| Naju | |
| Native Name: | Korean: 나주 |
| Settlement Type: | Municipal city |
| Anthem: | Good Job, Naju! |
| Translit Lang1: | Korean |
| Translit Lang1 Type1: | Hangul |
| Translit Lang1 Type2: | Hanja |
| Translit Lang1 Info1: | Korean: 나주시 |
| Translit Lang1 Info2: | Korean: {{linktext|羅|州|市 |
| Translit Lang1 Info3: | Naju-si |
| Translit Lang1 Info4: | Raju-si |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Type1: | Region |
| Subdivision Name1: | Honam |
| Population Blank1 Title: | Dialect |
| Population Blank1: | Jeolla |
| Area Total Km2: | 603.88 |
| Population As Of: | 2021 |
| Population Total: | 119,367 |
| Population Density Km2: | 196.2 |
| Parts Type: | Administrative divisions |
| Parts: | 1 eup, 12 myeon, 6 dong |
| Coordinates: | 35.0333°N 169°W |
| Blank Emblem Type: | Emblem of Naju |
| Image Blank Emblem: | Naju logo.png |
Naju (pronounced as /ko/) is a city in South Jeolla Province, South Korea.
The capital of South Jeolla was located at Naju until it was moved to Gwangju in 1895. The name Jeolla actually originates from the first character of Jeonju and the first character of Naju (; nowadays spelled and pronounced 나/na according to the South Korean standard). Dongshin University is situated in Naju. Naju is famous for the Naju Pear which is a large round pear that forms its district logo.
A well-known local product is the Naju pear, which has long been cultivated along the Yeongsan River.[4]
Naju pears and Oriental melons are popular as gifts for Lunar New Year and other holidays.
Naju was designated an Innovation City 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:[5]
The new city is set to be 7.327km² in area with the grand plan of developing it into a cultural center in the southwestern economy.[6]
Near the Innovation City is the Naju Pear Museum and Pear Orchard for Tourists (나주배박물관 및 배밭 관광체험), which is dedicated to the Asian pear; all of its displays are in Korean.
Jin Hyeon Ju (Stage Name Belle) - member of KPop group Cignature
See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in South Korea.
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.[8]
It hosts events such as hands-on experience on natural dyeing process for children. Many elementary schools are registering for this program.[9]