Gwangju Symphony Orchestra

One of South Korea's leading orchestral ensembles, the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra has attracted multiple conductors from abroad. The orchestra was founded in 1969 by Chosun University Professor Jang Shin-deok, who gathered about 30 local musicians to establish the Gwangju Civic Symphony Orchestra. As the group became better established, the city of Gwangju took over its sponsorship, and the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra, as it exists today, was founded in 1976. After a one-year hiatus, Hong Seok-won became chief conductor in 2021. The orchestra continues to tour, and in early 2023, it gave concerts in the U.S.