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Kwangju[kwAng´jOO´] Pronunciation Key, city (1995 pop. 1,257,504), capital of South Cholla prov., SW South Korea, in the Yongsan River lowland. A regional agricultural and commercial center built on the site of an ancient market, Kwangju has rice mills and industries that produce automobiles, textiles, and beer. The city is also a railway, road, and air hub. In the hills around Kwangju are ancient tombs and temples. The 1980 revolt and ensuing massacre of student demonstrators in Kwangju by government forces was a factor in the toppling of Choi Kyu-hah's government by General Chun Doo Hwan.
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