Gwangju, South Korea 🇰🇷
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gwangju is a vibrant city in South Korea known for its rich history, arts scene, and dynamic culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps, often reaching over 1 Gbps in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KRW ≈ 0.00075 USD. ATMs accept major cards, and most banks support foreign transactions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable, but bottled water is commonly consumed. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available providers include SKT, KT, LG U+; prepaid SIM cards are easily accessible at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Types accepted include Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, and international services like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available through Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments like The October. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, including mobile payment options like Samsung Pay and Naver Pay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and local options such as Naver Home are popular. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | You can find affordable hostels such as Gwangju Hostel or guesthouses starting from 15,000 KRW per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Cube Coworking Space - Features modern facilities and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Lab - Known for its ambiance, strong Wi-Fi, and ample power outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Gwangju Expat Meetups every month, including workshops and social gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Gwangju International Center hosts various gatherings and cultural exchange events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Kakao T - Popular ride-hailing app with English language support. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services available through Gwangju Bike, with many stations throughout the city. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Mudeungsan National Park, approximately 30 minutes by bus, offers scenic outdoor activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | T-WAY Air - provides connecting flights to Jeju and other regions from Gwangju Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Korean Air, Asiana Airlines with services connecting to major international hubs. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to Gwangju-Jeonnam Highway allows easy connections to Busan and Seoul. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gwangju Songjeong Station - connects to KTX and various regional trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Gwangju City Pass - offers discount on transportation including buses and light rail. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Intercity bus services are available through Gwangju Bus Terminal. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chosun University Hospital - Well-equipped for international patients. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Plaza Gwangju - Offers a variety of classes in a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club 24 - A popular 24-hour gym option for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromats are widespread; near Gwangju Biennale, you can find clean facilities. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok - The leading food delivery app with extensive local options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bibimbap - Gwangju is renowned for this traditional dish, especially at Jeollanam-do restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Sonnyeon Veggie - A popular vegetarian restaurant offering diverse and delicious dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Doughnut Plant - Known for unique and tasty homemade doughnuts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Gwangju Yangdong Market- Great for inexpensive local produce and snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Gmarket and 11st are popular for online shopping for various products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Coupang provides excellent grocery delivery service with quick options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Chonnam National University area is popular for nightlife and dining options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Gwangju Craft Brewery - Offers local brews and tasting tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar - Specializes in local and imported wine selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls at Gwangju Night Market featuring tteokbokki and hotteok. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro Ecole - Popular for French cuisine within the Gwangju area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Mudeungsan Mountain - A beautiful backdrop and perfect for hiking. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gwangju Biennale Foundation - Hosts various contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Gwangju National Museum - Showcases the region's rich history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Seungli Temple - A serene place to experience local Buddhist culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Gwangju Biennale held every two years celebrates contemporary art. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Yangnim-dong - Known for its cultural atmosphere, galleries, and cafes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Gwangju Cultural Center - Regular performances from local artists. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Yangdong Market - A traditional market offering local delicacies and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Gwangju has a vibrant indie music scene with various live venues around the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the street art scene in the downtown area, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Korean Cooking Class - Offers hands-on experiences of Korean cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Space Gwangju - A contemporary art gallery exhibiting emerging artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The 5.18 Memorial Park - A historic site paying tribute to the Gwangju Uprising. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The local folk museum showcases the culture and traditions of Jeolla Province. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mudeungsan National Park - Known for its hiking trails and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Naejangsan National Park - Famous for its autumn foliage, located about an hour away. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Gwangju River Trail - A maintained path perfect for walks and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mudeungsan offers breathtaking views over Gwangju, especially at sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near the city provide a habitat for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Mudeungsan National Park allow bonfires in designated spots. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Korea Post offers reliable domestic and international parcel services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various services available at Electronics Market in the city center. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers and parks offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Gwangju Language Academy - Offers Korean language courses for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Gwangju Metropolitan Library provides quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Gwangju International Center - A hub for the expat community with various resources. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC Bangs are popular in Gwangju, often busy with gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Paradise City, located about an hour away, is a major casino destination. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩3,500,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₩105,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩2,800,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ₩84,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩3,200,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₩160,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩2,500,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ₩125,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ₩3,000,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩240,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ₩2,300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ₩184,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 22% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 42% |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there's a CFC taxation system applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 4% for transactions. |