Your Partner 'Gwangju'

Gwangju's rich cultural and civil heritage is the cornerstone of the vision to become a center of arts and culture.

City of Culture

Gwangju was historically famous for art and culture. It has produced many distinguished scholars and calligraphers, and was the origin of the namjonghwa (southern school of painting style) and pansori (traditional narrative song). It is no coincidence that Gwangju people are highly appreciative of arts and culture, and that a comparatively larger share of the population is working in these fields. Since the first Gwangju Biennale in '95, the bi-annual event is putting Gwangju on the world map of the arts.

City of Flavor

Ideally located in between the west coast plains and the west sea, Gwangju always had access to a rich variety of fresh ingredients. Such natural conditions allowed it to develop a great culinary tradition and gain the wisdom to healthy eating. Gwangju is famous for Oritang (Braised Duck Soup) and Ddeokgalbi (Charbroiled Minced Short Ribs), and an area famous for these dishes has been designated as the "Healthy Food District." The "Grand Kimchi Festival," that has been taking place every year since 1994, is an event where one can taste the endless varieties of kimchi from different regions and reaffirmed Gwangju's reputation as the Culinary City.

City of Justice

During the 7-year in 1492, Gwangju successfully resisted the Japanese aggressors. This patriotic spirit has been preserved throughout the generations. Many sacrificed their lives during the independence movement and the civil uprising on May 18, 1980 when the citizens fought for justice, democracy, human rights and freedom. May 18 has been designated as a national commemoration day and the May 18 Cemetery is revered as a sacred monument honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the democratic movement.

I live in Gwangju. So I know a lot of things about Gwangju.

Gwangju ctizen are very justice. May 18 Cemetery is basic of Korea's democracy.

I'm very proud of our Gwangju and May 18 Cemetery.

Someday you visit Gwangju, You can meet me. Then, I will introduce my Gwangju and Korea.

About Korea - Overview

Often referred to as the “Land of the Morning Calm”, Korea has a population of 48.50 million (2006) and a total land area of 99,678 ㎢ (2006). Located at a major crossroads of Northeast Asia, it has also achieved the “Miracle of the Han River ”. As early as the 1960s, when the country's five-year economic development plan was first implemented, the Korean economy has relentlessly shown signs of exponential growth. From 1962 to 2005, the country's GNI surged from US$2.3 billion to a staggering US$786.8 billion. The 1997 East Asian foreign currency crisis was only a temporary set-back for the Korean economy. The GNI stagnated at US$340.4 in 1998 but soon began to advance again, soaring to US$805.8 billion by 2006.
Years of rapid economic development propelled the country to becoming the world's 12th largest trading partner. Korea's industrial base shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and is now shifting to services. A global force in a number of significant industries, including automobiles, petrochemicals, electronics, shipbuilding, textiles, and steel,Korea 's GDP expanded 3.1% in 2003, 4.6% in 2004, and 4.0% in 2005. GDP in 2006 totaled US$887.4 billion, making the country the 11th largest economy.
Since 2004, Korean-made semi-conductors, automobiles, and wireless telecom devices have accounted for over 30% of the country's total trade volume. Exports of IT products have risen every year since 1998 and reached US$82.5 billion, or 29.5% of total exports, in 2005. Major IT export items include memory chips, mobile phones, LCD monitors, PCs, and satellite broadcasting receivers. Korea 's semi-conductor industry, in particular, has achieved tremendous growth over the past two decades and is the third largest in the world.
The governance system in Korea is based on a system of checks and balances between the executive branch, the legislature, and the judiciary. The president is elected directly for a single five-year-term. South Korea’s 17th president, Lee Myung-Bak, was sworn in to office on February 25th. Overcoming many obstacles throughout his youth, Lee garnered enormous success in both his business and political career. Shortly after joining Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd, he soon earned the title of CEO and led the company through years of continued prosperity. From 2002 to 2006, he was successively appointed the governor of Seoul, and on December 19, 2007, won the presidential bid with an unprecedented 48.7% of the vote.

About Korea - Weather

Current Korea Weather Conditions

Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer in the middle of the year, and a cold winter from November to March. The island of Jeju off the southern coast is the warmest and wettest place in the country. The most ideal time to visit Korea is during the autumn months (September~November). During this time, the country experiences warm, sunny weather, skies are cobalt blue and the spectacular foliage is perhaps the biggest draw. Winters are cold and dry and remain a good time if you are interested in winter sports as there are numerous ski resorts. Spring (April~May) is also beautiful with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. However, it is very busy and one needs to book in advance to ensure accommodation is available. The summer months are muggy and hot, and rather crowded. It is also when the monsoon begins so many activities are subject to the fluctuations of heavy rain.

Four Distinct Seasons

Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.



Spring

Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields during this time. I love spring. it's very beautiful season.

Summer

Summer lasts from June to early September.
It is a hot and humid time of the year.
I don't like summer. because it is too hot for me.


Fall

Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea.



Winter

Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes favorable skiing conditions.

I like our weather. Four season is very beautiful. And Korea culture develop by four seasons. All nature is wonderful each season. And I like spring most. Spring means new start!!

About Korea - Location

Geographical Make-up

The Korean Peninsula is located in North-East Asia. It is bordered by the Amnok River (Yalu River) to the northwest, separating Korea from China, and the Duman River (Tumen River) to the northeast which separates Korea from both China and Russia. The country itself is flanked by the Yellow Sea to its west and the East Sea to the east. There are several notable islands that surround the country including Jeju-do, Ulleung-do and Dok-do (Liancourt Rocks).
The Korean peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point. The land area is 99,200 sq km (38,301 square miles), and it has a population of 48.9 million people (2006).
Because of its unique geographical location, this makes Korea very viable piece of land and an international hub of Asia.



Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world. The lifting and folding of Korea’s granite and limestone base creates breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast falls steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea’s agricultural crops, especially rice.[Related Link]National and Provincial Parks and Mountains
Division of the 38th ParallelThe Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and the communist government of North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone.
South Korea’s Provinces
Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces; the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities and 88 counties.
[Related Link]
Destinations by Region
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▶ Geographic position - Between 33˚ and 43˚ north latitude, and 124˚ and 131˚ east longitude (including North Korea)
▶ Highest mountains in S. Korea - Hallasan on Jeju Island, 1,950 meters (6400 ft); Jirisan, 1,915 meters (6,283 ft); and Seoraksan, 1,708 meters (5,604 ft)
▶ Rivers - Nakdonggang, 522 km (324 miles); Hangang, 494 km (307 miles); Geumgang, 396 km (246 miles)
▶ Economic status (2006) - GNI US $ 887.3 billion; GNI per capita US $ 18,372

My First Blog

I make my First Blog.

So I'm very happy.

Though my english is very poor...

But I have a lot of confident. and I'll do my best.

Beacause I'm korean and VANK member.