Hwasun-gun is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 13 neighborhoods (1 eup · 12 myeon) and 59,793 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Hwasun-eup with 38,781.
13neighborhoods
59,793residents
Landmark stamp: Hwasun Dolmen Site
Scattered across scenic valleys and forested hillsides, numerous ancient megalithic tombs and historic quarry sites offer valuable insight into prehistoric life.
History
Hundreds of megalithic dolmens and ancient stone quarries from the Bronze Age remain preserved together along this tranquil mountain valley.
What to see
Strolling along forested paths reveals massive ancient capstones scattered naturally across scenic hillsides and quiet forested glades.
Visitor tip
Wearing comfortable walking shoes is recommended since the historic site extends across a long valley between two rural villages.
Food, festivals and stories of Hwasun-gun
Did you know?
Hwasun Dolmen Site is a UNESCO World Heritage treasure featuring hundreds of remarkably preserved prehistoric megalithic stone monuments.
Local food
Hwasun is well known for wholesome black goat dishes and brightly colored, crisp bell peppers grown in fertile soils.
Local story
Unjusa Temple preserves a fascinating folktale about an attempt to construct one thousand Buddhas and pagodas in a single night.
Neighborhoods of Hwasun-gun (13)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Hwasun-eup화순읍eup · 38,781 residents
Photo spot: In winter, the snow-covered crapemyrtle tree hung with red lotus lanterns in front of Manyeonsa Temple creates a stunning photographic scene.
Food: Hwasun Goindol Traditional Market opens on days ending in three and eight, attracting crowds eager to taste hearty market soup and snacks.
Name: The name originated from the Chinese characters for cold and stream, referring to a historic well where clear, icy spring water welled up.
Photo spot: Hancheon Natural Recreation Forest offers lush cypress trails and cozy wooden cabins, making it an ideal spot for peaceful walks and photography.
Story: Traces of ancient quarrying still remain on huge stones in Daesin-ri, whispering mysterious folklore and stone-moving legends of prehistoric people.
Name: The name was crafted from Chinese characters meaning spring and sunlight, signifying a peaceful village gently warmed by pleasant sunshine.
Name: The name combines characters for clear and wind, describing a pleasant village blessed with refreshing breezes and picturesque natural surroundings.
Fun fact: Cool breezes continuously blow across the ridges of Hwahaksan Mountain, making it a wonderful destination to hike and breathe fresh air.
Story: Ssangbongsa Temple preserves an exquisitely carved stupa of Master Cheolgam, conveying historic legends and the deep spirit of Buddhist devotion.
Photo spot: The courtyard of Ssangbongsa Temple features a unique three-story wooden pavilion, providing an extraordinary backdrop for peaceful cultural photography.
Photo spot: Walking along the valley of Hyosan-ri reveals clusters of prehistoric dolmens, providing travelers with awe-inspiring photo opportunities from ancient times.
Fun fact: Featuring abundant natural hot springs, Dogok Spa district offers weary travelers soothing warm waters to relax and rejuvenate their bodies.
Story: Legend says Master Doseon attempted to erect one thousand stone Buddhas and pagodas in a single night to open paradise.
Photo spot: Posing before the reclining stone Buddhas lying peacefully side by side at Unjusa Temple offers an unforgettable and mystical photo experience.
Photo spot: Facing the deep waters of Lake Dongbokho, the towering red sandstone cliffs of Norumok Jeokbyeok create a majestic photographic vista.
Story: Wandering poet Kim Satgat was reportedly so captivated by the breathtaking scenic cliffs that he stopped wandering to compose spontaneous poetry.
Fun fact: The centuries-old ginkgo tree in Yasa-ri stands as a sacred guardian tree, peacefully preserving village traditions and rural memories.
Name: The area was named using Chinese characters for white goose, describing how its limestone crags resemble giant white geese in flight.
Photo spot: Standing upon the Baegasan Suspension Bridge between towering rock peaks rewards adventurous travelers with dramatic landscape photographs against wide open skies.
Story: Rugged rocky ridges hold tragic memories and lingering wartime tales from partisans who hid amidst the cliffs during the Korean War.
Story: The eccentric wandering poet Kim Satgat spent his final peaceful days and passed away in a quiet house in Guam-ri.
Photo spot: The serene waterside grove in Yeondun-ri mirrors ancient zelkova and hornbeam trees on quiet currents, offering magical reflections for photographers.
Fun fact: Historically blessed with paper mulberry trees, this district was widely recognized for producing high-quality traditional Korean mulberry paper.
Name: The name reflects Chinese characters for sand and flat plain, describing the broad and gentle sandy shores flanking the local streams.
Photo spot: Strolling beside the tranquil lotus ponds and artificial islets of Imdaejeong Garden allows visitors to capture refined snapshots of Joseon landscaping.
Food: Savory marsh snail soup cooked with fresh snails gathered from clear streams offers travelers a deeply comforting and revitalizing local delicacy.
Story: Deep underground mining tunnels preserve poignant memories and touching tales of coal miners who fueled modern heating across the nation for generations.
Fun fact: Having concluded over a century of coal extraction, the historic Hwasun Coal Mine is gradually transforming into a peaceful historic resting ground.
Name: Situated directly east of the central town of Hwasun, this peaceful rural community naturally earned its straightforward geographic name.
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.