It connects Nokdong station in Dong-gu at its eastern terminus to Pyeongdong station in Gwangsan-gu in the west, via the central business district and Gwangju Airport.

The line began operations in 2004, making Gwangju the fifth South Korean city with a rapid transit system.

Most trains operate between Pyeongdong and Sotae, with about one service per hour continuing to Nokdong station.

The Gwangju City Government has a plan to extend the current Line 1 southward to Hwasun and northward to Naju.

This article relating to rapid transit systems in South Korea is a stub.