Nam-gu is one of 27 cities, counties and districts in Gwangju · Jeollanam-do. It has 17 neighborhoods (17 dong) and 204,825 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Bongseon 2-dong with 27,078.
17neighborhoods
204,825residents
Landmark stamp: Penguin Village
This charming artistic alleyway in Gwangju showcases creative murals and nostalgic crafts made from recycled household items and vintage clocks.
History
Residents named this community after elderly neighbors walking like penguins and transformed narrow alleys using discarded daily objects and art.
What to see
Playful junk art installations made from abandoned clocks and kitchenware decorate the weathered walls, creating charming nostalgic outdoor exhibitions.
Visitor tip
Combining your stroll with nearby historic Western missionary houses in Yangnim-dong offers a richer walk through local modern heritage.
Food, festivals and stories of Nam-gu
Local food
Nam-gu is home to Gwangju Kimchi Town, where visitors can make and taste richly seasoned southern Korean kimchi.
Did you know?
Yangnim-dong attracts travelers with preserved Western missionary residences from a century ago and artistic Penguin Village alleys.
Local story
The folk tradition of Gossaum in Nam-gu pitted giant straw ropes together during the first full moon for good harvest.
Neighborhoods of Nam-gu (17)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Yangnim-dong양림동dong · 6,040 residents
Name: The name originated from Chinese characters meaning willow and forest because dense willow groves once grew along the riverside.
Photo spot: Penguin Village features charming alleys delightfully decorated with colorful murals and repurposed vintage items collected by local residents.
Story: Western missionaries settled here over a century ago, establishing early modern schools and medical facilities that shaped local heritage.
Story: Local tales recount how ancient villagers constructed sturdy protective earth embankments along Gwangjucheon Stream to prevent disastrous seasonal floods.
Fun fact: The leafy Pureungil Park pathway cuts through the neighborhood, welcoming neighbors who gather for morning jogs and quiet evening strolls.
Name: The name stems from traditional geomancy portraying the neighborhood as a blessed retreat where sacred phoenixes nested and celestial beings wandered.
Story: Legends recount that scholars once gathered beside crystal streams in this valley, washing away worldly worries while dedicating themselves to classical study.
Photo spot: Strolling beneath the towering metasequoia trees at Yuan Neighborhood Park offers visitors a tranquil setting to admire changing seasonal colors.
Fun fact: The district stands as a well-planned residential quarter characterized by orderly apartment estates, modern libraries, and rich educational resources.
Name: The neighborhood owes its name to the historic Sajikdan altar, where sacred state rituals honoring earth and harvest spirits were performed.
Photo spot: Climbing the observation tower at Sajik Park rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the downtown cityscape against Mudeungsan mountain.
Story: Musicians gathered along the acoustic guitar street with their instruments, fostering a romantic live performance culture that continues to resonate today.
Name: The name Dalmoe, meaning moon mountain, originated because the rounded silhouette of the ridge resembled the glowing face of a full moon.
Story: Legends recount that Joseon scholars once climbed Subakdeung hill to compose poems, enjoy nature, and carve intricate calligraphy onto rocky boulders.
Photo spot: The mural street in Dalmoe Village features whimsical wall paintings harmonizing beautifully with cozy, nostalgic residential alleyways.
Fun fact: Peaceful houses are clustered snugly along sunlit hillside slopes, preserving the warm and tight-knit atmosphere of a classic hillside neighborhood.
Food: Local neighborhood diners serve steaming earthenware bowls of savory soup accompanied by a generous array of flavorful regional side dishes.
Fun fact: Conveniently linked to Daenam-daero avenue, the area features a well-balanced mix of local commercial storefronts and peaceful residential houses.
Name: The name arose from picturesque scenery where fluffy white clouds constantly enveloped the surrounding mountain peaks and gentle slopes.
Photo spot: Walking along Pureungil Park, built over the former Gyeongjeon Line railroad, offers refreshing moments surrounded by seasonal green trees.
Photo spot: Stepping onto the pedestrian overpass near Baegun Square offers panoramic nighttime views of sparkling city traffic and bright commercial signs.
Story: Local elders share an endearing tale that mountain spirits once rested here beneath misty hilltops where white clouds drifted peacefully.
Food: Aromas of savory bindaetteok and traditional Korean pancakes wafting through Mudeung Market alleys entice hungry market visitors to stop and feast.
Story: Legend tells of a natural spring beneath Jeseoksan whose sweet water never ran dry even during extreme historical droughts.
Name: The name was created by uniting the initial characters from two historical farming villages, Jinje and Wolsan.
Photo spot: The floral walking paths along the Jinwol section of Pureungil Park provide wonderful seasonal settings for capturing colorful outdoor snapshots.
Story: Folklore holds that prayers whispered when the full moon brightly illuminates the summit of Nojeokbong will bring rich annual farm harvests.
Name: The name honors the devoted filial piety and virtuous character of Joseon scholar Choe An-son, celebrated for his exceptional respect toward parents.
Story: Deongnam Village preserves timeless folklore about noble ancestors who exemplified deep neighborly kindness and mutual respect for community elders.
Name: The name was derived from Chinese characters for pine and rock, depicting scenery graced with dense evergreen woods and majestic boulders.
Photo spot: Pochungsa Shrine, honoring patriot Go Gyeong-myeong, presents picturesque vistas with quiet memorial halls sheltered beneath centuries-old trees.
Story: Chilseok Village preserves the thrilling tradition of Gossaum Nori, a monumental straw loop-pushing folk game staged to ensure prosperous harvest seasons.
Name: The name translates literally to a large village, reflecting the expansive agricultural settlement that developed across the fertile open plains.
Photo spot: Traditional hanok mudstone walls around Pochungsa and expansive green rice paddies provide enchanting backdrops for capturing timeless rural photography.
Story: Historical tales tell of righteous army soldiers marching across these open fields to defend their country with unwavering bravery during past invasions.
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.