Gwangju, heading toward a city of democracy, human rights and peace, is the 5th largest city and situated 300 kilometres south from Seoul as a center of the south-western part of the Korean Peninsula. Gwangju strives to provide environmental-friendly living, and preserve traditional culture and arts of Korea.

Gwangju has held Gwangju Biennale, which has been growing into one of the most renowned biennials and Gwangju Design Biennale, which has demonstrated the current design trends so that Gwangju has been transforming into a world culture city.

Number of inhabitants: 1 533 000