Dong-gu is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 13 neighborhoods (13 dong) and 105,222 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Jiwon 2-dong with 17,914.
13neighborhoods
105,222residents
Landmark stamp: National Asian Culture Center
Designed as an innovative underground cultural complex in Gwangju, this vast facility promotes international exchange through artistic exhibitions, performances, and creative research.
History
Built on the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Office site, this complex promotes cultural exchange and artistic research across Asia.
What to see
A green lawn plaza stretches above ground while unique architectural structures descend beneath the surface for visitors to explore.
Visitor tip
In the evening, gentle lights illuminate the outdoor plaza and glass skylights, making it an ideal spot for night strolls.
Food, festivals and stories of Dong-gu
Local food
Savory barley rice mixed with fresh mountain greens along Mudeungsan hiking trails is a cherished local favorite.
Festivals
The Chungjang Festival recreates nostalgic retro street culture with dynamic live performances and costumed parades in Dong-gu.
Did you know?
The Asia Culture Center in downtown Dong-gu functions as a global venue for diverse international artistic exhibitions and exchanges.
Local story
Chungjang-ro Street was historically named after the honorary posthumous title of General Kim Deok-ryeong from the Imjin War.
Neighborhoods of Dong-gu (13)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Chungjang-dong충장동dong · 5,862 residents
Name: The name honors the distinguished posthumous title granted to General Kim Deok-ryeong, a patriotic righteous army commander during the Imjin War.
Photo spot: The vibrant plaza and innovative media installations at the Asia Culture Center offer remarkable scenery for capturing unforgettable travel photographs.
Food: Hidden alleys behind the bustling fashion street gather popular snack bars serving traditional lettuce-wrapped fried delicacies cherished across generations.
Name: The name signifies a luminous village outside the east fortress gate that greets the warm morning sunlight before other surrounding areas.
Photo spot: The trendy cafe alley featuring preserved red-brick homes and traditional Hanok buildings provides an exceptionally picturesque backdrop for street photography.
Fun fact: Visitors can enjoy refreshing strolls through Pureungil Park, a transformed green linear park created along a retired railway corridor.
Story: A charming local legend tells that millions of diligent ants helped ancient villagers carry soil to construct the vital Gyeongyang Reservoir embankment.
Food: Situated near the traditional Daein Market, the area allows food lovers to enjoy hearty bowls of soup and fresh regional delicacies.
Fun fact: Wandering through the nostalgic used bookstore alley built over an old covered stream brings back timeless memories of vintage publications.
Name: The district was bestowed with its name reflecting hopes that the village would always flourish like a lush, peaceful forest.
Photo spot: Tree-lined streets in front of Gwangju High School and peaceful mural walls in residential alleys offer cozy settings for memorable photos.
Name: Its name originated from the scenic topography where graceful mountain peaks extending from Mudeungsan Mountain meet clear natural streams.
Photo spot: Sitting under the leafy tree canopy of Pureungil Park provides a refreshing atmosphere to take charming photos surrounded by lush greenery.
Photo spot: Strolling along the whimsical mural lane near Sansu Underpass bordering Duam-dong offers delightful opportunities to photograph quaint neighborhood art.
Food: Cozy eateries nestled near the central neighborhood intersection serve savory traditional stews and comforting home-style meals with rich southern seasonings.
Name: The name signifies an auspicious community settled peacefully where the sturdy mountain ridges of Mudeungsan Mountain slope into the city basin.
Fun fact: Housing the regional court and prosecutors office, the quiet district features legal offices alongside tidy, well-regarded restaurants and comfortable cafes.
Story: The preserved traditional residence where master painter Oh Ji-ho lived and created celebrated masterpieces still conveys rich artistic inspirations today.
Photo spot: Riding the vintage resort monorail and chairlift up the mountain ridge allows visitors to photograph expansive panoramic views of the city.
Food: The famous barley rice street along the resort approach serves fragrant bowls filled with wild mountain herbs and rich sesame oil.
Name: The administrative name was created by joining syllables from Seoseok-dong and Nam-dong, representing unity and harmonious community growth.
Photo spot: The iconic white triangular rooflines of Chosun University main building and its vibrant blooming rose garden offer splendid photographic perspectives.
Story: Inspiring history recounts that over seventy thousand civic supporters united right after liberation to establish Chosun University through widespread collective donations.
Name: The village received its name because the gentle contours of the rear hill resemble a graceful crane taking flight into the sky.
Photo spot: Walking along the blossoming cherry tree tunnel beside Gwangjucheon Stream provides an idyllic, romantic atmosphere to snap wonderful spring photos.
Food: At Namgwangju Market, visitors can savor freshly caught sea eel, bountiful seafood varieties, and steaming bowls of spicy local soup.
Name: The composite name unites characters from Hak-dong and Unrim-dong, an evocative moniker describing misty clouds floating gently over mountain woods.
Photo spot: The understated modern pavilion and serene reflecting pond of Uijae Museum of Korean Art near Jeungsimsa Valley offer stunning photographic compositions.
Food: Hikers replenish their energy at trailhead restaurants by sharing crispy vegetable pancakes and refreshing bowls of seasoned acorn jelly salad.
Name: The welcoming neighborhood name was composed by blending the starting syllables of two ancient settlements, Jiseok Village and Wonrim Village.
Fun fact: Anchored by Sotae Station on the subway line, the area serves as an essential transit crossroads connecting downtown Gwangju with nearby Hwasun.
Photo spot: Walking along the tranquil cherry blossom canopy of the historic Neoritjae Old Path leading to Hwasun offers magnificent scenic photo opportunities.
Story: Folk stories recount how travelers traversing the steep mountain pass once gathered at roadside taverns on Neoritjae to share vibrant tales.
Fun fact: Nestled below Bunjeoksan Mountain with pristine streams, Wolnam Village preserves peaceful pastoral scenes surrounded by lush green woodlands.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.