Zaza Surguladze: Sharing Hidden Gems and Cultural Highlights

The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about tourist spots, activities, and dishes in their countries. This offered us the opportunity to hear and share the voices of students from various nations and majoring in diverse fields. - Ed.

Where can visitors fully experience Georgia’s unique characteristics?

Old Tbilisi refers to the historical parts of Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi. The district is located on both sides of the Kura River and is dominated by Mount Mtatsminda. It is chiefly represented by its 19th century urban fabric, with eclectic architecture that includes buildings and structures from the fifth to 20th centuries.

Are there any other places in Georgia that you would like to recommend?

Vardzia is a cave monastery site in southern Georgia, excavated from the slopes of the Erusheti Mountain on the left bank of the Kura River. The Church of the Dormition, dating to the 1180s during the golden age of Tamar and Rustaveli, has an important series of wall paintings. The site was largely abandoned after the Ottoman takeover in the 16th century. Now part of a state heritage reserve, the extended area of Vardzia-Khertvisi has been submitted for future inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

What is the most beautiful natural landscape you have seen in Georgia?

Martvili Canyon is located in the Samegrelo region of Western Georgia. The canyon is known for its beauty and uniqueness. Visitors can take a walk or row down the river Abasha. This trip is about 300 meters long interspace, and visitors can take pleasure in extremely beautiful views of the nearby river and canyon. 

By Yun Hyun-ji, Reporter