Min Hyung-bae Steps Up to the Helm: Directing Korea’s Historic Special Metropolitan City as Its First Mayor

By David Shaffer || On July 1, 2026, Min Hyung-bae assumed office as the inaugural mayor of Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City, marking a historic milestone in South Korea’s local governance. … Read More

More Than Football: The Friendships at the Mexico, US, Canada 2026 World Cup

By Luis Andrés || Before the first whistle was blown, millions of people had already formed expectations. Mexico would be deserts and cacti, with lots of insecurity. Americans would be … Read More

Korea’s 100-Day Celebration: The Baegil

By Diane Dooley || Introduction We carefully arrange the table decorated with rice cakes, fruit, and delicate flowers. We take a step back. Our three-month-old son, dressed in a hanbok, … Read More

Exploring Korea: Island Paradise – The Timeless Beauty of Jeju Island

By Neha Bisht || Nestled off the southern coast of South Korea, Jeju Island is a breathtaking destination where volcanic landscapes, emerald-green tea fields, dramatic coastlines, and a rich cultural … Read More

From the GIRC: The GIRC’s One-Stop Counseling Day – Where International Residents Get Real Answers

By Kim Minsu || Since May 2024, the Gwangju International Residents Center (GIRC) has held its One-Stop Counseling Day on the second Sunday of every month, bringing together specialists in … Read More

From the GIC: Nurturing Global Leaders – San Antonio Sister Cities Youth Summit

By Lee Boram || Since the 1990s, globalization has transformed not only relations between countries but also cooperation among cities. As local governments gained greater autonomy, cities around the world … Read More

Inside the Gwangju News: The Merry Mexican with a Mission – Luis Andrés

Each month, this column spotlights one of our regular contributors to the Gwangju News, giving readers a chance to learn more about the diverse voices behind the magazine. These writer … Read More

Learning Korean Taught Me More Than Korean: Reflections on Korea’s Language Classrooms

By Reeti Roy || When I enrolled in a Korean language program in Seoul, I expected to spend my days memorizing vocabulary lists, wrestling with unfamiliar grammar, and trying to … Read More