tourists roaming around busan happy

Very Touristy Things To Do When Visiting Gwangju


Six Things to Do in Gwangju, Korea

Need some ideas for places to visit in Gwangju? I got you! South Korea is a beautiful country and of its cities; Gwangju is a fantastic choice with a landslide of activities.

Gwangju is the sixth-largest city in the country and is located in the southern providence. Whether you are staying here for an extended period of time, or just stopping in for a night, you will find plenty of things to enjoy. To start with, make sure to check out these top six things to do in Gwangju, Korea to make the most of your visit.


Mudeungsan National Park

Hiking trail leading to mudeungsan national park

MudeungsanNational Park is just outside Gwangju and is a wonderful combination of natural beauty, cultural importance, and religious heritage. The mountain offers incredible views whether you choose to hike up it, or just admire it from the surrounding area.

There is also a great sculpture park and other historical displays to enjoy. You can stop at a ranger station to get a map either in Korean or English to help ensure you see all that this park has to offer.


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World Cup Stadium

Ceremony being held at the Fifa world cup in Gwangju

In 2002 the FIFA World Cup was held in Gwangju.

This is also a year that the South Korean team performed very well in the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. World Cup Stadium is a point of pride for many in the area, and also the home to many great events. Make sure to look up what will be taking place during your visit so you can enjoy this incredible facility.


Mudeungsan Jeungsimsa Temple

wide shot of a temple in gwangju

This temple has a lot to offer whether you are a practicing Buddhist or you just love the culture. This temple is over 1000 years old, so it also has plenty of history for you to learn about. There are beautifully decorated structures, an impressive main hall, hundreds of lamps, and more. Come here to pray, meditate, or just take in the history.


Gwangju National Museum

a wide shot of the national museum of gwangju

If you love culture, history, language, and arts, the Gwangju National Museum is a must see for your visit. There are both permanent exhibits and temporary options that are displayed for the enjoyment of all.


The Street Food!

a street vendor in gwangju serving customers

No visit to Gwangju is complete without a stop at one of the food streets where you can purchase delicious dishes, including many regional specialties. This is a very popular stop for tourists wanting to try the authentic Korean cuisine. Some of the popular options include Boribap Street, Duck Cook Street, and Folk Tteokgalbi Street. All of these options (and many others) are easy to find and offer a vibrant atmosphere in addition to the great food.


Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

gwangju technology building

While a technology institute may not be at the top of the list of places to visit for everyone, the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) is worth a visit. You can see a wonderful campus and learn about the latest projects going on. They even have a massive 4PW output laser at the world-class laser research department, which is quite impressive.


Plan Your Visit Today

Korea is an amazing country, and the Gwangju region is particularly amazing. If you are lucky enough to find yourself coming to this area, make sure you plan out your trip to take in all that the area has to offer. If possible, make sure to learn some of the language, or work with a translator, to get the most out of your visit.

  • gwangju
  • korea