Founded over 2,000 years ago Gwangju is known for its long history, unique cuisine, and for being a major arts and cultural hub in South Korea.

The city lies in the historic Jeolla region of Korea, a region that has some of the most fertile farming land in all of Korea, as well as sweeping valleys, in the mountains to the east. This is what helps to make Gwangju a cuisine capital of the Korean Peninsula. 

The city has a rich history; From being an important administrative centre of Baekje during the three kingdoms period, to a leading centre of resistance to the Imperial Japanese rule over Korea, and now an important centre of reform within the modern Republic of Korea. Some describe the city as city as one of the roots of Korean Democracy. 

This rich history has also attracted many artists to Gwangju. This gives the city a beautiful mix of ancient tradition and culture while also being a hub of modern art.