May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

3.5Km 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.

Jeil Banjeom (제일반점)

3.5Km 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.

Geumnam Butterfly Garden (금남로공원 금남나비정원)

3.5Km 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.

Coboc (커볶)

3.5Km 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.

Olive Young - Gwangju Yongbong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 광주용봉지구)

3.5Km 2024-04-18

39, Yongbongtaekji-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

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

3.5Km 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.

Mulgogi Coffee Roasters (물고기 커피 로스터스)

3.5Km 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.

Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall (광주비엔날레전시관)

3.6Km 2023-11-28

111 Biennale-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-608-4114

Since its establishment in 1994, the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall has significantly contributed to Korea's art culture and the world through numerous exhibitions. It strives to give joy and motivation to many people and serves as a channel for Korean artists' forays into the world. Notably, the Biennale exhibition is not a one-time event, and various attempts are being made to make it a sustainable platform as it increases the regional value of Gwangju, the home of the Biennale.

In the era of COVID-19, online services are also provided to citizens who have difficulty visiting the site in person to experience the exhibition.

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

3.6Km 2024-04-23

67, Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

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Mimiwon (미미원)

3.6Km 2024-12-03

광주광역시 동구 백서로 218

Emerging as a leading spot for yukjeon (Pan-fried Battered Beef) in Gwangju, Mimiwon has gained popularity through multiple media features. The restaurant’s traditional hanok building creates a neat atmosphere.

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