Located in the Korean peninsula's southwest, the city of Gwangju has long been known for its fine natural surroundings and warm climate. The usually calm and placid city is now overflowing with excitement, as it gets ready to host the FIFA World Cup finals.

"For the World Cup, we have constructed the stadium and expanded road networks. We are ready to give tourists a hearty welcome and provide them with improved transportation, lodging, dining and shopping facilities," said a local official.

The Gwangju World Cup Stadium is a soccer-only playing field boasting a near 43,000 seating capacity and the stadium's unique domed roof is designed to take the shape of nearby Mount Mudeung's silhouette, while the spectator stands were made to reflect the shape of a popular folk game using thick ropes called 'gossaum.'

Among the many features for the comfort of spectators are exits, which are situated in the middle of the stands, so that visitors can leave their seats, without worrying about disturbing anyone.

Apart from the state-of-the-art stadium, Gwangju offers its visitors an endless choice of activities such as visiting one of the city's many memorial parks, or temples. And if all the sightseeing arouses hunger, there is a vast array of dishes the city has to offer, said to be some of the best in Korea.

(Arirang TV)