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5.18 Memorial Park
The 5.18 Memorial Park was established in 1980 to commemorate the Gwangju 5.18 Democratic Uprising. Originally a military facility during the uprising, the government provided the park site after the relocation of the army base. In 1998, Gwangju Metropolitan City established the 5.18 Memorial Park spanning 208,000㎡ to honor the spirit of the movement and its valuable lessons.
The park features the 5.18 Memorial Cultural Center with archives, performance spaces, and event facilities, along with the Citizen Army Monument and a commemorative area. The park also includes a symbolic circular fountain plaza representing the spirit of the 5.18 movement, and the 5.18 Students’ Memorial Tower. Situated on the slopes of Mount Yuesan, the park is surrounded by walking paths and houses the Gwangju Student Education and Culture Center. At the summit is the octagonal Oweol Pavilion serving as an observatory.
Today, the 5.18 Memorial Park is not only a place for Gwangju citizens to remember and honor the 5.18 Democratic Uprising but also a beloved urban oasis for relaxation in the city center. Approximately 45% of the total area, 92,099㎡, is dedicated to green spaces, featuring traditional ponds and diverse trees, making it a popular spot for children’s nature education activities.
• Address (location): 1268 Ssangchon-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City
5.18 Freedom Park
Located in Chipyeong-dong, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, this park reenacts the historical site of the May 18 Democratization Movement. In 1996, as Sangmu District was developed alongside Sangmu Square, the military tribunal site from the May 18 Democratization Movement was relocated about 100 meters away from its original location. To honor the spirit of freedom, democracy, and justice of those who participated in the movement and preserve it as a valuable educational site, the old Sangmu Square courthouse and Yeongchang area were restored and recreated to form the 5.18 Freedom Park.
Covering a total area of 33,058㎡, the 5.18 Freedom Park includes a building area of 2,988㎡ and a floor area of 3,030㎡, housing facilities such as the preservation area, Freedom Hall, and rest spaces. It aims to safeguard the site that will be remembered as a symbol of historical struggle and human rights, peace, and reconciliation, and to be utilized as an educational venue for future generations.
The park consists of the Freedom Hall, Yeongchang, courthouse, and various memorial monuments storing historical records. Exhibitions displaying materials and photos from the May 18 Democratization Movement, as well as the former barracks where detainees were interrogated and the military police headquarters used for interrogation and trials, are part of the park’s attractions. Visitors can experience the Yeongchang area, which includes the courthouse where citizens were tried during the military tribunal and six prison cells, during the May 18 memorial period. Nearby attractions include the May 18 Education Center, Kim Dae-Jung Convention Center, and the Veterans Hall.
• Address (location): 13 Sangmu Peace Road, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea (Chipyeong-dong)
Changjak Nongseonggol
Located just a short walk from the familiar cherry blossom path of Nongseong-dong, across from the Ha Jung-woong Art Museum, lies a nostalgic old neighborhood that will captivate your senses. This village, where a 350-year-old pine tree stands guard, still boasts a traditional meeting place called Jeombang, serving as the heart of the community. With a rich history and a touch of aging charm, this village has recently undergone a revitalization under the name of Changjak Nongseonggol.
Selected as part of the “Revitalize Our Neighborhood” initiative in 2018, Changjak Nongseonggol has been transformed after a three-year urban renewal project. Prior to the project, the village’s streets were showing signs of aging, posing safety concerns for its elderly residents in terms of accidents and potential crimes. The alleyways of the village are now adorned with unique artworks made not with paintings but with tiles and other materials, creating a distinctive and easily maintainable aesthetic.
During cherry blossom season, Changjak Nongseonggol has evolved into a refreshing space perfect for leisurely strolls with a cup of coffee, rather than a traditional residential area. Overflowing with warmth and charm, each alley is filled with hidden delights and surprises that will make you feel like you’re on a treasure hunt. Especially noteworthy is the small lookout point above the public parking lot, offering a unique vantage point to admire the village below and discover your own hidden gem.
• Address (location): Gwangju Metropolitan City, Seo-gu, Nongseong-dong
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Youthful Energy Village
Valsan Village is one of Gwangju’s representative villages. Nestled on steep hills, the houses are tightly packed together with slate and thatched roofs, narrow alleyways, and scattered fields catching the eye. It used to be a place you wouldn’t want to visit if you had a few coins in your hand, but now it has grown into a village with cultural value.
Formed by refugees gathering after the Korean War in the 1950s, and flourishing in the 1970s with young people flocking from all over the country in search of jobs, the village, where weavers gathered in the 70s and 80s, saw an increase in vacant houses as the industrial structure changed. Young artists transformed the timeless Valsan Village into a vibrant place through colorful art projects and public design. From the metal-made Bbong Bbong Bridge to sculptures scattered around and murals, the village is brimming with energy.
• Address (location): 12-16, Cheonbyeonjaro, Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City
Yun Marbling
Yun Marbling is a tourism business located in Seo-gu, Gwangju, utilizing the marbling technique to create various experiences, souvenirs, and custom marbling products for sale. Unlike traditional painting, marbling involves directly using dyes on water to create and express images, which are then transferred onto desired items.
With this unique technique, visitors can enjoy hands-on programs using paper, wood, fabric, ceramics, and even design their own custom products. The business is well-known for offering marbling workshops, classes, and selling a range of handcrafted marbling products.
• Address (location): Gwangju Metropolitan City, Seo-gu, Sangmu-owllo 3beon-gil 24-11, 1st Floor, Yoon Marbleing