May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

4.6Km 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.

Coboc (커볶)

4.6Km 2024-02-13

161-7 Jiho-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Coboc, established in 2006, is a café located near the Jisan Recreation Area at the base of Mudeungsan Mountain. This café is particularly known for its stunning views, especially during sunset. Among its signature offerings are the Mudeungsan Gureum Coffee, a unique cheese cream coffee, and a bagel with chives and bacon. The Mudeungsan Gureum Coffee is distinctively topped with a white, soft cheese cream, reminiscent of the clouds that grace the mountain.

Geumnam Butterfly Garden (금남로공원 금남나비정원)

4.6Km 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.

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

4.6Km 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.

Gwangju Arts Center (광주예술의전당)

4.6Km 2024-11-18

60 Bungmun-daero, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Opened in 1991, the Gwangju Arts Center is the cornerstone of culture and arts in Gwangju. It offers high-quality performances and exhibitions across various genres, including Korean traditional music, opera, classical music, and ballet. The center boasts a range of artistic facilities, such as a main theater, a secondary theater, a traditional music hall, a sculpture garden, and an amphitheater. The main theater has a seating capacity for up to 1,500 people.

H1 Hotel (에이치원호텔)

4.6Km 2024-11-20

10-6 Daeja-ro 106beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

H1 Hotel Gwangju is a business hotel that provides the comfort of a hotel with the cozy feeling of home. Offering a variety of room options to suit the diverse preferences of the guests, the hotel features a unique interior, neat and convenient facilities, affordable prices, and exceptional services. Guests can also enjoy various cultural activities or unwind at the rooftop swimming pool.

Mulgogi Coffee Roasters (물고기 커피 로스터스)

4.7Km 2024-11-14

34 Jangdong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Mulgogi Coffee Roasters is an award-winning hand-drip specialty store in Gwangju. This place is famous among coffee enthusiasts for its fresh beans, which are handpicked and roasted, one by one, and its 20 kinds of drip bags. Visitors can enjoy their specialty, Geisha Coffee, or other blends from Africa, Latin America, India, China, and other Asian countries.

Zara - Chungjang-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (자라 충장로점)

4.7Km 2024-04-23

67, Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

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Gwangju Yangdong Market (광주 양동시장)

4.7Km 2025-08-13

238 Cheonbyeonjwa-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Yangdong Market started in the 1910s as a traditional market held on dates ending in 2 and 7 of every month on the white sand beach under Gwangjugyo Bridge. The market has a long history and local citizens have many sayings referring to the multitude of items available here. During the May 18th Democratic Uprising, both Yangdong and Daein Markets were a grand venue where the citizens of Gwangju gathered together to rally for democratization of the nation. Merchants of the markets provided food, beverages, and medicine to the protestors and participated in the movement alongside their fellow citizens.

Yangdong Market is an outstanding traditional market among all markets throughout the nation. The market has upgraded with the times to include modern conveniences, including a consolidated market logo, online shopping mall, and merchant education classes.

Mudeungsan Lift Monorail (Jisan Park) (무등산 리프트모노레일 (지산유원지))

4.7Km 2025-08-12

14-10 Jiho-ro 164beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju

To use the lift and monorail located at Jisan Park in Gwangju, visitors can purchase a ticket at the ticket office in the convenience store on the first floor and go up to the boarding area on the second floor. Get on the lift with a track length of 745 meters and an operating speed of 12 m/sec and climb for about 20 minutes while enjoying the scenery of Mudeungsan Mountain to arrive at Bitgoeul Station. From here, visitors can transfer to the monorail. Passengers can feel the thrill of riding toward the top on a monorail which can accommodate about 20 people at a time. A spectacular view of Mudeungsan Mountain will unfold in all directions. The view of Gwangju from Palgakjeong Observatory at the end of the monorail is a beautiful sight that visitors to Gwangju must see at least once as it is a famous attraction to enjoy the view of Gwangju.

May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장) - Area information - Korea travel information