May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

4.3Km 10078 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)

4.3Km 32132 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.

Gwangju Yangdong Market (광주 양동시장)

4.3Km 3600 2022-04-06

238, Cheonbyeonjwa-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-366-0884

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.

Gaemagowon (개마고원)

4.4Km 1 2023-11-23

1094 Sangmu-daero, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-366-3744

Gaemagowon is a hanu (Korean beef) restaurant that has been serving the Gwangju area for over 20 years. The menu includes a variety of dishes using hanu.