Chonnam National University Yongji Pond, Where the 1971 Artificial Lake Meets Democracy Road

Yongji, Created in 1971 by Adding a Pond to Yongbong’s ‘Dragon’

Yongji at Chonnam National University is an artificial lake inside the Yongbong Campus of Chonnam National University, located at 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju. According to the university’s official description, it was created from the feng shui idea that Yongbong should have a pond where a dragon could play. Therefore, its name and location came from a spatial concept connected to the place name ‘Yongbong,’ rather than being merely campus decoration.

Yongji was built in 1971 with equipment support from the 31st Division, a local reserve division. Since it is a facility created by altering the campus terrain rather than a naturally formed lake, it is useful to understand its starting point as the construction of an artificial lake in 1971 before appreciating today’s waterside scenery.

Today’s Landscape Shaped by the 1976 Artificial Waterfall and Hill

In 1976, a five-year Yongji development plan was launched. Through this plan, an artificial waterfall and hill were created, followed by continuous purification work. This is why Yongji now appears not simply as a lake, but as a campus landscape combining waterside areas, greenery, and an artificial waterfall.

Various plants, including willows and lotus flowers, grow around Yongji. The scenery changes with the seasons, and the period for viewing lotus flowers and willows differs from the waterside landscape in winter. If your purpose is to enjoy the scenery, it is best to visit with seasonal changes in mind.

• Year established: 1971
• Development plan: 1976 five-year Yongji development plan
• Main landscape features: Artificial waterfall and hill

A Campus Lake Where You Can See Mandarin Ducks and Spot-Billed Ducks

Mandarin ducks and spot-billed ducks inhabit Yongji. Chonnam National University’s guide introduces these two waterfowl, along with willows and lotus flowers, as ecological features of Yongji. Waterfowl can be observed along the lake’s edge, but for safety, avoid feeding wild animals or approaching them too closely.

This is not a facility with fixed visiting hours like a zoo or aquarium. Separate operating hours and regular closing days for Yongji itself have not been published, and the operation of campus entrances determines the actual times when access is possible. If you visit to observe waterfowl, keep your voice low and look around in a way that does not disturb the waterside plants or the birds’ movements.

The Human Rights Trail and Yongji, Starting at the Main Gate

Yongji is a point included in the ‘Human Rights Trail,’ one of the Democracy Trails at Chonnam National University. The official course runs from the main gate of Chonnam National University to Yongji, the east gate (rear gate) of Chonnam National University, the May Martyrs Memorial Garden, the Yongbong Martyrs Memorial Wall, and May 18 Square. Rather than returning after seeing only the lake, follow this route to experience both the campus’s natural scenery and spaces commemorating the democracy movement.

The Democracy Trail begins at the main gate, the birthplace of the May 18 Movement and Historic Site No. 1, and connects traces and memorial spaces of the democracy movement scattered across the campus. Yongji is a place to view nature along the Human Rights Trail and is situated on the historical walking route between the main and east gates. If you plan to visit the May Martyrs Memorial Garden, Yongbong Martyrs Memorial Wall, and May 18 Square in succession, use a campus map as well.

The Difference Between 24-Hour Gates and Weekend Access

Yongji itself has no separate operating hours and is described as a lake within a university campus that can be accessed free of charge. The main gates (1 and 2), east gates (1 and 2), and Law School entrance of Chonnam National University’s Yongbong Campus are open 24 hours, while the west and north gates operate from 07:00 to 23:00. However, on weekends and public holidays, only the main gates (1 and 2), east gates (1 and 2), and Law School entrance are open. These times refer to campus entrance access, not lake visiting hours.

On weekends and public holidays, only the main gates (1 and 2), east gates (1 and 2), and Law School entrance are open. Therefore, outside visitors should not expect the same gates as on weekdays and should use one of these three entrances on weekends and public holidays. Since the exact distance, walking time, and wheelchair or stroller accessibility from inside the campus to Yongji are not provided in the published information, preparing a map of the Yongbong Campus before departure is practical.

• Yongji admission fee: No official admission fee listing has been confirmed.
• 24-hour entrances: Main gates (1 and 2), east gates (1 and 2), and Law School entrance.
• Entrances open 07:00–23:00: West gate and north gate.
• On weekends and public holidays, only the main gates (1 and 2), east gates (1 and 2), and Law School entrance are open.

A Campus Visit That Does Not Arrive Directly from Gwangju Songjeong Station

Travelers visiting Gwangju for the first time should enter the Yongbong Campus of Chonnam National University as their destination. The street address is ‘77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Chonnam National University Yongbong Campus,’ and Yongji is located inside the campus. Chonnam National University’s official website provides a guide to the Gwangju–Yongbong-dong campus, directions for getting there, and a map of the Yongbong Campus.

The published guides do not specify the bus routes, stops, subway exits, or walking time from a stop to Yongji. Therefore, you need to travel to ‘Chonnam National University’ first and then locate Yongji using the campus map. Chonnam National University’s official website has a page with on-campus parking information, but parking availability and fees cannot be determined from the available guidance alone.

• Destination: Chonnam National University Yongbong Campus
• Address: 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
• Official map: Chonnam National University Yongbong Campus map

The Boat Legend and What Current Visitors Should Prepare

In the past, events involving students and citizens were held at Yongji during school festivals, and boats were launched for rides around the lake. Boats were introduced as a representative dating activity, but an ironic legend also says that couples who kissed at Yongji would break up. This story shows that Yongji is a space where memories of student life and local visitors overlap.

However, current information does not confirm whether boats operate, their operating hours, or usage fees. There is also no separate guidance on photography restrictions, cash-only payment, English guidance, audio guides, or access restrictions due to rain or events. The confirmed information visitors can prepare for in advance is that it is a free campus space, that entrance restrictions apply on weekends and public holidays, and that the main telephone number is 062-530-5114.

How to Plan Your Route by Watching Seasonal Videos of Yongji

The Yongji page of Chonnam National University’s Democracy Trail includes video categories related to ‘Yongji in Green,’ ‘Yongji in the Past,’ ‘Yongji in February,’ ‘Yongji in May,’ ‘Autumn Yongji,’ and ‘Yongji and the Yongbong Cultural Center (Museum).’ Comparing the seasonal scenery and past views in advance can help you decide whether you are most interested in lotus flowers, lush greenery, or autumn scenery.

Related videos include ‘Chonnam National University Yongji: Campus Memories with a Pond I Chonnam National University I 4K,’ posted on May 9, 2025, and ‘A Place Where Love Comes True at Chonnam National University?!,’ posted on July 19, 2024, by Chonnam National University’s official YouTube channel. Since no recommended visiting hours have been published, plan your schedule according to whether you will see only Yongji or continue along the Democracy Trail to the main gate, east gate, May Martyrs Memorial Garden, Yongbong Martyrs Memorial Wall, and May 18 Square.