RI Dist. 3710 encompasses the mega-city of Gwangju, two small
sized cities (Mokpo and Naju), along with the seven counties of
Junnam (South Julla province). The region is located in the south-westernmost
part of the Korean peninsula adjacent to the Yellow Sea, approximately
4 hours' drive from Korea's capital city of Seoul (Inchun International
Airport) or 40 minutes by air from Gim-Po local airport in Seoul.
The total population of this District's area is some 2.2 million
(including 1.5 million in Gwangju). There are around 2,300 Rotarians
in 65 Rotary clubs.
Korean Rotarians number a little more than 51,800 in the 17 Rotary
Districts which constitute Rotary Zone 9.
Gwangju is well renowned for its tasty food and beautiful surroundings
as well as Namdo (the southern area of Korea) culture. It is now
busy redeveloping part of the city into a hub of culture, envisioning
it to be the center for Asian culture in the near future.
Well known in its righteousness and bravery through the tenacious
struggle against Japanese occupation, and for the Gwangju Democratic
Uprising against the military dictatorship on May 18, 1980 in
respect for democracy, human rights, and peace. Gwangju is currently
transforming into a modernized cultural and industrial city, constructing
cultural landmark buildings, high tech industries, and research
divisions for automobiles, electronics, optical electronics, biotech
and others.
The other region of the District has been a largely agricultural
and fishing economy until very recently. Discontent to lag behind
other provinces in industrial development, people are now embracing
the idea of utilizing the vast land resources of the area to develop
sustainable, and non-polluting high-tech industries. However,
the major products are currently agricultural such as rice and
vegetables like cabbages, radishes, garlic, onions, and all manner
of greens grown without seasonal restrictions due to greenhouse
technology.
With the scheduled opening of Muan International Airport this
year, the New Mokpo Port, and the ongoing development of maritime
tourism along the southwestern coastline and beautiful island
system, the area expects great prosperity in the near future.
We are very satisfied with our choice of members for the GSE program.
They are from diverse professions, well educated, have a strong
sense of responsibility and proud of their accomplishment. We
can assure they would fulfill our expectations as our designated
civilian delegates under the GSE program
Travel Times
April 23-26 Waterloo/Cedar Falls
April 26-29 Dubuque
April 29-May 3 Decorah
May 3-6 Cedar Rapids (District Conference)
May 6-10 Mason City
May 10-13 Fort Dodge
May 13-17 Algona
May 17-21 Waverly
Meet the Korean GSE Team D3710
Meet the District 5970 GSE Team
