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Gwangju

South Korea · City · KRW · 35.159500, 126.852600
Family friendly 6.2/10 · Rank 1437 of 2 709
Best season: April-June, September-October

Best for

Gwangju is an ideal place for modern history, culture and mountain landscape lovers. It is recommended for cultural travellers, photographers and those interested in the democracy movement. Suitable for couples and families. Least suitable for beach lovers.

Best season

April-June, September-October

Daily budget
$93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽ · ≈ 123 690 KRW)
For 7 days
$651.00 (≈ 54 632 ₽ · ≈ 865 830 KRW)
Gwangju is the cultural capital of southwestern Korea, famous for its kimchi and rich historical heritage. The city is an important centre of art and the democratic movement, with numerous museums and galleries to visit. It is the perfect place for those who want to deepen their understanding of Korean culture and history.
Summer
30.0°C
Winter
-3.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Gwangju residents are proud and resilient people, known for their history of the democracy movement. They are friendly and open. The atmosphere in the city is cultural and lively.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Mudeungsan National Park
  • Asia Culture Centre (ACC)
  • Rich history (May 18 uprising)
  • Fewer tourists
  • Affordable prices
  • Good transport accessibility
  • Authentic markets

Cons

  • No beach
  • Limited nightlife
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
  • Rainy season in July-August
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
27.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
30.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
30.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
-1.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
3.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-3.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
July-August
Attractions

Mudeungsan National Park

A mountain park with granite peaks, temples and hiking trails. A popular trekking spot.

May 18 Democracy Square

A historic square associated with the 1980 uprising. An important place for understanding modern Korean history.

Asia Culture Centre (ACC)

A modern cultural complex with museums, exhibition halls and a library.

Daein Market

A traditional market with street food, souvenirs and an authentic atmosphere.

Uncheon Lake

A scenic lake with a park and blooming lotuses in summer. A popular walking spot.

Hwaeomsa Temple

An ancient Buddhist temple with historical relics and beautiful views.

Best areas

Gwangju Centre

The heart of the city with the square, museums and restaurants. The best area for tourists.

Mudeungsan Area

An area at the foot of the mountain with hotels and access to the park.

Must-try food

Kimchi

Fermented vegetables. Gwangju hosts a kimchi festival.

Tteokbokki

Spicy rice cakes in sauce. Popular street food.

Galbi

Marinated pork or beef ribs grilled.

Soju

Traditional Korean vodka.

Where to go next

Jeonju

A city with a traditional hanok village. 30 minutes by train.

Mokpo

A port city with a cable car. 1 hour by train.

Dasan National Park

A mountain park with hiking trails. 1 hour away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Кванджу (KWJ).
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Visa
Visa requirements
visa-free (K-ETA up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
April-June, September-October
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 79 800 KRW
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 8 392 ₽ · ≈ 133 000 KRW
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 199 500 KRW
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽ · ≈ 146 300 KRW
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 93 100 KRW
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 10 640 KRW
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 4 655 KRW
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 5 985 KRW
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 67 ₽ · ≈ 1 064 KRW
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 13 300 KRW
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 9 310 KRW
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 6 650 KRW
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 9 310 KRW
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 39 900 KRW
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 2 660 KRW
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 10 640 KRW
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 66 500 KRW
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 15 960 KRW
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 26 600 KRW
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 53 200 KRW
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$55.00
≈ 4 616 ₽ · ≈ 73 150 KRW
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 15 960 KRW
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 19 950 KRW
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Frequently asked questions
Gwangju: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is April-June, September-October. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Gwangju: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +30.0°C, during the day — up to +30.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Gwangju: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-3.0°C, during the day — up to +3.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Gwangju: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on July-August. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Gwangju: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽ · ≈ 123 690 KRW) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Gwangju: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $20.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $60.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $100.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $150.00 per night, an apartment — $70.00 per night, a villa — $110.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Gwangju: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $8.00, dinner at a restaurant — $20.00, a cup of cappuccino — $3.50, a 0.5L beer — $4.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Gwangju: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $8.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Gwangju: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Mudeungsan National Park — A mountain park with granite peaks, temples and hiking trails. A popular trekking spot.; May 18 Democracy Square — A historic square associated with the 1980 uprising. An important place for understanding modern Korean history.; Asia Culture Centre (ACC) — A modern cultural complex with museums, exhibition halls and a library.; Daein Market — A traditional market with street food, souvenirs and an authentic atmosphere.; Uncheon Lake — A scenic lake with a park and blooming lotuses in summer. A popular walking spot.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Gwangju: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Kimchi — Fermented vegetables. Gwangju hosts a kimchi festival.; Tteokbokki — Spicy rice cakes in sauce. Popular street food.; Galbi — Marinated pork or beef ribs grilled.; Soju — Traditional Korean vodka.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Gwangju: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Gwangju Centre — The heart of the city with the square, museums and restaurants. The best area for tourists.; Mudeungsan Area — An area at the foot of the mountain with hotels and access to the park.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Gwangju: is a visa required?
Visa: visa-free (K-ETA up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Gwangju: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Кванджу (code KWJ). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Gwangju: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — KRW. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $93.00 (≈ 7 805 ₽ · ≈ 123 690 KRW). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Gwangju: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Gwangju: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Gwangju: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Jeonju — A city with a traditional hanok village. 30 minutes by train.; Mokpo — A port city with a cable car. 1 hour by train.; Dasan National Park — A mountain park with hiking trails. 1 hour away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.2/10
Overall rank: 1437 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 512

Best season

April-June, September-October

Useful information

Currency: KRW
Coordinates: 35.159500, 126.852600