//
City in Jeonnam-Gwangju, South Korea
Photo: WAKA77, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Gwangyang (광양시) is in South Jeolla on the south coast of South Korea. Positioned on the southern coast along Gwangyang Bay and bordered by Suncheon to the west and Hadong across the Seomjin River to the east, the city is best known as the heart of Korea's modern steel industry as well as the home of the country's earliest spring plum blossoms.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
A major modern and contemporary art museum located on the site of the former Gwangyang Station, hosting both regional and international exhibitions.
Offers stunning panoramic views of Gwangyang Bay, the container port, POSCO steel mill, and Yi Sun-sin Bridge. Spectacular night view point.
Located on Mount Baegun (1,222 m), this retreat offers hiking paths, an ecological forest, camping decks, and cedar forest bathing.
Gwangyang Plum Blossom Festival
Held every March in Seomjingang Maehwa Village, this is one of Korea's premier spring flower festivals. The hills along the Seomjin River are blanketed in fragrant white plum blossoms, and visitors can enjoy local plum-based delicacies and scenic walking trails.
Gwangyang Bulgogi Festival, Seocheon Bulgogi Festival
A riverside dining strip packed with dozens of historic restaurants specializing in traditional charcoal-grilled bulgogi.
One of the longest-running and most celebrated bulgogi establishments in town, passed down through three generations.
A reliable mid-range business hotel overlooking the harbor and Yi Sun-sin Bridge, with clean rooms, fitness center, and an on-site restaurant.
Gwangyang Port Harbor Bridge Hotel Yi Sun-sin Bridge branch
A business hotel conveniently located near Gwangyang Port and the POSCO industrial complex. Selected rooms offer panoramic views of the Yi Sun-sin Bridge, and guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and evening snacks.
By train
By bus
Gwangyang has two main bus terminals depending on your destination within the city:
By car
Driving gives maximum flexibility: from Seoul, follow the expressway through Suncheon–Wanju, then Namhae Expressway, exiting at Gwangyang IC.
From nearby airports
If you arrive via Yeosu Airport (when flights available), take a taxi or local transport from the airport to Gwangyang for a quick entry.
Local transport within Gwangyang
After arrival, local buses or taxis (including ride-hailing) can take you to accommodation, restaurants, or tourist spots.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Yeosu · Regional · RSU
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Gwangyang and South Korea.
Travel tipsComplete 2026 guide to South Korea travel requirements. Check K-ETA exemptions, application fees, arrival card rules, and Incheon transit procedures.
7 min read
ItinerariesExplore our Busan travel guide. Plan visits to Haeundae Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, and scenic Haedong Yonggungsa Temple.
6 min read
Travel tipsCompare Korea transport cards: T-money, WOWPASS, and Climate Card. Learn costs, subway coverage, reload rules, and which card fits your stay best.
7 min read
ItinerariesDiscover the best places to visit in South Korea, from Seoul royal palaces and Busan coastal seafood stalls to ancient Gyeongju tombs and Jeju Island.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.