"Let's Get Married at Our City Hall"... Gwangju City Opens 'Garden of Light' to the Public

Spotlight on Small and Outdoor Weddings at Minimal Cost

'Garden of Light' Opening Poster. Provided by Gwangju City

Gwangju City will open its city hall as a wedding venue starting this year. With the first couple scheduled to hold their wedding march at the city hall's wedding venue this April, steady inquiries are being made, capturing the attention of prospective couples dreaming of small or outdoor weddings at reasonable prices.

According to the city on the 18th, the wedding venue will be operated under the name "Garden of Light," utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces of the city hall.

Any space can be used, including the lawn plaza and rose garden that preserve the beauty of nature in the city center, the tranquil pine forest, and the first-floor citizens' hall where citizens want to stay. Eligible users are prospective couples or one of their parents who reside or have a living base in Gwangju.

Applicants only need to pay the actual cost of using the facilities (10,000 won per day for outdoor spaces such as plazas, 10,000 won per hour for indoor spaces, with additional charges for heating and cooling). However, items such as floral decorations, tables, and chairs must be prepared individually. If requested, the city can provide information about related vendors.

Meals for guests require a separate fee. If desired by the hosts, noodles can be provided through the city hall cafeteria at a cost of 5,000 won per person. Additional prepared foods can also be brought in. Catering (buffet) is allowed, but only in the outdoor plaza.

Applications can be submitted at any time starting six months before the wedding date. The venue is available on weekends and public holidays during the day, and reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to one wedding per day. Applications can be made both online and offline by visiting the Gwangju City General Affairs Division, calling by phone, or using the Gongyu Nuri platform.

Hwang Inchae, head of the General Affairs Division, said, "Spaces that were previously used only for official business have now been transformed into venues for citizens to celebrate special occasions," adding, "We expect this to contribute to the establishment of a practical wedding culture in the city, moving away from expensive, standardized indoor weddings to unique and personal ceremonies."

Meanwhile, the Gwangju City Human Resources Development Center is also operating a "Weekend Small Wedding Hall" so that any citizen can hold a wedding. Support is provided for event management, including sound and lighting, as well as traditional wedding attire.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.