Gwangju City News – October 2025
Gwangju Secures Record 3.66 Trillion Won in 2026 National Budget
Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on August 29 that 3.6616 trillion won has been allocated to regional projects in the government’s 2026 budget, the largest amount in the city’s history. The allocation is 337.2 billion won (10.1%) higher than last year and 275.8 billion won (8.1%) above the National Assembly’s final approval, surpassing the national budget growth rate of 8.1%.
Key projects include Phase 2 of the artificial intelligence (AI) initiative, a master plan for the AI Mobility National Pilot City project, and feasibility studies for three national cultural institutions: the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the National Museum of Korean History, and a branch of the National Assembly Library. The city expects the funding to drive future industry growth and enhance cultural infrastructure.
Gwangju’s Industrial Worker Breakfast Support Adopted as National Policy
Gwangju Metropolitan City’s breakfast support program for industrial complex workers has been adopted as a national policy under the Lee Jae-myung administration. Since March 2023, the city has provided affordable meals, such as gimbap and sandwiches at about half the market price, serving around 200 meals daily with high satisfaction.
The initiative, launched first in Hanam Industrial Complex and later expanded to the High- Tech Complex, improves worker health while supporting local agriculture through partnerships with the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. Recognized as Korea’s first of its kind, the program has become a model for other cities and a leading case of innovative labor welfare.
Gwangju Expands Legal Support for International Residents
Gwangju Metropolitan City and the Gwangju Bar Association take the lead in protecting the rights and interests of foreign residents. Gwangju Metropolitan City announced that the Gwangju International Residents Center (GIRC) and the Gwangju Bar Association’s Migrant Legal Support Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Gwangju District Attorney’s Office. The agreement aims to ensure the rights of international residents in Gwangju who face challenges due to limited legal knowledge, while providing them with professional and systematic legal assistance.
The GIRC has been running various programs to protect the rights of migrant workers and other foreign residents. These include multilingual human rights counseling, a monthly One-Stop Counseling Day with invited lawyers, workplace safety and labor rights education, and support for obtaining driver’s licenses and forklift certificates. The center also promotes community integration through cultural and sports activities.
Under the new agreement, the two organizations willstrengthencooperationbyexpandingservices, such as legal counseling and representation for international residents, interpretation support and lawyer dispatch, rights-awareness education, and emergency legal assistance.
Gwangju Increases Sangsaeng Card Discount to 13%
Gwangju Metropolitan City will raise the Sangsaeng Card discount from 7% to 13% from September through December, marking the largest-ever promotion. The four-month initiative aims to boost the local economy affected by recent heavy rains and heatwaves, and to support small businesses. In disaster-affected areas, users of the Sangsaeng Check Card will receive an additional 5% cashback.
Residents can recharge up to 500,000 won per month, receiving up to 65,000 won in discounts. Cards can be recharged online, via mobile banking, or at any Kwangju Bank branch.
Gwangju to Host Fall “Daein Art Night Market”
From September 6 to November 22 (excluding Oct. 4 and 11), Gwangju City will hold 10 sessions of the Daein Art Night Market every Saturday from 6 to 10 p.m. The market features performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences, linking major events like the Gwangju Design Biennale and the World Archery Championships.
Newly developed food items, including the owl-shaped “Aulre Bread” and matcha makgeolli, will debut. Performances range from live guitar and acoustic duos to bubble magic shows and citizen- participation busking. On September 13, a live broadcast of the Kia Tigers–LG Twins game will be shown, with food tasting coupons for fans in Kia uniforms.
“Culture on the Move” Fall Performances Launched
Gwangju City is presenting the fall edition of its “Culture on the Move – With You” program from September through November, with 31 performances across six city parks. Programs include opera, theater, and street performances.
Performances will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at the ACC Imagination Hall in Dong- gu, Puren-gil Park in Nam-gu, and Unnam Neighborhood Park in Gwangsan-gu, and on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Sangmu Citizen’s Park in Seo-gu and Yangsan Lake Park in Buk-gu.
Cultural officials aim to offer city residents small but meaningful cultural experiences, building on the highly successful spring program, which drew 257 local artists and 97.5% audience satisfaction.
Seat Replacement Completed at Kia Champions Field
Gwangju Metropolitan City announced on September 2 that it has completed the replacement of 15,076 aging seats at Gwangju Kia Champions Field, significantly improving safety and comfort for baseball spectators.
The project, launched to upgrade seats installed during the stadium’s opening in 2014, involved replacing seat boards, backrests, and cup holders while keeping the existing frames. The new seats are wider for better stability and comfort, with colors and design matching the original look. The project was part of a partnership agreement between Gwangju City and the Kia Tigers, initiated last October to promote local sports culture.
Compiled by Charlene Lee.
Charlene Lee is the founder of Charlene English Institute. Having lived in many different countries, she loves to explore and experience diverse cultures. She hopes to contribute to making Gwangju a more vibrant city.