Gwangju

๐Ÿš‹

Light Rail

Details about Gwangju's urban light rail transit system for efficient and fast travel in the city.

Sections

Overview of the Gwangju Light Rail System

The Gwangju Light Rail Transit (๊ด‘์ฃผ ๋„์‹œ์ฒ ๋„) is a modern and efficient metro system that serves as the backbone of public transportation in Gwangju. It is a single-line system (Line 1) that connects key areas of the city, making it convenient for both residents and visitors to travel around.

Routes and Stations

  • Line 1: The Gwangju Metro currently operates a single line, Line 1, which runs in a north-south direction. It connects Pyeongdong Station in the northwest to Sotae Station in the southeast, passing through major districts such as Buk-gu, Dong-gu, and Nam-gu.
  • Key Stations:
    • Gwangju Songjeong Station: Connects to the KTX (high-speed rail) for intercity travel.
    • Geumnamno 4-ga and Geumnamno 5-ga Stations: Located near downtown Gwangju, these stations are close to shopping areas, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
    • Uncheon Station: Near the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and other cultural sites.
    • Sotae Station: The southern terminus of the line, serving residential areas.

The line has 20 stations in total, and the entire route takes approximately 40 minutes to travel end-to-end.

Hours of Operation

  • First Train: Around 5:30 AM (varies slightly by station).
  • Last Train: Around 11:30 PM (varies slightly by station).
  • Trains run at intervals of 6-12 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Costs and Ticketing

Fares:

  • Base Fare: 1,250 KRW (approximately $1 USD) for adults using a transportation card.
  • Cash Fare: 1,400 KRW for adults.
  • Discounts are available for children, teenagers, and seniors.

Transportation Cards:

  • T-money Card: A rechargeable smart card that can be used on the Gwangju Metro, buses, and even in other cities across South Korea. It offers a small discount compared to cash fares.
  • How to Purchase:
    • T-money cards can be purchased at convenience stores (e.g., GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) or at ticket vending machines in metro stations.
    • Cards can be recharged at convenience stores or at recharge machines in metro stations.
  • Single-Use Tickets: Available at ticket vending machines in metro stations. These are slightly more expensive than using a T-money card.

How to Use the Metro

  1. Entering the Station:
    • Locate the nearest station entrance, marked with the Gwangju Metro logo.
    • Use escalators or elevators to access the platform level.
  2. Purchasing Tickets:
    • If you donโ€™t have a T-money card, use the ticket vending machines to purchase a single-use ticket. Machines have English, Chinese, and Japanese language options.
  3. Tapping In:
    • Tap your T-money card or single-use ticket on the card reader at the turnstile to enter.
  4. Boarding the Train:
    • Check the direction of the train (northbound or southbound) on the platform signs.
    • Wait behind the safety line until the train arrives.
  5. Exiting the Station:
    • Tap your T-money card or insert your single-use ticket at the turnstile to exit.

Tips for Navigating the System

  • Download a Metro Map: Maps are available in English and can be found online or at stations. Apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map also provide real-time metro navigation.
  • Avoid Rush Hours: Peak times are typically 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:00 PM on weekdays.
  • Accessibility: All stations are equipped with elevators and escalators, making the system accessible for people with mobility challenges.
  • Announcements: Train announcements are made in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese, so you wonโ€™t miss your stop.

Nearby Attractions

The Gwangju Metro provides easy access to several key attractions:

  1. Gwangju Songjeong Station:

    • KTX Connection: Travel to other cities like Seoul or Busan.
    • 1913 Songjeong Market: A historic market with modernized shops and street food.

  2. Geumnamno 4-ga and Geumnamno 5-ga Stations:

    • May 18th National Cemetery: A memorial for the Gwangju Uprising.
    • Art Street: A hub for galleries, workshops, and art shops.
    • Chungjang-ro: A bustling shopping and dining district.

  3. Uncheon Station:

    • Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall: Hosts the internationally renowned Gwangju Biennale art festival.
    • Gwangju Museum of Art: Features contemporary and traditional Korean art.

  4. Sotae Station:

    • Mudeungsan National Park: A short bus or taxi ride away, this park is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.

Local Considerations

  • Cultural Etiquette:
    • Be quiet on the train; loud conversations or phone calls are considered impolite.
    • Offer your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, or people with disabilities.
  • Safety:
    • The Gwangju Metro is very safe, with CCTV cameras and security personnel at stations.
    • Keep your belongings secure, especially during busy hours.
  • Language:
    • While station signs and announcements are in multiple languages, most staff may only speak Korean. Use translation apps if needed.

Final Tips

  • Plan Ahead: Use apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map to plan your route and check train schedules.
  • Combine with Buses: The Gwangju Metro is well-integrated with the cityโ€™s bus system, so you can easily transfer between the two using a T-money card.
  • Explore Beyond the Metro: While the metro is convenient, some attractions may require a short bus or taxi ride.

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to navigate the Gwangju Light Rail system and explore the cityโ€™s vibrant culture and attractions. Enjoy your time in Gwangju!