2011-04-14

Gwangju Autonomous City

Gwangju

Gwangju
광주
光州
Metropolitan City
Gwangju Metropolitan City
transcription(s)
- Hangul 광주광역시
- Hanja 光州廣域市
- Revised Romanization Gwangju-gwangyeoksi
- McCune-Reischauer Kwangju-kwangyŏksi
From top left: Pojangmacha in Gwangju's Night Market, Street of Gwangju, Cityscape of Gwangju, Gwangju Folk Museum, & Democracy Bell

Flag

Emblem of Gwangju
Map of South Korea with Gwangju highlighted
Country South Korea
Region Honam
Districts 5
Government
- Mayor Kang Un-tae
Area
- Total 501.36 km (193.6 sq mi)
Population (2006)
- Total 1,415,953
- Density 2,824/km (7,314.1/sq mi)
- Dialect Jeolla
Flower Royal Azalea
Tree Ginkgo
Bird Dove
Website gjcity.net (English)

Gwangju (officially known as Gwangju Metropolitan City; Korean pronunciation: ) 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.

Gwang (광, hanja 光) means "light" and Ju (주, hanja 州) means "province."

History

The city was established in 57 BC, and has been a major political and economic centre of Korea ever since. It was one of the administrative centres of Baekje during the Three Kingdoms 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 marked growth in industry, especially in the sectors linked to the automobile industry.

In 1929, during the period of 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 Japanese rule during the colonial period.

In May 1980, civil demonstrations took place in Gwangju against the newly installed military government of Chun Doo-hwan resulting in hundreds of civilians being killed by the Korean Military. The demonstrations were suppressed by military forces, including elite units of the Special Operations Command. Most commentators agree that the suppression was characterized by its egregious brutality, including several incidents where military forces fired automatic weapons into crowds of unarmed demonstrators. Gwangju is sometimes called "the shrine of Korean democracy" because of this incident, which is known today as the Gwangju Democratization Movement. After civilian rule was reinstated, a national cemetery was established honoring the victims of the incident.

Administrative divisions

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

Amenities

Areas of exquisite scenery along the outskirts of the city gave birth to gasa, a form of Korean classical poetry. Located in the heart of the agricultural Jeolla region, the city is also famous for its rich and diverse cuisine.

Transportation

Gwangju has one subway line. An extension to the line was completed in April 2008. Another line will completed in 2012. There are also two KTX (high speed rail) stations in the city: Gwangju Station and Songjeong-ri Station. Songjeong-ri has been connected to the subway network; however, no connection exists to Gwangju Station.

Gwangju Airport and Muan International Airport serve Gwangju.

Population

Gwangju is one of the biggest cities in South Korea, there were about 1,433,640 in 2009, but now, there are about 1,454,784 people.

Climate

Education

Chonnam National University is a public university in Gwangju.

Honam University, Gwangju University, Gwangshin University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju Education University, Gwangju Women's University, Nambu University, Chosun University, and Honam Christian University are private universities.

The hometown of numerous renowned scholars, Gwangju has 593 schools, consisting of 234 kindergartens, 145 elementary schools, 84 middle schools, 65 high schools, 7 junior colleges, 9 universities, 38 graduate schools, and 11 others (as of May 1st, 2009) with a total of 406,669 students, or 28.5% of the total city population. The average number of students per household (0.8) reflects the city's characteristic as the home of education.

Tourist attractions

Asian Culture Complex Information Center
As of October 2010, the Asian Culture Complex is under construction and is to open by 2010. The Asian Culture Complex Information Center is in operation.
Operation hours : 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
Closed on Mondays, Jan. 1st, Chuseok and Seollal
Tel : 062-230-0100, 0114
Website : pr.cct.go.kr

Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall
Gwangju Biennale is an internationally renowned 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.
Address : 211 Biennale 2(i)-gil, Gwangju
Tel : 062-608-4114
Website : www.gb.or.kr
Operation hours : Tuesday- Friday, 9:30 am - 5:30 pm
Closed on Mondays, Jan. 1st, and public holidays

Gwangju Culture & Art Center
The Center regularly hosts new events.
Address : 328-16 Unam-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju
Tel : 062-510
Website : art.gjcity.net

Gwangju Hyanggyo (Confucian School)
Gwangju Hyanggyo is located in the Gwangju Park in Sa-dong. There are many traditional houses here estimated as built during the 1st year of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392. This is a precious national asset as this school continues to hold memorial ceremonies for Confucius twice a year. Admission is free.
Address : 22 Gu-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju
Tel : 062-672-7008
Website : visit.gwangju.go.kr/english/html/02_02029.php
Operation hours : Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Closed on weekends and public holidays

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 various special exhibitions and cultural learning activities that are open to all. For more information please visit the website or contact the Museum directly.
Address : 114 Bangmulgwanno, Maegok
Tel : 062 - 570 - 7000
Website : gwangju.museum.go.kr(English, Japanese, Chinese)
Operation hours : Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Sister cities

Independent cities in South Korea

See also

References

External links

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






Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwangju