Muan-gun is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 9 neighborhoods (3 eup · 6 myeon) and 95,516 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Samhyang-eup with 37,257.
9neighborhoods
95,516residents
Landmark stamp: Hoesan White Lotus Pond
Spanning a massive freshwater reservoir in Muan, this serene wetland park flourishes with blooming white lotus flowers and wooden walkways during summertime.
What to see
Long wooden boardwalks stretch gracefully over the expansive reservoir covered with pure white lotus blossoms and lush green pads.
Visitor tip
Visiting in midsummer when the lotus flowers fully bloom allows travelers to enjoy lively seasonal festivals and rich wetland nature.
Food nearby
Chewy small octopus harvested from local tidal flats and aromatic lotus leaf tea make for a memorable culinary experience in Muan.
Food, festivals and stories of Muan-gun
Local food
Muan is famous for tender mudflat octopus, prized nationwide for its chewy texture and refreshing taste straight from the coast.
Festivals
The Muan White Lotus Festival takes place each summer around Hoesan White Lotus Pond, celebrating beautiful blooming water lilies.
Did you know?
Muan International Airport operates as an important regional aviation hub connecting southwestern Korea to various domestic and Asian destinations.
Local story
Expansive tidal flats along the Muan coast provide a thriving natural sanctuary for mudskippers, crabs, and migratory marine birds.
Neighborhoods of Muan-gun (9)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Muan-eup무안읍eup · 10,434 residents
Name: The name was bestowed during the Silla era with hopes of diligently striving to bring peace and comfort to the people.
Photo spot: Taking a stroll along the paths of Mulmaji Healing Forest offers scenic photo spots surrounded by lush trees and cascading waterfalls.
Food: You can savor tender small octopuses and spicy octopus soup around the vibrant local food alley near the terminal.
Story: The vast Hoesan White Lotus Pond originated when a dedicated local villager planted twelve white lotus roots along the reservoir edge.
Photo spot: Standing on the wooden observation deck at Hoesan White Lotus Pond lets you capture endless sweeps of emerald lotus leaves.
Fun fact: This town is celebrated as the vibrant birthplace of Pumba, the traditional musical theater and comedic street performance of traveling troupes.
Story: Master Choui, the revered Buddhist monk who revived traditional Korean tea culture during the late Joseon Dynasty, was born in this village.
Photo spot: Walking along the scenic lakeside path at Namak Waterfront Park offers great angles for photographing the sunset reflecting on urban waters.
Story: Legend holds that King Wang Geon crossed the shallow stream safely during battle after a wise elder guided him in a dream.
Food: Local eateries are renowned for grilling thick pork belly over intense straw fires, infusing the tender meat with a smoky aroma.
Photo spot: Standing at the historic Sikyeongjeong Pavilion on the river bluff allows you to photograph the scenic, winding curve of the Yeongsan River.
Story: Legend says that Master Wonmyeong practiced asceticism here and helped five hundred Buddhist disciples attain enlightenment on Mount Seungdalsan.
Photo spot: Hiking along the ridge of Seungdalsan Mountain treats visitors to sweeping panoramic vistas of the blue West Sea and surrounding archipelago.
Photo spot: Holtong Beach, featuring a lush pine grove along a crescent-shaped sandy shore, provides a lovely vantage point for photographing golden sunsets.
Food: Nutritious red clay fields nourished by sea breezes yield sweet, crisp onions known throughout the country for their rich flavor.
Name: The poetic name Mangun translates to gazing at clouds, reflecting scenic shores where villagers looked upon white clouds drifting over coastal horizon.
Photo spot: Topmeori Beach, marked by a distinctive airplane-shaped lighthouse, is a beloved photography destination as the evening tide glows in scarlet colors.
Fun fact: Hosting Muan International Airport, this coastal town lets travelers watch passenger aircraft soaring high above peaceful tidal mudflats.
Name: The name Haeje signifies the ocean's edge, describing its unique geographical setting as a slender peninsula jutting deep into the surrounding sea.
Photo spot: Doripo Port, framed by the soaring Chilsan Bridge, offers a rare vantage point on the western coast to photograph radiant sunrises over calm waters.
Fun fact: Muan Hwangto Tidal Flat Land, recognized as an internationally protected wetland, lets visitors encounter diverse mudflat creatures like fiddler crabs and mudskippers.
Name: The administrative name originated simply by combining characters denoting the southern territory of the former historical Mangun district.
Photo spot: Crossing Gimdaejung Bridge connecting to Aphaedo Island presents marvelous views for photographing glittering silver waves stretching across the ocean channel.
Food: Fragrant sea green gamtae and traditionally cultivated laver harvested from pristine tidal waters are celebrated local sea delicacies.
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.