Kwangju
(1999 pop. 1.3 million). Kwangju is the capital of South Cholla Province (Cholla namdo) in southwestern Republic of Korea (South Korea). It has a total area of 744.22 square kilometers. The administratively autonomous Kwangju Metropolitan City, however, occupies only 478.37 square kilometers, with the rest of the area divided among Changsong, Tamyang, and Hwasun counties and the city of Naju.
Kwangju is located in the fertile basin of the Kungnak River (a tributary of the Yongsan River). Kwangju is also surrounded by six mountains. Populated since prehistoric times, Kwangju was a part of the Paekche (18 BCE–663 CE) and Later Paekche (892–936) kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms period. In between, it was a part of the Later Shilla Kingdom (668–892). Prior to 940, the region was also known as Mujin or Muju.
Some of the key industries based in Kwangju are telecommunications and information technology; material, electrical, biotechnology, and environmental engineering; energy; manufacturing; export; and service sectors.
Kwangju has been the site of two historic uprisings. In 1929, students rose up against the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910–1945). In 1980, civilians protested Chun Doo Hwan's 1979 coup and ensuing events, such as the imprisonment of dissident Kim Dae Jung.
Further Reading
Nilsen, Robert. (1997) South Korea Handbook. Chico, CA: Moon Publications.
Storey, Robert, and Alex English. (2001) Korea. 5th ed. Berkeley, CA: Lonely Planet Publications.
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