Missionary Wilson's House (우일선 선교사 사택)

16.8Km 2024-12-04

20 Jejung-ro 47beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-607-2333

Missionary Wilson’s House is a two-story brick building that sits upon the eastern foothills of Yangnimsan Mountain. Known as the oldest surviving Western-style house in Gwangju, the house is an icon of modern culture and architecture in Korea. The house was built by an American missionary named Wilson in the 1920s (exact date unknown) and was the home of the Wilson family while they stayed in Korea. When the family completed their work in Korea, they sold the house for a very cheap price with the stipulation that the house continued to be used for missionary purposes. The house fell into the possession of the General Assembly of Chonnam Presbyterian Church of Korea in 1986 and now serves as the home office for the Presbyterian Church of Korea.

The square-shaped house consists of a living room, a family room, a kitchen, and a bathroom (1F), several bedrooms (2F), and storage areas and a boiler room (B1). The fact that the entrance of the house faces east is said to be a result of the prevailing architectural culture of Korea at that time. A Netherland-style house built with 55-milimeter thick, gray bricks, the first and second stories are delineated on the exterior with an eye-catching band of bricks.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - TV series "Hymn of Death"
Here, Woo-jin (played by Lee Jong Suk), Sim-deok (played by Shin Hye-sun), and their troupe rehearsed for their play in "Hymn of Death." The Western-style building, framed by a lush forest backdrop, offers an exotic and picturesque setting.

May 18th National Cemetery (5·18 기념공원)

16.8Km 2024-02-29

152 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-376-5197

May 18th National Cemetery is a park established to commemorate the democratization movement that took place in Gwangju in May 18th, 1980. The park features facilities such as the May 18th Memorial Culture Center, Daedong Plaza, Gwangju Student Movement Memorial Tower, memorial spaces, and the Oweol Pavilion. It serves as a meaningful space for reflecting on the history of Korean democracy and honoring the sacrificial spirit of the martyrs who lost their lives during the democratization movement.

Art Polygon Horanggassinamu (호랑가시나무 아트폴리곤)

16.9Km 2025-02-04

22 Jejung-ro 47beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Located in Yangnim-dong, Art Polygon Horanggasinamu is a multi-purpose cultural space that hosts various programs such as exhibitions, lectures, and performances. In 2021, it was used as one of the venues for the Gwangju Biennale. The space was created by preserving and expanding the original structure of a missionary's garage. Yangnim-dong is home to many modern historical cultural heritage sites and art galleries that connects the past and the present.

LEEKANGHA Art Museum (이강하미술관)

16.9Km 2024-11-14

6 3·1manseundong-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

The LEEKANGHA Art Museum, opened in 2018, offers a range of exhibitions, educational programs, and a research center. Visitors can explore the life and art world of Lee Kang-ha in different eras through various exhibitions and gain a deeper understanding of art with performances and educational programs. The museum aims to foster empathy and communication to enrich cultural knowledge by using diverse art-culture experience programs.

Gwangju Kimchi Festival (광주김치축제)

17.0Km 2025-07-09

111 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-3955

The Gwangju Kimchi Festival is Korea’s representative kimchi festival, offering a variety of kimchi products for purchase and the chance to taste various kimchi dishes. Highlights include the “Thousand People’s Table” featuring diverse kimchi cuisine, a competition to discover kimchi masters, and a kimchi experience school with a range of engaging programs.

Dinosaur Tracksite of Hwasun, Seoyu-ri (화순 서유리 공룡발자국화석 산지)

17.1Km 2020-02-25

2080, Baega-ro, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

The Dinosaur Tracksite of Hwasun was discovered in 1999 during a land survery for the construction of Hwasun Hot Springs Area. Most dinosaur tracks found in Korea are located in coastal areas in cities like Haenam and Boseong, so the discovery in the inner region of Jeollanam-do was a first. Most prints here come from carnivorous dinaosaurs of the Cretaceous period. The site is famous for there being tracks from no fewer than five different dinosaurs, as well as for being one of the longest trails and most direct examples of the exact movements of the dinosaurs. The tracks of one dinosaur are the longest in the world, stretching for 40 meters. Based on the foot size of 20-22 centimeters with a stride of approximately 90 centimeters, it is estimated that the prints were formed by a 4-5 meter tall Koolasuchus. In addition to the canivorous dinosaurs, tracks were found of 12 herbivorous dinosaurs, as well as fossilized plants. These plants offer much assistance in the research of herbivorous dinosaur diets.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

17.1Km 2023-11-14

29 Dongsan-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-1187

Mudeungsan National Park is a mountain park lining the edge of Hwasun-gun, Damyang-gun and Gwangju. Mudeungsan Mountain (1,186 meters) features three rock peaks called Cheonwangbong, Jiwangbong, and Inwangbong, also known as the “Jeongsang Three."

Mudeungsan’s gradual slope makes it an easy climb for all. Among the more majestic of these sites are the Seoseokdae, Gyubong, and Ipseokdae peaks. At the base of the mountain are several famous temples including Yaksasa, Jeungsimsa, and Wonhyosa Temples. Mudeungsan Mountain is also known for its beauty throughout the year. The autumn leaves around Gyubongam Hermitage and silver grass of Baengma Ridge are quite spectacular. In winter, snow and ice on the mountain create exquisite scenery as well.

Below the mountain, there are a variety of recreational facilities and tourist sites for visitors.

Stay Hwangryong[Korea Quality] / 스테이황룡 [한국관광 품질인증]

17.2Km 2024-10-30

5-3, Haengbok 1-gil, Hwangnyong-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-7142-5646

Stay Hwangryong is a tranquil hanok accommodation where the Hwangryonggang River flows in front. The hanok surrounded by a low stone wall is divided into two sections: Sarangchae and Anchae. The broad yard with flowering trees add more beauty to the landscape. The guest rooms of Stay Hwangryong include Hwangryong, good for six guests, Sarangchae 1 and 2 that are both good for two travelers, and a Maru that is the equivalent of a living room. The modern hanok retains the traditional beauty, while having added the convenience of modern facilities. Bright lightings on the ceiling and glass windows dressed in white curtains that replaced hanji give a more trendy look. Individual heating system per room, WiFi, and air conditioning are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a rice cooker, induction cooktop, and other kitchenware for those who wish to cook during the stay. Each room has a barbecue grill for guests to enjoy. The yard with plentiful sunlight is good for small gatherings, such as family gatherings and birthday parties.

Uijae Museum of Korean Art (광주 의재미술관)

17.2Km 2024-11-14

155 Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-222-3040

The Uijae Museum of Korean Art was established in memory of the famous Korean artist Heo Baekryeon. Construction of the museum ended in December, 1999, but the museum wasn’t officially opened until November 17, 2001. Built to mimic the curve of a gently sloping road, the museum’s unique design earned architect Jo Seongryong the 10th Korean Architecture Award the same year as the museum’s opening. Measuring 6,000㎡ (B1-2F) in size, the museum is comprised of two exhibition rooms, a storage facility, a seminar room, and a tea ceremony room for visitors. Since its opening, the Uijae Museum of Korean Art has hosted notable exhibitions and seminars such as the 2002 Biennale Project 2 International Symposium.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

17.3Km 2021-11-09

177, Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-226-0108

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin War and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War. Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon Halll (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.

Missionary Wilson's House (우일선 선교사 사택) - Area information - Korea travel information