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Travel Highlights
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Nature, Tradition & Culinary Delights in Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
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07/08/2025
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Located in Korea’s southwest, Jeollanam-do is a premier travel destination renowned for its pristine natural landscapes. The region boasts scenic mountains—including Jirisan and Mudeungsan National Parks and Jogyesan Provincial Park—along with coastal areas featuring tidal flats for unique mudflat experiences and countless islands that warmly welcome visitors. Visitors can step back in time at Naganeupseong Walled Town in Suncheon or explore heritage sites from Korea's modern era in Mokpo, offering opportunities to experience Korea’s traditional culture at every turn.
Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are Korea’s top gourmet destinations. To experience the true essence of Namdo (regions of Jeolla and nearby areas) cuisine—such as Namdo hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote), Mudeungsan barley rice, Gwangju tteokgalbi (grilled galbi patties), Yeosu marinated crab, and Mokpo nakjitangtangi (chopped live octopus)—this is the place to visit. No matter where you travel in Jeollanam-do, you’ll be amazed by the generous, hearty meals served with warm, genuine hospitality.
#gwangju_yeosu_mokpo_must-try_signature_dishes
Gwangju’s signature dishGrilled Galbi Patties (떡갈비 / Tteokgalbi)
Tteokgalbi, made with minced beef, was once a royal court delicacy and is now a signature food of Gwangju, one of Korea’s most renowned culinary destinations. Its smoky charcoal-grilled aroma and tender texture make it truly irresistible. View more >
Yeosu’s signature dishSoy Sauce Marinated Crab (간장게장 / Ganjanggejang)
When paired with rice, this dish is so delicious that you’ll find your bowl empty before you know it. Try either the sweet and pleasantly salty soy-marinated crab or the spicy seasoned crab—choose whichever suits your taste! View more >
Mokpo’s signature dishChopped Live Octopus (낙지탕탕이 / Nakjitangtangi)
Nakjitangtangi gets its name from the 'tang-tang' sound made when chopping fresh octopus with a knife. Lightly seasoned with sesame oil, it offers an exceptionally rich and nutty flavor. View more >
#gwangju_top_attractions_and_festivalsA trip to Gwangju begins at Chungjang-ro Street, once a key site of the May 18th Democratic Uprising and now a vibrant youth district. Mudeungsan National Park, designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2018, attracts hikers year-round with its dramatic rock formations and stunning scenery. On the mountain’s western slope, Jeungsimsa Temple offers Templestay programs that are especially popular with international visitors. Also, don't miss the unforgettable experience of exploring a traditional market!
Chungjang-ro Street (충장로)
Chungjang-ro Street is Gwangjus major fashion district, comparable with Myeongdong Street of Seoul.
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Jeon Hyeongjun)
Gwangju National Museum (국립광주 박물관)
Gwangju National Museum, opened on December 6, 1978, was established to promote the development of cultural arts and to foster patriotism.
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Bae Geunhan)
Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)
Mudeungsan National Park is a mountain park lining the edge of Hwasun-gun, Damyang-gun and Gwangju.
Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))
Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju.
Gwangju Yangdong Market (광주 양동시장)
Yangdong Market started in the 1910s as a traditional market held on dates ending in 2 and 7 of every month on the white sand beach under Gwangjugyo Bridge.
1913 Songjeong Station Market (1913송정역시장)
Songjeong Station Market was opened in 1913 in connection with the opening of Gwangju-Songjeong Station.
In particular, the year 2025 has been designated “Visit Gwangju Year,” featuring a wide array of cultural, artistic, and sports festivals and events. Don't miss the ACC World Music Festival, a global music celebration that adds to the summer excitement, and the Gwangju Design Biennale, held only in odd-numbered years. If you're looking for an authentic Korean festival experience, the Gwangju Kimchi Festival is the perfect choice.
ACC World Music Festival
(Aug. 29-31, 2025)
Gwangju Design Biennale (Aug. 30 – Nov. 2, 2025)
(Aug. 30 – Nov. 2, 2025)
Gwangju Kimchi Festival
(Oct. 31 – Nov. 2, 2025)
#yeosu_top_attractionsTo Koreans, Yeosu’s night sea is the very symbol of romance. Drawing over 10 million visitors annually, Yeosu is a beloved coastal destination offering diverse marine attractions—from Hallyeohaesang National Park to the maritime cable car and ocean railbike. When night falls, why not enjoy a drink at the famous Romantic Cart Bars, with the enchanting night sea as your perfect backdrop?
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - IR Studio)
Hallyeohaesang National Park (Odongdo Island District)
(한려해상국립공원 (오동도))
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Kim Jiho)
Yeosu Maritime Cable Car
(여수 해상케이블카)
Yeosu Ocean Railbike
(여수해양레일바이크)
Romantic Cart Bars
(낭만포차거리)
#suncheon_top_attractionsSuncheon is a city rich in natural attractions, with Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve and Suncheonman Bay National Garden standing out as must-visit spots. Seonamsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws visitors year-round with its stunning natural surroundings. A recreated 1960s–1980s film set street and a traditional market also make any trip to Suncheon truly special.
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Kim Jiho)
Suncheonman Bay National Garden
(순천만국가정원)
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Kim Jiho)
Seonamsa Temple [UNESCO World Heritage]
(선암사 [유네스코 세계문화유산])
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Kim Jiho)
Suncheon Filming Location
(순천 드라마 세트장)
Suncheon Aretjang Market
(순천 아랫장 (2,7일))
#mokpo_top_attractionsMokpo is perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring on foot, with many major attractions located within walking distance of one another. As a port city, it offers great seaside experiences like the marine cable car and dancing sea fountain. Near Mokpo Station, you’ll find well-preserved modern-era buildings that add a distinctive charm to the city. While you're in the area, be sure to look for Yeonhee’s Supermarket, a filming location from the movie “1987: When the Day Comes (2017).”
Mokpo Marine Cable Car(목포 해상케이블카)
Dancing Sea Fountain
(춤추는 바다분수)
Mokpo Modern History Museum Hall
(목포 근대역사관)
(Credit: KTO Photo Korea - Lee Bumsu)
Yeonhee’s Supermarket
(연희네 슈퍼)
Suggested Travel Itineraries
How about a relaxed trip, spending a day in each of Jeollanam-do’s key cities? Here’s a guided signature travel itineraries for each city—featuring iconic landmarks, popular K-dramas and TV show filming locations, and scenic spots where you can fully enjoy the sea and nature.
#gwangju_recommended_itineraries
Feel the culture and history infused into the daily life
Gwangju: K-Drama blended into everyday life
#jeollanam_do_yeosu_recommended_itineraries
Yeosu: A cultural journey through nature, history, and sensibilities
Namparang Trail Course 55, Flowing with the Coastal Trails of Yeosu
#jeollanam_do_suncheon_recommended_itineraries
Filming Spots: “Running Man” in Suncheon
Rocket Punch’s Pick: Eco-city Suncheon
#jeollanam_do_mokpo_recommended_itineraries
Mokpo: Meeting Hallyu through history
Mokpo: Diverse ways to enjoy the charms of the sea
Discover Jeollanam-do through Videos
Get a virtual taste of Yeosu, Suncheon, and Mokpo—ready to explore?
Discover 7 Popular Places in Yeosu&Suncheon
Discover 7 Popular Places in Yeosu&Suncheon
Slow city, Mokpo
Slow city, Mokpo
JEOLLADO
JEOLLADO
Getting to Gwangju & Jeollanam-do
Although Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are located relatively far from Seoul, KTX trains can get you to Gwangju in under two hours and to Mokpo in under three. Both Gwangju and Yeosu have their own airports—Gwangju Airport and Yeosu Airport—with flights from Gimpo International Airport and Jeju International Airport taking approximately one hour.
1. From Incheon International Airport to Gwangju
By Bus: Take an intercity bus from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Bus Stop to Gwangju Bus Terminal (approximately 4 hours)
By Train: Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), then transfer to the KTX train bound for Gwangju Songjeong Station (approximately 2 hours)
2. From Gwangju to Yeosu
By Bus: Take an intercity bus from Gwangju Bus Terminal to Yeocheon Intercity Bus Stop (approximately 1 hour 25 minutes)
3. From Gwangju to Suncheon
By Bus: Take an intercity bus from Gwangju Bus Terminal to Suncheon Bus Terminal (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes)
4. From Incheon International Airport to Mokpo
By Train: Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Incheon International Airport to Seoul Station (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), then transfer to the KTX train bound for Mokpo Station (approximately 2 hours 40 minutes)
By Bus: Take an intercity bus from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Bus Stop to Mokpo Bus Terminal (approximately 4 hours 10 minutes)
Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
▶ Go to Incheon International Airport
Go to Gwangju Tourism (English, Japanese, Chinese)
Go to Jeollanam-do Tourism Organization (English)
- 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330
- 1330 Text Chat: https://url.kr/PBeNi2
- (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian)
* This content was last updated in Jul 2025, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check for updates before visiting.
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