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Gwangju, South Korea 🇰🇷
#798
,
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gwangju is a vibrant city located in the southwest of South Korea, known for its rich culture, art scene, and historical significance. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps with some areas offering up to 1 Gbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 KRW ≈ 0.00078 USD; major banks include Shinhan, Kookmin, and Hana Bank, which offer services in English. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from KT, SK Telecom, and LG U+ with good coverage and data plans starting around 25,000 KRW per month. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted; local banking options for expats include KEB Hana Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, serviced apartments, and long-term rentals via local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments like KakaoPay and NaverPay are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate platforms offer many options in various neighborhoods. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels such as Gwangju Kim's House offer beds starting from 15,000 KRW per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Mudeung Mountain area offers scenic views and accessibility to cultural sites. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Gwangju, particularly near the Art Street and Dongmyeong-dong area, is popular for cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | T-SPACE offers high-speed internet, private offices, and is located in the city center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe APE offers a quiet atmosphere, good coffee, and plentiful charging outlets. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various meetups organized by locals and expats are held at cultural centers and cafes, check social media for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Gwangju International Community Center organizes regular social events and language exchange programs. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Kakao T app is the most popular for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental services available through Gwangju's municipal bike-sharing program. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Daehaeng Beach, approximately 1 hour away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Korean Air services local destinations from Gwangju Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air offer international flight options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to the Gwangju Ring Expressway connects well with neighboring cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gwangju Songjeong Station connects to KTX high-speed trains. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Rechargeable Gwangju Transport Card offers discounts on buses and subways. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains and buses to Jeonju, Mokpo, and other nearby cities run frequently. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Chonnam National University Hospital provides excellent healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga House offers various classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and several local gyms provide affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats like Wash&Go are available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Baedal Minjok and Yogiyo are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Gwangju-style Tteokgalbi' (grilled short rib patties). |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian restaurants like 'Gwangju Veggie' offer various plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Nokcha Chae serves Korean traditional tea and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Yangdong Market offers local produce and street food at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Coupang and Gmarket are popular for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Homeplus and E-Mart provide grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Gwangju nightlife scene can be explored in the Dongmyeong-dong area. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Magpie Brewing Co. offers craft beer and brewery tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine & Beer Store offers a variety of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around the Dongmyeong-dong and Yangdong Market areas serve delicious treats. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bun Cha Hoang had great Vietnamese food options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gwangju Biennale Pavilion and the May 18th National Cemetery. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Gwangju Museum of Art showcases contemporary works. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The 5.18 Memorial Park is dedicated to the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Jeungsimsa Temple offers beautiful architecture and scenic views. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Gwangju Biennale, occurring every two years, is a must-visit arts festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Yangdong Art Street is home to galleries and artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Gwangju Cultural Center hosts various performances and shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bongwen Market is famous for its traditional goods and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Indie music venues like 'Mudeung' offer live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The Arcade of Gwangju showcases impressive street art. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Korean cooking classes available at 'Korean Food Academy'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Space R introduces local artists and contemporary art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Gwangju's Yeongam Jeokseong Hall hosts traditional architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Hyangsan-dong Cultural Heritage Center promotes intangible cultural assets. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mudeungsan National Park offers hiking trails and natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Jirisan National Park is accessible for a day trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Yeongsan River Path is perfect for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mudeungsan offers spectacular views of the city from its summit. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Gwangju Ecological Park is great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Mudeungsan National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like CJ Logistics and Lotte Global provide parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | LG Service Center and various local shops offer device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks feature ping pong tables for recreational play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Korean language classes are available at Gwangju Language School. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gwangju City Library offers quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Gwangju International Center hosts various cultural and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | PC Bangs (gaming cafes) are plentiful and offer high-speed internet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The nearest casino is in Seoul due to local regulations. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 90,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,200,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 66,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 3,500,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 210,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 2,800,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 168,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 4,000,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 320,000,000 KRW) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 3,200,000 KRW per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 256,000,000 KRW) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 10% standard corporate tax on income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 42% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | The standard Value Added Tax (VAT) is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations on foreign subsidiary income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is determined by local government assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% is the standard rate when purchasing properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from various deductions and lower business tax rates. |