May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives (5•18민주화운동 기록관)

568.5M 2024-01-03

221 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

The May 18 Democratization Movement was a righteous uprising by citizens that took place in Gwangju for ten days from May 18 to 27 in 1980. The May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives was established in 2015 at the former Gwangju Catholic Center, a historical site of May 1980, to systematically collect and preserve the May 18 Democratization Movement's heritage that led to the democracy in Korea today. Through the efforts of Gwangju citizens, visitors can see the original records of the May 18 Democratization Movement, inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World in 2011. Visitors can also view the records with a guide or through online exhibitions. The May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives is a place that preserves the history of all Korean citizens.

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection (광주 추억의 충장축제)

582.1M 2025-07-11

Geumnamno 1(il)-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-608-4674

Every October, the Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is held on the streets of Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro in the city center with the theme of memories. The themed streets exactly replicate the old Chungjang-ro with the theme of "memories of night," allowing visitors to enjoy different types of songs from the olden days. This festival, held in the heart of Gwangju, offers a wide array of events, such as nostalgic concerts, flour games, parades, and random dance performances, making it a popular attraction with plenty to see and do.

◎ Chungjang-ro, Gwangju
Chungjang-ro is so famous as a fashion street that it is nicknamed the “Myeongdong Street of Gwangju.” The name “Chungjang” comes from the military title of General Kim Deok-ryeong, known for his valiant acts in the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.

Geumnam Butterfly Garden (금남로공원 금남나비정원)

595.3M 2024-11-14

20-2 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Geumnamro Neighborhood Park, once the site of the Bank of Korea’s Gwangju branch, now hosts the enchanting Geumnam Butterfly Garden. Inspired by the glowing butterflies, the garden is a stunning curation by Gwangju, a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts. It offers a magical setting for a night tour, transporting visitors into a fantasy world of vibrant colors and purple hues.

Yangnim-dong Penguin Village Craft Street (양림동 펭귄마을공예거리)

622.5M 2024-12-06

20-13 Ogiwon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Yangnim-dong Penguin Village Craft Street is a narrow alleyway located behind the Yangnim-dong Community Center. The village, named because of the way the elderly residents appear to waddle like penguins, has become an exhibition space of life in the 70s and 80s. Villagers cleaned up empty houses that had been burnt down and left unattended in the past, brought discarded items, and began displaying them on the village walls. "Let's be thankful for living at that time" was engraved on the village wall. It also has historical culture, such as the House of Choe Seunghyo, the House of Missionary Uilsa, and Owen Memorial Hall. The Penguin Jumak in the middle of the village was the residents' gathering place, selling small but necessary items. Various workshops, such as leather workshops, textile workshops, and carpentry workshops, are located on Craft Street, so you can purchase pretty crafts or experience upcycling crafts with a retro vibe in which the historical and the modern coexist.

Gwangju Busking World Cup (광주 버스킹 월드컵)

651.4M 2024-09-27

B56 Seoseok-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-70-4400-6554

The Gwangju Busking World Cup is a grand-scale event inviting musicians from around the world to perform at this busking competion. Busking is a signature of street culture, with the event taking place around the 5.18 Democracy Square, where the May 18 Democracy Movement took place.

May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

664.6M 2020-06-09

38, Munhwajeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-2082

Stretching from the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office to the Geumnam-ro area, this famous plaza is where the landmark May 18th Democratic Uprising took place. In May 1980, the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government office building was the headquarters of the civil resistance movement and the scene of a number of rallies. The plaza has been officially known as the May 18 Democracy Square since 1996.

Gwangju Art Street (광주 예술의 거리)

685.7M 2020-06-19

24, Yesul-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-942-6160

Gwangju Art Street is aimed at developing Gwangju’s traditional art scene through exhibition of local work. The street is 300m long and located behind Jungang Elementary School, nearby Gwangju Dongbu Police Station. Items commonly found here include Korean fine art such as paintings, ceramics, writings, and industrial art.

Every Saturday, an art flea market famous for its unique pieces is held here. People from all over the nation gather to display items that include old calligraphy materials, collector coins, stone hairbrushes, Chinaware, wooden sculptures, folk drawings, classic books, ink, and incense burners. Part of the attraction is the stories the collectors share with each part of their collection. Enjoy the many shows and exhibitions that draw regular crowds to this famous road.

The Mudeung art exhibit operates according to districts, and functions as a cultural festival as well. The outdoor exhibition was built in February 1995, and is open throughout the day. The large exhibition space has 32 booths and regularly holds special exhibits. Many regional cultural treasures are also on display here. Every Saturday, the Street of Fine Arts is blocked from traffic, and people gather to share and enjoy art culture. Gwangju Summer Universiade will be held this summer, 2015.

Asia Culture Center (국립아시아문화전당)

697.2M 2024-11-15

38 Munhwajeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-1899-5566

The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is an international arts and cultural exchange organization aimed to promote Gwangju as Asia's central hub through the integration of past and present-day cultural arts as well as the development of futuristic and progressive arts. The center consists of ACC Culture Exchange, ACC Children, ACC Archive & Research, ACC Theater, and other facilities to support and foster innovation.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – movie “Exhuma”
This venue served as the backdrop for the scene where Hwa-rim and Bong-gil visit a hospital in LA to see a newborn whose parent’s life is in danger. Although portrayed as a hospital lobby, the scene was filmed in the Asia Culture Centre, Gwangju’s landmark cultural venue, notable for its impressive architecture that integrates natural elements.

10y Ground (10년후그라운드)

706.0M 2024-11-14

1 Yangchon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Originally a sports complex, the 10y Ground has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub offering educational opportunities, community programs, and a range of unique initiatives. It also provides space for diverse services, including food, beverages, and lifestyle options. Visitors can enjoy various cultural and art programs and shop for locally produced goods and souvenirs.

Jeil Banjeom (제일반점)

709.2M 2024-03-20

174 Guseong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
062-224-6670

Located on Chungjang-ro Street in Gwangju, Jeil Banjeom has been a culinary staple since the 1960s. Operated by a Chinese immigrant, it has garnered popularity for its traditional dishes. The signature yennal jjajang is a classic take on black bean sauce noodles, featuring stir-fried black bean paste, a mix of vegetables, potatoes, and specially selected cuts of pork. Another highlight is the tangsuyuk, a dish of deep-fried pork sirloin coated in a sweet and sour sauce. A local favorite, the restaurant is known for being particularly bustling during lunch hours.

May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives (5•18민주화운동 기록관) - Area information - Korea travel information