 25, Taejeon-dong-ro, ☏ +82 2-380-5111. 10:00-22:00. A popular no-frills supermarket that offers a wide range of products, including food, daily essentials, and more. It has a cashless store feature
- 5 Gwangju Food Warehosue (광주식자재마트), 95-29 Jungang-ro. A large, well-stocked store with a wide range of groceries and local food items. Popular among locals for its variety and affordability.
Eat
[edit]- Akira House. A good Japanese restaurant.
- 1 Cheongsan Kalguksu (청산 칼국수), 11, Gonjiam-ro 50beon-gil, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-769-5296. It is a store that sells vegetable kalguksu (Korean Noodles). It also sells dumpling soup and other foods.
- 2 Grand Muse (그랜드뮤즈), 1st and 2nd dong, 17, Saemal-gil 152beon-gil, ☏ +82 0507-1368-6980. 10:00-22:00.
- 3 Dumesangol (두메산골), 66-7, Buldang-gil 37, Namhansanseong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1414-3155. 11:00-20:30.
- 4 Sirae Maru (시래마루), 661st floor, Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-797-3314. 10:00-21:00.
- 5 Handmade Sundae Shinjuok (수제순대 신주옥), 661st floor, Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 507-1352-6970. Daily 09:00-21:30.
- 6 Todam (토담), 414 Gwangyeo-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-763-9761. 11:00-21:00.
- 7 Cheonggukjang and barley rice (청국장과 보리밥 곤지암점), 581 Gyeongchung-daero, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-761-3313. Daily 10:00-16:00, 17:00-21:00.
- 8 Choi Mija Beef Head Soup and Rice (최미자소머리국밥), 58 Dochuk-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-764-0257. Daily 06:00-16:00.
- 9 Yejeon Hanjeongsik (예전한정식), 515-14 Chunjinam-ro, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31-767-0242. 11:00-21:00.
- 10 Dongdong Noodle (동동국수 본점), 34-4 Sam-ri, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-798-4224. Daily 09:00-21:00.
- 11 Modori Restaurant (모도리 식당), 89 Jungang-ro (1st Floor of CGV Gwangju), ☏ +82-507-1352-3585. 11:30-22:00. The restaurant is in the CGV Gwangju building, and parking is available. It specializes in sushi, ramen, and other Japanese cuisine, making it a popular choice for family meals or date spots.
- 12 Yangsikjip (양식집), 1F, 32-4 Gyeongan-ro, ☏ +82-507-1472-1379. 11:30-23:00. "Yangsikjip" is a Western-style restaurant in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, offering a variety of dishes such as pasta, gnocchi, and lasagna, renowned for its excellent value for money. Signature dishes like black sesame shrimp cream pasta and creamy gnocchi are particularly popular among patrons, showcasing unique flavors and satisfying portions.
- 13 Nagahori Ramen (나가호리 라멘), 1F, 106 DH Tower, 21 Gwangju-daero 55beon-gil, ☏ +82-507-1371-6559. 11:00~20:00. "Nagahori Ramen" is a Japanese-style ramen restaurant in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, known for its rich broth and tender, flavorful chashu (roast pork). The cozy interior and clean setup make it an ideal spot for casual dining, including solo meals. Popular dishes include traditional tonkotsu ramen, spicy ramen, and chashu rice bowls. The restaurant's homemade noodles pair excellently with the savory broths, providing a satisfying experience for ramen lovers.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Ediya coffee (이디야), 53, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 507-1416-4408. Korea's coffee chain
- 2 Mega coffee (메가커피), 57, Gonjiam-ro, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-761-2866. Korea's coffee chain
- 3 a loaf slice piece (어로프슬라이스피스 퇴촌), 946-8 Jeongyeong-ro, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31-762-5778. 10:00-19:00.
- 4 Songtree Time Collage (송트리타임콜라주), 12-2 1st floor, Bonggol-gil 171beon-gil, ☏ +82 70-4077-0460. 11:00-19:20.
- 5 Mermaid's Recipe (머메이드레시피), 207-7, Pabal-ro, ☏ +82 507-1461-2151. 10:00-22:00.
- 6 oraund roastery cafe (오라운트 로스터리 카페), 320-4 Ormount, Yangbeol-ro, ☏ +82 507-1338-3793. 11:00-21:00.
- 7 Wisteria (위스테리아), 7742nd floor, Namhansanseong-ro, Namhansanseong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-744-2646. 10:00-20:30.
- 8 Gyeongseong Bread Factory (경성빵공장 남한산성점), 714 Namhansanseong-ro, Namhansanseong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-735-7826. 10:00-21:30.
- 9 Blooming Hill (블루밍힐), 215 Bonggol-gil, Opo-eup. 11:00-18:00. Located on a hill with a scenic terrace and forest surroundings, it’s perfect for a quiet retreat. This cafe welcomes pets on the terrace.
- 10 Project Hillside (프로젝트 힐사이드), 478-15 Sinhyeon-ri, Opo-eup, ☏ +82 31-714-5487. 10:00-22:00. Known for a rooftop garden, this cafe offers fresh-baked pastries and a cozy industrial-chic interior.
- 11 Cafe in Sinhyeonri (카페 인 신현리), 548-8 Sinhyeon-ri, Opo-eup, ☏ +82 70-5073-2424. 10:30-18:00. Set within a birch forest, it offers outdoor seating for a peaceful coffee experience among the trees.
- 12 Puddle House (퍼들하우스), 403-3 Daessangnyeong-ri, Chowol-eup, ☏ +82 507-1434-0757. 10:30-20:00. Surrounded by forest, it features a terrace, café, and bistro on the lower level. Known for carrot cake and relaxing ambiance.
- 13 Farmers Daddy (파머스대디), 381 Samseong-ri, Namjong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-768-7924. This garden cafe, complete with a greenhouse, is ideal for families. Admission includes a drink, and it offers a scenic escape from urban life.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Konjiam Resort (곤지암 리조트), 278, Docheok Wit-ro, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 2-1661-8787. Check-in: 09:00-21:00.
- 2 K401 Pension (K401 펜션), 58-4, Gungtteul-gil, Docheok-myeon, ☏ +82 10-6711-4017.
- 3 Hotel The Ritz (호텔 더 리츠), 380, Domari, Toechon-myeon, ☏ +82 31-762-3000.
- 4 Gonjiam Toscana Hotel (토스카나 호텔), 263-10, Sam-ri, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-768-4100.
- 5 MS Hotel (MS 호텔), 199 Chowol-ro, Chowol-eup, ☏ +82 31-794-5678. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00.
- 6 Hugh Park Motel (휴파크 모텔), 672-7, Yeolmi-ri, Gonjiam-eup, ☏ +82 31-764-2100.
- 7 stayone hotel (스테이원호텔), 11-30 Gwangju-daero, ☏ +82 31-765-1355. This budget-friendly business hotel near Gwangju Bus Terminal and Gyeongan Market offers breakfast service and ample parking. Rooms are equipped with convenient business amenities and clean bathroom facilities.
- 8 primeaus (프리메오스), 경기도 광주시 도척면 독고개길 302번길 20-60, ☏ +82 31-761-0210. Primeaus is a luxury private villa offering amenities like whirlpool baths and cinema rooms. It can accommodate up to 10 guests and allows pets. The villa is near Gwangju attractions such as Gonjiam Resort and Hwadam Forest, making it ideal for family trips or group gatherings
Go next
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