The design of the city's slogan, ‘Your Partner Gwangju’, shows the letters Y and P transformed into the shape of people with their arms around each other's shoulders, representing companionship and friendship.
The slogan symbolizes the city's status as a center of democracy and human rights, a city of culture and tourism, and a home to hi-tech industry with a human touch.
The colors reflect the previous emblem, using orange to represent light, dark green to symbolize the creation of life and an environmentally progressive attitude, and deep blue to reflect harmony and peace among mankind. The spirit of light and life is the starting point that expands to the city's intention to pursue a path toward true harmony and spirit of community among regions, countries and the world.

The symbol of Gwangju takes the form of the sun and humans, the source of light and life, representing the aspiration for the world and the future, as well as the pioneering spirit of Gwangju, which literally means "village of light," or Bitgoeul. The circular shape represents the sun while the delightful curves symbolize the free human spirit.

The logo is in perfect harmony with the symbol of Gwangju, and serves as an important element in symbolizing the city of Gwangju. The logo was designed to be easy to understand and convey to viewers the dependability, friendliness, warmth and security of the city government administration.

The colors symbolize "light" and "life," representing luminance, expansion and force. The colors orange and yellow symbolize light, while dark green symbolizes life and creation of all living things. The color orange, so in harmony with navy blue, represents the purpose of life in accordance with the harmony of cosmic dual forces, and the cycle of nature.

The characters of Gwangju are based on the concept of Gwangju as "the city of light." The three fairies of light, Areumi, Euiromi and Masi, who were born on January 1, personify the virtues of art, righteousness and refinement, respectively. When united, they produce a shining beam of life that represents eternal life and reflects the desire of Gwangju's citizens to light up the world in the 21st century.

As a symbol of peace and good luck, the dove represents the city's spirit of harmony and stability.

Royal azaleas grow in the Mudeung mountains, symbolizing the warmheartedness and generosity of Gwangju citizens.

The straight posture and longevity of the gingko represent the high spirits and infinite growth of Gwangju.