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Home < Chamber Jurisdiction < Gwangju |
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| Gwangju, the 5th largest city in Korea after Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Incheon, is sharing boundaries with Damyang to the northeast, Jangseong to the north, Hampyeong to the west, Naju to the south, and Hwasun to the southeast. The total area of Gwangju is 501.41§´. Within the total dimension, forest and field areas occupy 248.54§´ (49.57%), farmland area 144.86§´ (24.89%) and the rest counts for 108.01§´ (25.54%). As of Dec., 2006, it has a population of 1,411,141 with 500,270 households and is divided into 5 boroughs and 91 dongs. |
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The Gwangju has four clearly distinguished seasons (spring, summer, fall and winter). The annual average temperature is 13.6¡É and the temperature range is highly variable the hottest being 26.1¡É in July and the coldest averaging around 0¡É in January. Annual average precipitation amounts to 1,367mm. The most precipitation is shown in the summer, when the northern Pacific Ocean appears, while the lowest precipitation appears in winter.
International airport, container ports, 3 expressways and railways effectively connect Gwangju to the other major cities domestically and internationally. Its favorable condition of location and convenient traffic network enable the city to accommodate hi-tech industries.
As of Dec., 2005, the number of factories registered in Gwangju was 95,287 and the employees numbered 428,275. Globally recognized enterprises like Samsung Electronics, LG Innotek and KIA MOTORS were the main contributors to Gwangju¡¯s economic growth. KIA Motors has a capacity to produce up to 350,000 cars per year, which makes Gwangju the 3rd biggest cities in manufacturing automobiles in Korea. SAMSUNG¡¯s relocation of the production line of home appliances in Gwangju led to the subsequent relocation of its suppliers. These have brought greater opportunities for start-ups and components manufacturers. In the near future, automobile and electronics components industry will be integrated into an industrial complex in order to generate synergy effect in domestic market. In 2006 alone, total trade amount in Gwangju recorded US$13,220Million, with US$9,141Million, which largely account for automobiles and home appliances in terms of items.
Gwangju has long been regarded as a city rich in the culture and the arts. It has produced numerous scholars renowned for their scholarship and virtue. Gwangju is also where the Southern School of Chinese Painting, or Namjonghwa, as well as Pansori, a traditional Korean singing genre, was originated.
The level of artistic sophistication is higher than the most any other region, with a large proportion of the population involved in the arts field. The humble nature of the people which do not pursue profit only has enabled legions of people to enjoy art, dance and music over the years. The Gwangju Biennale, an international arts festival was held the first time in 1995. It is taking place every two years and expanding Gwangju's worldwide reputation as a city of art.
Presently, the city is actively transforming its industrial structure into a knowledge-based one by fostering photonics, high tech components & materials, new energy and culture contents industries.
Also, the emerging importance of Korea's western coastline and the government's effort to balance growth across the nation have triggered large-scale urban development projects such as the construction of the Gwangju hi-tech industrial complex, transformation of Gwangju into a center of production, and improvement of housing and leisure facilities. |
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Area |
501.41 km©÷ (4.1% of Jeonnam Province) |
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Population |
1,411,141 (as of Dec, 2006) |
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Number of households |
500,270 (as of Dec, 2006) |
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Administrative division |
5 gu, 91 dong |
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Municipal flower |
Royal Azalea |
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Municipal tree |
Gingko Tree |
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Municipal bird |
Dove |
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Road pavement rate |
99.1% |
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Public Officers |
6,410 |
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Number of Teachers |
16,218 |
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Education facilities |
584 schools(415,774 students) including elementary, middle, and high school, and universities |
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Companies & Employees |
95,287 companies/ 428,275 persons (2005 yr) |
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Annual Budget |
KRW 2,327,700 Million (2005 yr) |
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Attractions |
Four Seasons of Mt. Mudeung, Plaza in front of Provincial office & Chungjangno, Bingwoldang Pavilion & Rain fog at Hwangnyong River, May 18 Memorial Park |
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Specialties |
Mt. Mudeung Watermelon, Songjeong Ddeokgalbi, Gwangju Kimchi, Gasa Culture Zone |
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