The Archdiocese covers the city of Gwangju and entire South Jeolla Province.

On 13 April 1937 Pope Pius XI established the Prefecture Apostolic of Kwoszu.

Pope Pius XII changed its name to the Prefecture Apostolic of Kwangju on 12 July 1950.

It was elevated to a Vicariate Apostolic on 21 January 1957.

Pope John XXIII elevated the vicariate to an archdiocese on 10 March 1962.