Gwangju Hotels

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Gwangju is the sixth largest city in South Korea, located in the southwest region of the country. Also known as the city of light, Gwangju has been known over the centuries for its rich culture and arts. Its fêted culture, vibrant holiday attractions and exuberant artistic resources make it one of the most sought-after destinations in Far East Asia. A month-long modern art exposition is at the Gwangju Biennale, inviting global artists to present their themed artwork. The Gwangju Kimchi Festival is held every year before the winter along with many other ancient and contemporary cultural festivals.

The Gwangju region also offers exciting tourist spots, such as hiking up the 1,186-metre (3,891-foot) high Mount Mudeungsan Provincial Park, which offers a spectacular view of the valley below. The Gwangjuho Lake Eco Park houses exotic flowers and trees, which you may not have seen before. It also has a bird hatchery. The Sigyeongjeong Pavilion is amidst an isolated and lush forested spot. This is a place of profound insight for numerous poets and scholars, helping their creativity. It is also home to the Buyongdang Monument with the lyrics to the famous Seongsanbyeolgok Poem written by Jeong Cheol. The pavilion offers a grand view and a place to reflect.

When To Go

The arrival of autumn from September to November brings crisp air and warmly coloured trees with cobalt blue skies as the backdrop, making the season an ideal time to visit Gwangju. It is also the season of vibrant festivals, which should be mandatory for any tourist. Winters are cold with snowfalls that are irregular but offer a great variety of winter spots and sightseeing. The spring season brings to life foliage with vivid flowers and lush green plants. The summer months of July to August are warm, sultry and mostly unpleasant for those who enjoy dry, crisp weather. The average yearly temperature for Gwangju is as follows:

September to November (autumn) 15°C (59°F)
December to March (winter) 4°C (39°F)
April to June (spring) 17°C (63°F)
July to August (summer/monsoon) 26°C (79°F)

Getting There

Gwanju city is 720 km (447 miles) from Seoul. Domestic flights connect the Gwangju Airport to Seoul and Jeju. However, cheaper ways to travel include a direct bus to Gwangju from Incheon International Airport in Seoul or from Gimhae Airport in Busan, or take a taxi to Gimhae bus station and board a bus to Gwanju. Buses from every major city in South Korea arrive and depart from the Gwangju Bus Terminal. If travelling by train, take the KTX or the Korail train from Seoul, which run several times a day and is the fastest mode of transport between Seoul and Gwangju. The trains depart from Seoul’s Yongsan Station only.