Gwangju International Center (GIC)
GIC was established in June 1999 by the Gwangju Citizens’ Alliance through the suggestion of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Government, GIC organizes various supporting systems to provide foreigners living or visiting Gwangju with comprehensive information on Korea as well as Gwangju and Jeollanam-do.
GIC’s objective is to help develop a heightened community spirit, as well as forming various networks of cultural exchange. For this objective, GIC provides a means for exchange between locals and foreigners; contributing to forming a positive image of Gwangju as a global future-oriented city.
Membership: Be our member! For inquiry, please visit www.gic.or.kr
Address: Jeon-il Building 5th Fl., 1-1 Geumnam-ro 1ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju 501-758, South Korea
Tel: +82-62-226-2733~4
Fax: +82-62-226-2731
Facebook: facebook.com/gwangjuic (page)
facebook.com/gicgwangju (friends)
Twitter: @gwangjuic
GIC Programs:
1. Services for International Residents
- Korean Class
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- GIC Korean Language Class
GIC has many Korean language classes during weekdays, weekends and evening class as well. Students not only learn Korean language but are also offered a culture experience program to help with better understanding about Korean culture. The GIC Korean language class has become a place for cultural exchange as well as performing its role of Korean language education.
- GIC Counseling: provides information services and assistance for international residents living in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. (Interpretation available upon request)
- GIC translation service: accurate and prompt translation services at reasonable prices.
- GIC Library: GIC first began with only 30 books, and has grown rapidly thanks to the continued contributions of GIC members. It now consists of over 4500 books! The library’s collection consists of many current and popular books in English which are donated by the community.
- GIC Library
2. International Exchange Programs
- GIC Talk : It is a weekly English talk program, promoting communication and intercultural understanding between Koreans and international residents. Every Saturday at 3 p.m. at the GIC office. (Watch prior GIC Talk at: www.youtube.com/gictalk)
- Gwangju International Community Day (GIC Day) The event celebrates the cultural diversity for Gwangju City, featuring food, music and performances from Gwangju’s international residents, to be shared and enjoyed with the community.
- May Concert promotes democracy and human rights to third world countries. The profits have been used to support human rights organization in different Asian countries and migrant workers.
- GIC Gallery is a free exhibition area for local artists and international residents.
- Home Stay “Feel @ Home”: you can have a chance to experience Korean culture and build friendships by staying with Korean families in Gwangju.
- GIC Tour is a monthly tour where participants learn about the history and culture of Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. The English-speaking guide helps you to understand the story behind every place you visit on each tour.
3. Publications and Translations
- Gwangju News is an all-English language monthly magazine and produced exclusively by domestic and international volunteers. It contains local and global issues, Korean culture, travel, history and living information.
- Gwangju Guidebook
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- Gwangju Guidebook
Gwangju Guidebook provides living and travel information about Gwangju to international residents for their convenience. The existing Gwangju Guidebook is published in English and Chinese.
4. Training and Education Program
- GIC Internship This is an opportunity to develop practical ability on the ground and to experience various cultures.
- Volunteer: We appreciate and are welcome Korean and international volunteers at any areas: GIC Talk, Gwangju News, GIC Library, GIC Counseling… Contact us if you are interested.
7 Comments
- koreamaria May 11, 2010 at 1:06 PM
- Jaguang Sunim December 2, 2010 at 2:04 PM
- nana_kim December 2, 2010 at 5:34 PM
- jestril September 1, 2011 at 8:34 PM
- Audrey Kitson February 23, 2012 at 2:24 PM
- nana_kim March 6, 2012 at 12:23 PM
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Please use some bold letters to make this an easier read.
For example:
Counseling Service 외국인 생활상담 = GIC Couseling Service helps foreign residents and tourists in Gwangju with various problems and questions they may encounter during their stay in Korea. We provide a wide range of information on transportation, education, tourism, residence, medicine, immigration, etc. GIC has fluent English speaking volunteers to help foreign residents with translation to ensure their rights are protected in areas where language barriers can put them at a disadvantage.
Where is GIC located? I don’t see an address here. Thank you!
Hello Jaguang Sunim, thank you for visiting this page. GIC address is 광주 동구 금남로1가 5층 광주국제교류센터, across from downtown YMCA. Our phone number is 062-226-2733/34.
Hello everyone.
I just rode about GIC and now am exiting to help if it possible.
Am a french native speaker so if there is any need about French language please let me know I’ll be happy to be helpfull.
Thank you.
Hello
Does your library accept donations of used books in English? I have some literary fiction books that I would like to donate. They are all in good condition, tight binding, no marks or highlights. Please let me know.
Thank you!
Audrey
Dear Audrey, thank you for visiting the site and for your interest in our GIC Library. We receive books donation of any kind, used or new, thank you so much again for contributing to the library, we really appreciate it!!