Naju


Naju is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
The capital of South Jeolla Province was located at Naju until it was moved to Gwangju in 1895. The name Jeolla Province actually originates from the first character of Jeonju and the first character of Naju. Dongshin University is situated in Naju. Naju is famous for the Naju Pear which is a large round pear that forms its district logo.

History

A well-known local product is the Naju pear, which has long been cultivated along the Yeongsan River.
Naju pears and Oriental melons are popular as gifts for Lunar New Year and other holidays.

Innovation city

Naju was designated an and the opening ceremony for city construction was held on November 8, 2007. President Roh participated in the opening events.
As the city won the title of "Innovation City", several public organizations have relocated to here from Seoul. Start of the construction was 4th in line after Jeju, Gimcheon and Jinju.
The organizations that were the targeted for moving are:

Energy

The new city is set to be in area with the grand plan of developing it into a cultural center in the southwestern economy.
Near the Innovation City is the Naju Pear Museum and Pear Orchard for Tourists, which is dedicated to the Asian pear; all of its displays are in Korean.

Notable people

Twin towns and sister cities

Naju is twinned with:
The drama Jumong was filmed in Naju. An amusement park called 'Samhanji Theme Park' was used for the film set because of its traditional sceneries. The 2021 drama Nevertheless also had scenes filmed in Naju.
It hosts events such as hands-on experience on natural dyeing process for children. Many elementary schools are registering for this program.