Why Naju
Located in Jeonnam-Gwangju, South Korea, Naju is an historic destination with deep roots in the regional identity of the country. Prior to 1895, the city served as the provincial capital of South Jeolla Province, and its name contributed the second character to the province's title. During the Later Three Kingdoms era, the area was occupied by Wang Geon, who later became King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty, establishing a crucial political base in the territory. The city underwent an official name change from Geumseong to Naju in 1986 and expanded to incorporate Naju County in 1995.
Naju is widely celebrated for its agricultural tradition, particularly the cultivation of the Naju pear along the banks of the Yeongsan River. These substantial, round fruits serve as a symbol on the district logo, and the local pear blossom is recognized as the official city flower alongside the ginkgo tree and the dove. Along with Oriental melons, Naju pears are popular choices for holiday gifts, such as during the Lunar New Year. Visitors interested in this local product can explore the Naju Pear Museum and Pear Orchard for Tourists, where Korean-language exhibits showcase Asian pear farming.
In addition to its historic roots, Naju was designated an Innovation City in 2007, marked by a development ceremony attended by President Roh. Spanning an area of 7.327 square kilometers, this modern initiative was designed to establish a cultural center in the southwestern economy. As part of the project, numerous national public organizations relocated their headquarters from Seoul to Naju. These institutions span sectors including energy, information technology, communications, agriculture, and culture, featuring entities such as the Korea Electric Power Corporation and the Arts Council Korea. Dongshin University is also situated in Naju.
For travelers interested in culture and recreation, Naju features notable media backdrops and seasonal events. The Samhanji Theme Park, an amusement venue valued for its traditional scenery, was utilized as a filming location for the historical drama Jumong, while scenes for the 2021 drama Nevertheless were also filmed within the city. Throughout the spring, Naju hosts several community gatherings, including the Naju Pear Blossom Festival in April, followed by the Naju Rapeseed Festival and the Naju Yeongsanpo Skate Festival in May.
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