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Naju-si, Gwangju · Jeollanam-do

Naju-si is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 20 neighborhoods (7 dong · 1 eup · 12 myeon) and 116,743 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Bitgaram-dong with 39,786.

20neighborhoods

116,743residents

Landmark stamp: Yeongsanpo Lighthouse

Erected beside the Yeongsan River in Naju, this historic inland lighthouse once guided merchant boats during the active era of river transportation.

History: Built along the inland Yeongsan River, this historic river lighthouse once guided cargo boats navigating inland waterways during the Japanese colonial era.
What to see: Peaceful river views and expansive seasonal flower fields create a relaxing ambiance along the scenic riverside walking paths of the port.
Food nearby: Sampling fermented skate served alongside tender boiled pork and ripe kimchi on the nearby food street offers an authentic regional culinary treat.

Food, festivals and stories of Naju-si

Local food: Clear beef broth served in hearty bowls of Naju gomtang and sweet juicy pears are celebrated regional specialties.
Local story: Wansacheon Spring preserves the famous romantic legend where King Taejo Wang Geon first met Empress Janghwa over drinking water.
Did you know?: Naju preserves historic heritage from the Joseon Dynasty, including the dignified Geumseonggwan hall and traditional fortress gates.

Neighborhoods of Naju-si (20)

Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.

Nampyeong-eup남평읍eup · 11,553 residents

Story: Legend says Mun Da-seong, the founding ancestor of a prominent clan, was discovered near Munam Rock.
Photo spot: Ddeudeulgang Pine Forest Park offers a scenic riverside path surrounded by lush pine trees for pleasant walks.

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Seji-myeon세지면myeon · 2,248 residents

Food: Sweet melons with rich aroma thrive here thanks to abundant sunlight and fertile agricultural soil.
Fun fact: Hwatap Village set amid open fields preserves a peaceful rural landscape combining sweet pears and cattle farms.

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Wanggok-myeon왕곡면myeon · 2,519 residents

Name: The district was named by combining characters from the former administrative areas of Wangsa and Gokcheon.
Fun fact: Fertile rice fields and bountiful orchards stretch peacefully along the winding streams that flow into the Yeongsan River.

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Bannam-myeon반남면myeon · 1,203 residents

Story: Folk legends tell of an altar atop Mount Jamisan where villagers gathered to pray for rain during droughts.
Fun fact: Ancient jar coffins crafted during the Mahan period remain preserved within the Deoksan-ri and Sinchon-ri tumuli.
Photo spot: The spacious lawns and tumulus walking paths around the museum evoke walks through ancient history.

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Gongsan-myeon공산면myeon · 1,988 residents

Photo spot: The drama theme park perched above the Yeongsan River provides impressive fortress walls for memorable outdoor photos.
Food: Sweet watermelons grown in fertile loess soil alongside fresh river breezes are celebrated each summer for their crispness.

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Donggang-myeon동강면myeon · 2,142 residents

Photo spot: Climbing the Neureoji Observatory reveals an impressive panorama where the curving river traces the outline of the Korean Peninsula.
Story: Local lore recalls ancient boatmen holding guardian rituals near Okjeong-ri ferry to pray for safe river crossings.

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Dasi-myeon다시면myeon · 3,177 residents

Story: Stories recall scholar Baekho Im Je composing famous mournful verses when passing the grave of courtesan Hwang Jin-i.
Photo spot: Perched on a cliff by the Yeongsan River, Yeongmojeong Pavilion captures sweeping waters and historic wooden architecture.
Fun fact: Splendid gilt-bronze shoes and valuable treasures dating from the Three Kingdoms era were excavated at the Bogam-ri tumuli.

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Munpyeong-myeon문평면myeon · 1,654 residents

Name: The district was named Munpyeong to honor a peaceful countryside where celebrated scholars and literary figures flourished.
Fun fact: Myeongha Village preserves the time-honored craft of fermenting indigo plants to dye traditional fabrics with deep blue tones.

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Noan-myeon노안면myeon · 4,063 residents

Photo spot: Built with red bricks, historic Noan Catholic Church stands serenely against the green landscape of Iseulchon Village.
Story: Villagers say early believers sought refuge along mountain slopes, praying through morning dew to keep their steadfast faith.

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Geumcheon-myeon금천면myeon · 6,740 residents

Food: White pear blossoms blanket the orchards each spring, yielding sweet, juicy pears harvested during the brisk autumn season.
Photo spot: Walking trails lined with pear trees around the Pear Museum offer lovely backdrops beneath white blossoms each spring.

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Sanpo-myeon산포면myeon · 2,959 residents

Photo spot: Towering metasequoia tree lanes at the Jeollanam-do Forest Resources Research Institute offer magnificent settings for travel photos year-round.
Name: The name Sanpo combines Chinese characters for mountain and port, reflecting geography where boats docked near protective hills.

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Dado-myeon다도면myeon · 1,731 residents

Story: Folk beliefs say the ancient stone guardian couple standing before Bulhoesa Temple wards off misfortune from entering the valley.
Photo spot: Lakeside roads curling gently around Lake Najuho reveal enchanting scenic vistas, especially during misty early mornings.

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Bonghwang-myeon봉황면myeon · 3,647 residents

Name: The district was named Bonghwang because its surrounding mountain contours resemble a mythical phoenix taking flight with spread wings.
Story: Whimsical stone totems standing at the former Unheungsa Temple grounds carry legends of granting villagers wishes and warding off calamities.

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Songwol-dong송월동dong · 11,277 residents

Name: The lyrical name Songwol originated from serene scenes of bright moonlight illuminating gentle pine woods on clear nights.
Fun fact: Hosting KTX Naju Station alongside City Hall, this district bustles with travelers and serves as a key municipal hub.

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Yeonggang-dong영강동dong · 2,410 residents

Story: Lore recounts King Taejo Wang Geon mooring naval vessels along Gujinpo while commanding operations during the Later Three Kingdoms era.
Food: Gujinpo where river and tidal currents once met earned fame for fresh grilled eels seasoned with aromatic traditional glazes.

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Geumnam-dong금남동dong · 4,084 residents

Fun fact: Geumseonggwan, the former royal guesthouse of Naju, exhibits majestic Joseon administrative architecture through its sweeping tiled roof.
Food: Storied local diners clustered along historic alleys serve clear beef broth with tender meat poured repeatedly over warm rice.
Photo spot: The courtyard of Naju Hyanggyo Confucian School preserves classical lecture pavilions, providing tranquil backdrops for timeless photographs.

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Seongbuk-dong성북동dong · 7,859 residents

Story: The ancient hackberry tree at the magistrate residence symbolizes good fortune after sprouting fresh green foliage following a lightning strike.
Photo spot: Sitting upon the wooden porch of Geumhakheon lets travelers take graceful photos capturing the nostalgic ambience of historic living quarters.

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Yeongsan-dong영산동dong · 2,659 residents

Food: Fermented skate that naturally matured while carried along ancient river currents delivers a pungent aroma and famously intense local flavor.
Photo spot: Bright canola blossoms blanket riverside fields beside the historic Yeongsanpo Lighthouse each spring, drawing photographers to the scenic waterfront.
Story: Folk memory cherishes songs once sung by boatmen guiding wooden sailboats along the bustling docks of old Yeongsanpo Harbor.

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Ichang-dong이창동dong · 3,044 residents

Name: The name Ichang stems from the historical state storehouse where collected grain taxes were kept before transport down the river.
Food: Whenever the Yeongsanpo traditional market opens, hearty market soups simmering in iron cauldrons draw hungry crowds with rich aromas.

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Bitgaram-dong빛가람동dong · 39,786 residents

Name: The compound name combines the Korean word for light and river, embodying aspirations for a vibrant and flourishing community.
Photo spot: The observation tower atop Baemesan in the central lake park reveals panoramic vistas across water and modern buildings.

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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.