View source for Changwon

{{Short description|Specific city in South Gyeongsang, South Korea}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Changwon
| native_name        = {{nobold|창원시}}
| native_name_lang   = ko
| settlement_type    = [[Cities of South Korea|Specific city]]
| translit_lang1     = Korean
| translit_lang1_type1 = [[Hangul]]
| translit_lang1_info1 = {{lang|ko|창원시}}
| translit_lang1_type2 = [[Hanja]]
| translit_lang1_info2 = {{lang|ko|昌原市|}}
| translit_lang1_type3 = {{nowrap|Revised Romanization}}
| translit_lang1_info3 = Changwon-si
| translit_lang1_type4 = {{nowrap|McCune–Reischauer}}
| translit_lang1_info4 = Ch'angwŏn-si
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
| caption_align = center
| border      = infobox
| total_width = 300
| perrow = 1/2/2
| color  = white
| image1 = Downtown Changwon (2010).jpg 
| caption1 =  Downtown Changwon
| image2 = Cherry Blossom in Jinhae-2016-04-02-3.jpg
| caption2 = [[Jinhae District]]
| image3 = Masan.jpg
| caption3 = [[Masan|Masan Harbour]]
| image4 = Chanwon NC Park.jpg
| caption4 = [[Changwon NC Park]]
| image5 = Junam RIv.jpeg 
| caption5 = [[Nakdong River|Junamjeosuji Reservoir]]
}}
| imagesize          = 
| image_flag         = Flag of Changwon.svg
| flag_size          = 
| image_slogan       = 
| seal_size          = 
| pushpin_map        = #South Korea#Asia#Earth
| mapsize            = 
| map_caption        = Location in South Korea
| leader_name        = Hong Nam-pyo
| leader_party       = {{Small|[[People Power Party (South Korea)|People Power]]}}
| leader_title       = [[Mayor of Changwon|Mayor]]
| leader_title1      = Council chairman
| leader_name1       = Lee Chi-Woo
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = 1408
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|South Korea}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Regions of Korea|Region]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Yeongnam]]
| population_blank1_title = Dialect
| population_blank1  = [[Gyeongsang dialect|Gyeongsang]]
| population_demonym = Changwonian
| area_total_km2     = 747.12
| elevation_m        = 2
| timezone           = [[UTC+09:00]]
| website            = {{URL|https://www.changwon.go.kr/language/main.do|Changwon Office}}
| population_as_of   = September 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jumin.mois.go.kr/|script-title=ko:주민등록 인원 통계|date=2024|website=[[Ministry of the Interior and Safety (South Korea)|Ministry of the Interior and Safety]]}}</ref>
| population_total   = 1,001,902
| population_density_km2 = 1432
| parts_type         = [[Administrative divisions of South Korea|Administrative divisions]]
| parts              = 5 ''Gu'', 2 ''eup'', 6 ''myeon''
| coordinates        = {{coord|35|16|15|N|128|39|47|E|region:KR-48|display=it}}
| image_blank_emblem = 
| blank_emblem_type  = Emblem of Changwon
| official_name      = 
| image_map          = South Gyeongsang-Changwon.svg
| image_map1         = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=8}}
}}
'''Changwon''' ({{Korean|hangul=창원}}; {{IPA|ko|tɕʰaŋ.wʌn}}) is the capital and largest city of [[South Gyeongsang Province]], South Korea (with a population of 1,025,702 {{As of|2023|lc=y}}), and the 11th largest city of the [[South Korea|country]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kosis.kr/eng/|title=Population Census|date=2015–2021|website=Korean Statistical Information Service}}</ref> A port city, Changwon is bordered by [[Masan Bay]] to the south, and the cities of [[Busan]] and [[Gimhae]] to the east. The city of [[Miryang]] lies to the northeast, and [[Jinju]] to the west.

The region has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, and its urban areas have been renamed and re-organized many times throughout history. In 1974, with the creation of the Changwon National Industrial Complex, the three historically interdependent cities of [[Masan]], [[Jinhae District]], and Changwon began to undergo significant economic development, growing into an important industrial centre. On 1 July 2010, the cities of Changwon, Jinhae, and Masan merged to form the current city of Changwon.<ref name=":62">{{Cite web|url=http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_03_02_n.jsp|title=History of Changwon|website=eng.changwon.go.kr|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004161603/http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_03_02_n.jsp|archive-date=4 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

As Korea's first [[Planned community|planned city]], modeled after [[Canberra]], Australia, Changwon uses accessible urban planning including many parks and separate residential and industrial areas.<ref name=":14">{{Cite book|title=Grounding Globalization: Labour in the Age of Insecurity|author1=Webster, Edward |author2=Lambert, Rob |author3=Beziudenhout, Andries |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell|year=2008|isbn=978-1-4051-2914-5|pages=chapter 6}}</ref> The city has also branded itself an "environmental capital" with the municipal government actively participating in climate change conferences and committing to the development of sustainable policies like the globally recognized bike-sharing program, Nubija.<ref name=":22">{{Cite book|title=Global Cities and Climate Change: The Translocal Relations of Environmental Governance|last=Lee|first=Taedong|publisher=Routledge|year=2014|isbn=978-0415737371|pages=105}}</ref>

==History==
=== Early history ===
Populated since the early [[Bronze Age]], the area surrounding Masan Bay would have been a wide open region between the ocean and the hilly lands of the coastal plain. Today ruins can be found in the area dating from the [[Iron Age]]. Typical Iron Age landmarks include Bangyedong monuments, dolmens, holy mounds, lower molar sites, and dolmens from Bronze Age settlements.

In 209 AD, during the [[Three Kingdoms of Korea|Three Kingdoms]] period, the area was named Gulja-gun, a province of the [[Silla]] kingdom. During the Unified [[Silla]] Period, this region was renamed to Uian-gun in 739 AD, during the reorganization of all Silla provinces, then in the [[Goryeo]] Period, to Uichang-hyeon.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}

The name Changwon was first used in 1408 during the [[Joseon]] period, when King Taejong established the city as Changwon-bu. In 1415, he renamed Changwon-bu to Changwon-dohobu. Later during the King Sunjo Period (1601), it became Changwondae-do hobu.<ref name=":62"/>

In 1895, the country was reorganized into 23 divisions by King Gojong, and Changwondae-do hobu was split into Changwon-gun and Ungcheon-gun. In 1908 Ungcheon-gun merged with nearby Jinhae-gun. During the [[Korea under Japanese rule|Japanese colonial period]], the city became known as Masan-bu, and Masan Port was opened. Eventually, Changwon was separated from Masan-bu.<ref name=":62"/>

=== Post-Korean War ===
In 1970, the Masan Free Export Zone was opened to encourage foreign business to move to the area. In 1974, Changwon was selected to be an industrial and residential centre, as well as the provincial capital. The Changwon Industrial Complex was built in the south of the city, while Changwon began urban planning modelling itself after Canberra, Australia.<ref name=":14"/>

The country's longest straight road was constructed in Changwon, with a length of {{convert|15.27|km|mi}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20100405026008|title=City and Street Changwon blov|date=5 April 2010 |publisher=Seoul News|access-date=5 April 2010}}</ref> with the industrial park to the south and residential complexes constructed to the north. This road, Changwon Daero, is meant to serve as an airplane runway in a state of emergency as Changwon was designed to be South Korea's emergency backup capital city. Underground walkways are able to serve as bomb shelters and roads and buildings in the planned city are numbered for efficient use in evacuation.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=http://changwonliving.blogspot.ca/2012/07/yongi-lake-and-korean-war-memorial.html|title=YONGJI LAKE AND KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL|website=changwonliving.blogspot.ca|access-date=17 March 2017|date=29 July 2012}}</ref>

In 1985, the Korean War Monument ({{Korean|충혼탑|labels=no}}) in Changwon's Uichang gu was constructed. The {{convert|47.1|m|ft}} monument is "dedicated to the 1,142 soldiers from Gyeongsangnam province that died in the Korean War."<ref name=":7"/>

On 1 July 2010, the three neighboring cities of [[Masan]], Changwon and [[Jinhae]] unified to create ''Unified Changwon City'', with a population of 1.04&nbsp;million.<ref name=":62"/>

==Geography==
[[File:Changwon_Downtown_foggy.jpeg|thumb|300px|Downtown Changwon]]
Changwon is located on the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula, on the Nakdong River delta<ref name=":22"/> looking out onto Masan Bay. The city is surrounded by mountains, the highest of which are Mt. Bulmo ({{convert|802|m|ft|abbr=on}}), Mt. Jeongbyeong ({{convert|567|m|ft|abbr=on}}), and Mt. Jangbok ({{convert|582|m|ft|abbr=on}}).<ref name=":14"/>

The city also comprises several small islands in Masan Bay and along the coast including Dot island, Sokuri island, and several uninhabited islands.

The city has four distinct seasons. The climate of Changwon is a [[humid subtropical climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Köppen]]: ''Cwa'') with very warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature ranged between {{convert|2.8|C|F}} in January to {{convert|26.5|C|F}} in August. The average annual precipitation is {{convert|1527|mm|in|abbr=on}}. Between 1980 and 1990 there was an annual average of around 116 sunny days a year (32% of the year), and between 1990 and 2000 an average of 135 (37%).

{{Weather box
| location = Changwon (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1985–present)
| metric first = Y
| single line = Y

| Jan record high C = 18.0
| Feb record high C = 21.6
| Mar record high C = 23.9
| Apr record high C = 30.0
| May record high C = 33.6
| Jun record high C = 34.7
| Jul record high C = 39.0
| Aug record high C = 38.5
| Sep record high C = 35.4
| Oct record high C = 30.5
| Nov record high C = 24.8
| Dec record high C = 20.9
| year record high C = 39.0

| Jan high C = 7.1
| Feb high C = 9.4
| Mar high C = 13.8
| Apr high C = 19.1
| May high C = 23.7
| Jun high C = 26.1
| Jul high C = 29.0
| Aug high C = 30.4
| Sep high C = 26.9
| Oct high C = 22.2
| Nov high C = 15.6
| Dec high C = 9.2
| year high C = 19.4

| Jan mean C = 2.6
| Feb mean C = 4.6
| Mar mean C = 8.7
| Apr mean C = 13.8
| May mean C = 18.5
| Jun mean C = 21.8
| Jul mean C = 25.3
| Aug mean C = 26.5
| Sep mean C = 22.6
| Oct mean C = 17.3
| Nov mean C = 10.9
| Dec mean C = 4.6
| year mean C = 14.8

| Jan low C = -1.2
| Feb low C = 0.3
| Mar low C = 4.4
| Apr low C = 9.4
| May low C = 14.2
| Jun low C = 18.5
| Jul low C = 22.6
| Aug low C = 23.6
| Sep low C = 19.3
| Oct low C = 13.3
| Nov low C = 6.8
| Dec low C = 0.6
| year low C = 11.0

| Jan record low C = -14.0
| Feb record low C = -11.3
| Mar record low C = -5.8
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 6.8
| Jun record low C = 10.9
| Jul record low C = 15.9
| Aug record low C = 17.9
| Sep record low C = 10.9
| Oct record low C = 2.7
| Nov record low C = -3.2
| Dec record low C = -10.3
| year record low C = -14.0

| precipitation colour = green
| Jan precipitation mm = 29.6
| Feb precipitation mm = 48.0
| Mar precipitation mm = 78.5
| Apr precipitation mm = 133.8
| May precipitation mm = 146.4
| Jun precipitation mm = 190.7
| Jul precipitation mm = 304.5
| Aug precipitation mm = 238.8
| Sep precipitation mm = 172.9
| Oct precipitation mm = 72.3
| Nov precipitation mm = 47.9
| Dec precipitation mm = 27.7
| year precipitation mm = 1534.1

| unit precipitation days = 0.1 mm
| Jan precipitation days = 4.5
| Feb precipitation days = 4.7
| Mar precipitation days = 7.5
| Apr precipitation days = 8.7
| May precipitation days = 9.2
| Jun precipitation days = 10.1
| Jul precipitation days = 14.2
| Aug precipitation days = 12.5
| Sep precipitation days = 9.2
| Oct precipitation days = 4.7
| Nov precipitation days = 5.5
| Dec precipitation days = 4.5
| year precipitation days =

| Jan snow days = 2.0
| Feb snow days = 1.5
| Mar snow days = 0.6
| Apr snow days = 0.0
| May snow days = 0.0
| Jun snow days = 0.0
| Jul snow days = 0.0
| Aug snow days = 0.0
| Sep snow days = 0.0
| Oct snow days = 0.0
| Nov snow days = 0.1
| Dec snow days = 1.4
| year snow days =

| Jan humidity = 47.6
| Feb humidity = 49.1
| Mar humidity = 54.8
| Apr humidity = 59.3
| May humidity = 65.7
| Jun humidity = 74.6
| Jul humidity = 81.0
| Aug humidity = 77.1
| Sep humidity = 71.4
| Oct humidity = 62.5
| Nov humidity = 57.2
| Dec humidity = 50.3
| year humidity = 62.6

| Jan sun = 189.2
| Feb sun = 188.9
| Mar sun = 205.2
| Apr sun = 212.3
| May sun = 223.1
| Jun sun = 170.5
| Jul sun = 145.0
| Aug sun = 174.2
| Sep sun = 163.7
| Oct sun = 207.9
| Nov sun = 183.3
| Dec sun = 186.9
| year sun = 2250.2

| Jan percentsun = 57.5
| Feb percentsun = 59.6
| Mar percentsun = 51.4
| Apr percentsun = 53.3
| May percentsun = 47.3
| Jun percentsun = 36.9
| Jul percentsun = 30.9
| Aug percentsun = 38.2
| Sep percentsun = 42.4
| Oct percentsun = 58.6
| Nov percentsun = 57.9
| Dec percentsun = 57.9
| year percentsun = 48.2

| source = [[Korea Meteorological Administration]] (percent sunshine 1981–2010)<ref name= KMA>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220129211110/https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf
| archive-date = 29 January 2022
| url = https://data.kma.go.kr/resources/normals/pdf_data/korea_pdf_0106_v2.pdf
| title = Climatological Normals of Korea (1991 ~ 2020)
| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration
| access-date = 4 April 2022
| language = ko}}</ref><ref name= KMAextremes>
{{cite web
| url = https://data.kma.go.kr/climate/extremum/selectExtremumList.do?pgmNo=103
| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration
| access-date = 4 April 2022
| script-title = ko:순위값 - 구역별조회
| language = ko}}</ref><ref name= KMAnormals>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161207185450/http://www.kma.go.kr/down/Climatological_2010.pdf
| archive-date = 7 December 2016
| url = http://www.kma.go.kr/down/Climatological_2010.pdf
| publisher = Korea Meteorological Administration
| access-date = 8 December 2016
| title = Climatological Normals of Korea
| date = 2011}}</ref>
}}

==Cityscape==
=== Administrative divisions===
Changwon has 5 administrative districts (''Gu'') which are divided into 54 neighborhoods (''dong''), 5 in Uichang District, 7 in Seongsan District, 12 in Masanhoewon District, 15 in Masanhappo District and 13 in Jinhae District.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://changwonderful.com/changwons-neighborhood-system/|title=Changwon's Neighborhood System|date=23 July 2012|work=Changwonderful|access-date=16 March 2017|language=en-US}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan="4" |Map
!
|-
| colspan="4" |{{Image label begin|image=Map of Changwon-si detail.svg|link=|alt=Gu of Changwon|width=400|float=none}} 
{{Image label small|x=0.8490|y=0.0700|scale=400|text=[[Miryang|<span style="font-style: italic; color: #48A3B5;">Miryang</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.1290|y=0.1010|scale=400|text=[[Haman County|<span style="font-style: italic; color: #48A3B5;">Haman County</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.8590|y=0.4400|scale=400|text=[[Gimhae|<span style="font-style: italic; color: #48A3B5;">Gimhae</span>]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.5590|y=0.2310|scale=400|text=[[Uichang District]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.3050|y=0.3890|scale=400|text=[[Masanhoewon District]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.190|y=0.5900|scale=400|text=[[Masanhappo District]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.7490|y=0.6300|scale=400|text=[[Jinhae District]]}}
{{Image label small|x=0.5990|y=0.4710|scale=400|text=[[Seongsan District]]}}
{{Image label end}}
| rowspan="7" |[[File:Masan.jpg|thumb|564x564px|Masan Harbour]][[File:Downtown Changwon (2010).jpg|center|thumb|558x558px|Central Changwon]]
|-
!District
!Hangul
!Hanja
!Area (km<sup>2</sup>)<ref name="area2">{{cite web|url=http://www.changwon.go.kr/multipleboard/BoardView.jsp?amode=itemView&cpage=1&groupNo=12322&boardNo=2&category=&org_code=5670438&menucode=&searchType=subject&searchString= |script-title=ko:2014. 6. 30. 기준 면적(지적)통계|date=8 July 2014|publisher=Changwon City|language=ko|format=xlsx|access-date=1 October 2015 }}</ref>
|-
|[[Uichang District]]
|의창구
|義昌區
|211.17
|-
|[[Seongsan District]]
|성산구
|城山區
|82.20
|-
|[[Masanhappo District]]
|마산합포구
|馬山合浦區
|240.65
|-
|[[Masanhoewon District]]
|마산회원구
|馬山會原區
|90.58
|-
|[[Jinhae District]]
|진해구
|鎭海區
|122.52
|}
[[File:Masan_Changwon_Bridge.JPG|thumb|259x259px|Masan-Changwon Bridge]]
[[File:Sangnam.jpg|right|thumb|259x259px|Sangnam-dong/Jungan-dong]]

=== Neighborhoods ===
The development of Changwon into an industrial city during the 1960s and 1970s has led to a city structure that is bisected by one main avenue called Changwon Daero, meaning Changwon big road. To the south are the factories, to the north are all of the residential areas. Changwon Daero also serves as emergency runway for military purposes.

The Financial district is located in the southern part of Jungang-dong and Sangnam-dong, while the government district located northern part of Youngho-dong and Shinwol-dong.

The Changdong Art Village has many murals and artwork on display throughout the streets. Originally Masan's old town, when businesses began to disperse, "ateliers, cafés, and galleries took over the vacant stores<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=2033188|title=Changwon, a city loved by artists|website=[[VisitKorea.or.kr]]|language=en|access-date=2017-03-16|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111441/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_6.jsp?cid=2033188|url-status=dead}}</ref>" transforming the area into a thriving art district.

The Sangnam neighborhood is the central part of greater Changwon. The main part of this neighborhood, the Sangnam Commercial District ({{Korean|hangul=상남상업지구|labels=no}}), is the main nightlife area, with many bars, hotels, business bars, [[Karaoke|noraebangs]], and restaurants. On every day of the month with a date that ends in 4 or 9 the market "Sangnam-sijang" is open and bustling for business. This is the largest farmer's market within the city, with vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and other groceries as well as clothing and pottery. There is also a large-scale residential complex of high-rise apartments.

Jungan-dong, located just west of Sangnam, is the "old town" and extended central area of the city. There is more nightlife here than restaurants, and local English speaking expats often frequent the area for drinks and laughs, often living very nearby. This is the most likely place to meet one of the foreign English teachers, engineers and armed services residence of the area.{{Citation needed|date=April 2019}}

==Economy==
Changwon owes its rapid growth since the 1970s primarily to the Changwon industrial Complex,<ref name=":43">{{Cite book|title=Healthy Cities: The Theory, Policy, and Practice of Value-Based Urban Planning|author1=de Leeuw, Evelyne |author2=Simos, Jean |publisher=Springer|year=2017|isbn=9781493966929|pages=307–308}}</ref> a {{convert|25.302|km2|abbr=on}} hub of factories dominated by heavy industry which employs 82,000 and leads the chemical, industrial, and heavy machinery sectors of the Korean economy.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Second Tier Cities: Rapid Growth Beyond the Metropolis|author1=Markusen, A |author2=Lee, Yong-Sook, DiGiovanna, Sean |publisher=University of Minnesota Press|year=1999|isbn=9780816633746|pages=162–198}}</ref> In September 2010, the Changwon Industrial Complex exceeded 2,000 tenant companies. The tenants are 97.8% (1,957) small-to-medium—sized businesses, while large corporations make up 2.2%(44)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/15/2010091502240.html|title=Changwon National Industrial Complex exceeded 2,000 companies.|publisher=Chosun News|access-date=16 November 2010}}</ref> including [[Samsung Techwin]], [[GM Korea]], [[LG Electronics]], [[Hyundai Rotem]], [[Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction]], [[Doosan Infracore]], [[Hyosung]], [[Hyundai Wia]] and [[STX Corporation]].

The defence industry of Changwon makes up a large part of its industrial output and the majority of South Korea's weapons manufacturing. 70% of South Korea's defense industry is based in Changwon. The city was chosen to host the military defense industry because of the city's natural basin shape and coastal access. Major defense companies like [[Hanwha Techwin|Hanwha Defense]] and [[Hyundai Rotem]] manufacturing the [[K9 Thunder]] and [[K2 Black Panther]] respectively are based out of Changwon.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The State as Industrial Locator and District Builder: The Case of Changwon, South Korea |journal=Economic Geography |date=April 1993 |volume=69 |issue=2 |pages=157–181 |jstor=143534 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/143534 |access-date=14 December 2022|last1=Markusen |first1=Ann |last2=Park |first2=Sam Ock |doi=10.2307/143534 |url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Speeding tanks, booming howitzers, shaking bones: This is how South Korea sells weapons |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/25/asia/south-korea-defense-industry-weapons-intl-hnk-dst-ml/index.html |access-date=14 December 2022 |agency=CNN |date=25 November 2022}}</ref>

As the provincial capital, Changwon is home to several government offices, and the Jinhae District district contains a large naval base housing various units of the [[Republic of Korea Navy]] and [[United States Navy]].

Changwon's Gross Regional Domestic Product is 21.7&nbsp;trillion [[South Korean won|won]] which is higher than that of [[Gwangju]] and [[Daejeon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hankyung.com/news/app/newsview.php?aid=2010063022591|title=Changwon GRDP 21 trillion won|publisher=Hankuk economy news|access-date=16 November 2010|date=30 June 2010}}</ref> It earned 29&nbsp;billion dollars through exports in 2008, more than [[Busan]], [[Gwangju]], [[Daejeon]] or [[Daegu]].

==Education and health==
[[File:국제교류원.jpg|thumb|775x775px|Changwon National University]]

=== Schools ===
Students in Changwon can attend one of the six main post-secondary institutions:
* [[Changwon National University]]
* [[Kyungnam University]]
* Masan University
* [[Korea Naval Academy]]
* [[Chang Shin College]]
* [[Changwon Polytechnic College]]
There are 46 high schools, 63 middle schools, 105 elementary schools and 193 kindergartens in Changwon, including two special-purpose high schools: Changwon Science High School and Changwon Mechanical Technical High School{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}}.

=== Healthcare ===
Although a growing divide between Changwon's vibrant, modern west side and its older east side, has been identified as a source of socioeconomic and health inequality among its citizens, Changwon's municipal government has responded with renewed commitment to ensuring the social determinants of health for all citizens. Changwon's Healthy City Initiative has undertaken several initiatives to promote better health including the implementation of a [[Bicycle-sharing system|bike-sharing system]], "the development of walking trails in apartment complex areas<ref name=":43"/>" accessible to 85% of its citizens, building a new publicly funded health centre in the east side, and the installation of defibrillators in public areas like shopping centres and apartment complexes, giving Changwon "tremendous potential as an international model<ref name=":43"/>" for cities wishing to encourage public health.

The Samsung Changwon's Hospital's Regional Emergency Medical Centre, the region's has been ranked as Gyeongsangnam-do's top emergency medical centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://smc.skku.edu/en/03_merits/success%20case.html|title=Success Case {{!}} Merits|website=smc.skku.edu|access-date=17 March 2017|archive-date=1 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301135832/http://smc.skku.edu/en/03_merits/success%20case.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Culture and contemporary life ==
[[File:Junam_RIv.jpeg|thumb|301x301px|Junamjeosuji Reservoir]]
As a planned city, Changwon was built to include more natural space than many other cities in Korea<ref name=":14"/> including dozens of parks, gardens, trails, and plazas throughout the city. The city is also located on the coast, making it home to several beaches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?menuId=21030000 |script-title=ko:창원시 문화관광|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>

Some well known Changwon parks include Jinhae Dream Park, an ecological reserve; Junamjeosuji, a reservoir and [[bird sanctuary]]; House of Changwon, a [[hanok]] village and education centre; and Changwon Marine Park on Dotseom Island.

Changwon is also home to the Changwon Exhibition [[Convention center|Convention Centre]] (CECO).

As the capital and largest city in Gyeongsannam-do, Changwon is a provincial centre for media production and home to television and radio broadcaster Changwon KBS that hosts the K-Pop World Festival each year<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/kpopfestival/site_2016/index.php|title=KWF|website=kbsworld.kbs.co.kr|language=en|access-date=15 March 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322111412/http://kbsworld.kbs.co.kr/kpopfestival/site_2016/index.php|archive-date=22 March 2017}}</ref> and newspaper the [[Kyongnam Shinmun]].

===Festivals===
Changwon is home to numerous festivals throughout the year, including:
* [[K-Pop World Festival]]: a yearly singing and dancing competition in which contestants from all over the world perform live cover versions of K-Pop songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=6189&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=K-POP World Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Jinhae Gunhangje Festival: a yearly 10-day event beginning on 1 April, which features [[cherry blossom]] viewing, [[fireworks]], concerts, a parade and performances by international Military Bands & Honor Guard .<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=6195&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Jinhae Gunhangje Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Changwon Sculpture Biennale: honoring the late [[Moon Shin]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2448&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Changwon Sculpture Biennale|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Changwon Food Culture Festival and National Indigenous Food Cooking Contest: the third Saturday of each October<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2468&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Changwon Food Culture Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Warty Sea Squirt Festival: a seafood festival held in April to celebrate the local [[Styela clava|mindeodeok]] and featuring a fireworks show.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2463&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Warty Sea Squirt Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Changwon National Folk Bullfighting Festival: a tournament held each October where entrants are determined by draw<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2451&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Changwon National Folk Bullfighting Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* Changwon Namsan Sangbongje Festival: a gathering held the weekend after [[Chuseok]] when locals gather on a mountain to perform an ancient harvest ceremony and drink, sing, & dance with their neighbours "as a way to seek the Chuseok traditions of our ancestors<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2454&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Changwon Namsan Sangbongje Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=2017-03-15}}</ref>".
* Jillyesanseong Fortress Royal Azalea Festival: a flower viewing event held at an historical fortress on Bieumsan Mountain during the blooming season of [[Rhododendron schlippenbachii|Royal Azaleas]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?contentId=197&bbsId=BBSMSTR_000000000401&nttId=2465&menuNo=24010000&upperMenuId=24000000|title=Jillyesanseong Fortress Royal Azalea Festival|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref>
* [[Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival]]
* [https://search.naver.com/search.naver?where=nexearch&sm=tab_etc&mra=bk00&pkid=110&os=32104862&qvt=0&query=%EA%B2%BD%EB%82%A8%EA%B3%BC%ED%95%99%EB%8C%80%EC%A0%84 Gyeongnam Science Competition](2023.10.27.~2023.10.29.)
* [https://search.naver.com/search.naver?where=nexearch&sm=tab_etc&mra=bk00&pkid=110&os=1908669&qvt=0&query=%EB%A7%88%EC%82%B0%EA%B5%AD%ED%99%94%EC%B6%95%EC%A0%9C Masan Chrysanthemum Festival](2023.10.28.~2023.11.06.)

===Sports===
[[File:Changwon Soccer Center 3.JPG|thumb|[[Changwon Football Center]]]]
Changwon hosts four professional sports teams: a [[basketball]] team, two association football clubs, and a [[baseball]] team. The city also hosted a [[Formula 3]] race, the [[Korea Super Prix]], from 1999 to 2003.
{| class="wikitable"
!Club
!Sport
!League
!Venue
!Established
|-
|[[Changwon LG Sakers]]
|Basketball
|[[Korean Basketball League|KBL]]
|[[Changwon Gymnasium]]
|1997
|-
|[[Changwon City FC|Changwon FC]]
|Association football
|[[K3 League]]
|[[Changwon Football Center]]
|2005
|-
|[[Gyeongnam FC]]
|Association football
|[[K League 2]]
|[[Changwon Football Center]]
|2006
|-
|[[NC Dinos]]
|Baseball
|[[KBO League]]
|[[Changwon NC Park]]
|2011
|}

=== Foreign culture ===
Per capita, Changwon has one of the largest foreign populations in South Korea,<ref name=":52">{{Cite web|url=http://www.gone2korea.com/popular-destinations-changwon/|title=Changwon Korea – Teach English in Changwon City|website=Gone2Korea.com|language=en-US|access-date=17 March 2017 }}</ref> largely due to the Masan Free Trade Zone, which was created to encourage foreign business to move to the area, the Korea Naval Base in Jinhae, which houses numerous American military professionals,<ref name=":14"/> and the prevalence of English academies known as [[hagwon]]s throughout Korea which frequently employ teachers from a variety of English-speaking countries.

''Changwonderful'', a website created by two foreign residents of Changwon, was created in 2012 as a resource for those traveling and moving to the city from abroad, with a goal to "not only ease foreigner life in Changwon, but also strengthen ties between foreigners and the local community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://changwonderful.com/about-changwonderful/|title=About Changwonderful|website=Changwonderful|language=en-US|access-date=2017-03-17}}</ref>" The website encourages reader participation in content creation and provides information on local business, attractions, culture, and infrastructure.

''The Changwoner'', a podcast with over 50 episodes as of 2017 and hosted by three foreign residents of Changwon, represents another project by foreign residents of Changwon to promote the city and build a common culture between residents, visitors, and ex-pats living in Changwon. ''The Changwoner'' also has a social media presence on YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://podcast.changwoner.com/about/|title=About – The Changwoner Podcast|work=The Changwoner Podcast|access-date=17 March 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322112426/http://podcast.changwoner.com/about/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Transportation==
===Bike sharing===
[[File:Rental_cycle_Changwon.JPG|thumb|269x269px|A Nubija bike-share terminal]]
Changwon, having been the first city in Korea to declare itself a cycling city,<ref name=":43"/> is now considered "one of the world's leading cities in terms of its public bicycle system".<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Lee|first1=Kyung Hwan|last2=Won|first2=Dong Hyuk|last3=Ko|first3=Eun Jeong|date=4 May 2015|title=The multiple impacts of the neighborhood environment on the use of public bicycles by residents: an empirical study of Changwon in Korea|journal=International Journal of Urban Sciences|volume=19|issue=2|pages=224–237|doi=10.1080/12265934.2014.1002523|s2cid=167477082 |issn=1226-5934}}</ref> The Nubija bike sharing system was introduced in 2008 in an attempt to alleviate traffic and parking issues, encourage public health, and move away from car-dependent models of urban planning. The bike-share program also included infrastructural changes to the city, including 18 new bike lanes spanning {{convert|100.8|km|abbr=off}}, giving Changwon Korea's largest public bicycle rental system.

{{As of|2012}}, Nubija had 4,704 bicycles available at 241 terminals throughout the Changwon area, which can be searched for using the Nubija app. Users access the bicycles using a small chip called a MyBi pass.

Nubija had over 68,823 registered users in 2012, and rented an average of 15,850 bicycles per day.

The name Nubija comes from the Korean words ''nubida,'' which means "to travel" and ''jajeongeo'', which means "bicycle."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-changwon.grandculture.net/Contents/Contents?dataType=01&contents_id=EC02202918&isTreeSpread=Y|title=The Encyclopedia of Changwon|website=e-changwon.grandculture.net|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322202934/http://e-changwon.grandculture.net/Contents/Contents?dataType=01&contents_id=EC02202918&isTreeSpread=Y|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Buses ===
As a planned city, Changwon "utilizes a grid style infrastructure which makes transportation more efficient than other cities of comparable size".<ref name=":52"/> Changwon and the surrounding area are served by over 80 city bus and express bus routes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://changwonderful.com/city-bus-numbering-guide/|title=City Bus Numbering Guide|date=1 April 2012|work=Changwonderful|access-date=15 March 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> Express and Inter-city buses connect Changwon to other cities throughout Korea from six bus terminals throughout the city.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://culture.changwon.go.kr/index.changwon?menuId=27040000|title=Transportation Information|last=문화관광|first=창원시|website=culture.changwon.go.kr|language=ko|access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref> See {{ill|Changwon Buses|ko|창원시의 시내버스}}.
===Rail===
The city is on the [[Gyeongjeon Line]] (Gwangju-Samnangjin), which stretches along the southern coast and links the Jeolla and Gyeongsang regions feeding local traffic into adjacent major lines. {{As of|2010}}, [[Korea Train Express|KTX]] trains began running from Changwon to Seoul; travel time is approximately three hours.{{CN|date=April 2025}}

There are four Gyeongjeon line stations in the Changwon area:<ref name=":0"/>
* Masan Station
* Changwon Station
* Changwon Central (JungAng) Station
* Jinhae Station.

=== Ferries ===
Masan Ferry Terminal offers service to the city of [[Geoje]] to the southeast.

At Masan Dotseom Marine Park, a 10-minute ferry is available to Dotseom, a forested island in the centre of Masan Bay.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=826948|title=Masan Dotseom Marine Park (돝섬해상유원지)|website=[[VisitKorea.or.kr]]|language=en|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-date=22 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322112034/http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=826948|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Airport===
[[Gimhae International Airport]] (PUS) is the closest airport, {{convert|35|km|abbr=off}} east of Changwon in the city of Gimhae.

In 2016, the airport was the 4th busiest in South Korea, with 14,900,815 passengers passing through.{{CN|date=April 2025}}

== Tourist Attraction ==

* '''Jinhae Dream Road''' (Course 2) – The Jinhae Dream Road in Changwon, [[South Gyeongsang Province|South Gyeongsang]] used to be a forest trail, but then it turned into the Anmin Road, which is now used for hiking. It is made up of four sections, one of them being the Cheonjabong Haeoreum-gil (Course 2) which is a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) trail that connects the Anmin rest area to the meeting plaza of Wigallim-gil. The road is surrounded by various kinds of trees, ranging from peach and bamboo to cherry trees. Starting from Mount Ung all the way to Cheonjabong Peak and Mount Jangbok, the glorious mountain ranges spread out like a folding screen. *Course: Anmin Road (Anmin rest area) – Pyeonbaek rest area – Dream Park Gallim-gil – Cheonjaam – Gallim-gil above the meeting plaza (6.2 miles, 4 hours 10 minutes. Level: Moderate)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3045468|title=Hidden trails that highlight Korean beauty|website=[[Korea JoongAng Daily]]|date=11 March 2018 |access-date=25 May 2018}}</ref>

==Symbol and slogans==
The municipal government of Changwon has also designated several official symbols:

Changwon's municipal flag depicts a tri-coloured pinwheel made of C-shaped wings. The white space between the wings forms the image of three people holding hands and spinning in unity, balance, and harmony. The three colours of the pinwheel are: blue, symbolizing the ocean, growth, and hope; orange, which represents the city, passion, and creation; and green for nature, life, and balance.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_03_03_n.jsp|title=About Changwon > Symbols|website=eng.changwon.go.kr|access-date=15 March 2017|archive-date=16 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816213350/http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_03_03_n.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The official city mascot of Changwon is PIUMI, a childlike figure with a blooming flower on its head, representing the cities famous cherry blossoms.<ref name=":3"/>

The city's slogan, 빛나는 땅 창원, means "Bright Changwon."<ref name=":3"/>
* City flower: the cherry blossom
* City bird: the black-tailed gull
* City tree: the pine tree

==Twin towns – sister cities==
Changwon has several [[Twin towns and sister cities|international sister cities]] around the world,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_05_new.jsp|title=Changwon International Sister Cities|website=eng.changwon.go.kr|access-date=14 March 2017}}</ref> as well as designated "Friendship Cities"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_05_02_new.jsp|title=Friendship Cities|website=eng.changwon.go.kr|access-date=14 March 2017|archive-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170621054214/http://eng.changwon.go.kr/new/jsp/sub01/01_05_02_new.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |International Sister Cities
! colspan="2" |Friendship Cities
|-
!Municipality
!Year
!Municipality
!Year
|-
|{{flagdeco|CHI}} [[Viña del Mar|Vina del Mar]], Chile
|1983
|{{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Ōgaki, Gifu|Ogaki]], [[Gifu Prefecture|Gifu]], Japan
|1995
|-
|{{flagdeco|US}} [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]], U.S.
|1983
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} Pusun, China
|1997
|-
|{{flagdeco|US}} [[Jersey City, New Jersey|Jersey City]], U.S.
|1986
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Linyi]], Shandong, China
|2000
|-
|{{flagdeco|MEX}} [[Zapopan]], [[Jalisco]], Mexico
|1987
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Yanji]], Jilin, China
|2002
|-
|{{flagdeco|US}} [[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]], U.S.
|1993
|{{flagdeco|RUS}} [[Yakutsk]], Russia
|2003
|-
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Ma'anshan]], Anhui, China
|1994
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Sanya]], Hainan, China
|2005
|-
|{{flagdeco|VNM}} [[Danang]], Vietnam
|1997
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Nantong]], Jiangsu, China
|2008
|-
|{{flagdeco|PRC}} [[Shulan]], Jilin, China
|1997
|{{flagdeco|MYS}} [[Penang Island]], Malaysia
|2012
|-
|{{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Kure, Hiroshima|Kure]], [[Hiroshima Prefecture|Hiroshima]], Japan
|1999
|
|
|-
|{{flagdeco|RUS}} [[Ussuriysk]], Russia
|1999
|
|
|-
|{{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Himeji, Hyōgo|Himeji]], [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]], Japan
|2000
|
|
|-
|{{flagdeco|VNM}} [[Mỹ Tho]], Vietnam
|2006
|
|
|-
|{{flagdeco|JPN}} [[Yamaguchi, Yamaguchi|Yamaguchi]], Japan
|2009
|
|
|-
|{{flagdeco|MEX}} [[Guadalajara]], Mexico
|2013
|
|
|}

==Notable people from Changwon==

<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦--->  <!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST (FAMILY) NAME ♦♦♦--->

* [[Ahn Sang-soo (born February 1946)|Ahn Sang-soo]], politician.
* Cha Hak-yeon (stage name [[N (singer)|N]]), singer, entertainer, and leader of [[VIXX]].
* [[Gang Dong-won]], actor; he was born in [[Busan]] but grew up in Changwon
* [[Je Jong-geel]], politician.
* [[Wonwoo|Jeon Won-woo]], singer, rapper and member of [[Seventeen (South Korean band)|Seventeen]].
* Jung Byung-hee (stage name [[G.O (singer)|G.O]]), singer, actor, member of [[MBLAQ]].
* Kim Hyung-seo (stage name [[Bibi (singer)|Bibi]]), singer.
* [[Kim Jong Yang]], member of the South Korean [[National Assembly (South Korea)|National Assembly]], police officer, and former President of [[Interpol]].
* [[Lee Elijah]], actress and model.
* [[Lee Hye-in (actress)|Lee Hye-in]], actress.
* [[Lee Joon-gi]], actor; he was born in [[Busan]] but grew up in Changwon.
* [[Noh Sa-yeon]], singer, television personality, and radio DJ.
* [[Park Jin-young (entertainer, born 1994)|Park Jin-young]], singer, actor, member of  [[Got7]] and [[JJ Project]].
* [[Song Do-yeong]], voice actress.

==See also==
*[[List of cities in South Korea]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Changwon}}
* [https://changwoncity.wordpress.com/ Changwon City Official Blog]
* [https://www.changwon.go.kr/cwportal/eng.web City government website]

{{Districts of Changwon}}
{{Metropolitan cities of South Korea}}
{{South Gyeongsang}}
{{Most populous cities in South Korea}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Changwon| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:Cities in South Gyeongsang Province]]
[[Category:Planned communities in South Korea]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in South Korea]]