Gwangju Population 2026
Gwangju has a population of 1,401,235, making it the #6 biggest city in 🇰🇷 South Korea, located in Gwangju. Roughly 2.7% of South Korea's population lives here. It is about 7.4× smaller than Seoul, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
1,401,235
Rank in South Korea
#6
Coordinates
35.15°N, 126.92°E
~47 m elevation · Asia/Seoul
Distance to capital (Seoul)
268 km
166 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Gwangju
| City | Population | Rank in South Korea |
|---|---|---|
| Masan | 434,371 | #23 |
Cities near Gwangju
FAQ
What is the population of Gwangju?
Gwangju has a population of 1,401,235 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #6 biggest city in South Korea.
What region is Gwangju in?
Gwangju is located in Gwangju, South Korea.
Is Gwangju the capital of South Korea?
No, the capital of South Korea is Seoul, about 268 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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