Soswaewon Garden (담양 소쇄원)

7.0Km 2023-01-04

17, Soswaewon-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-381-0115

Soswaewon Garden is a private garden from the Joseon period where Korea's traditional beauty is preserved. It was built by Yang San-Bo (1503-1557) after he gave up his success when his mentor Jo Gwang-Jo (1482-1519) was killed during political strife. Soswaewon Garden presents itself as a clean and transparent garden where the righteous enjoy the life of anbinnakdo (being comfortable amid poverty and taking pleasure in an honest lifestyle) surrounded by a bamboo grove.

Including peach trees, various kinds of trees and grass are planted on both sides of the stream while clear water flows down the foot of the garden walls. The log bridge above the valley adds to the charm of the scenery. The harmony between nature and the artificial waterfall is a sight to behold. Soswaewon Garden is 150 meters away from the main road. Passing through the thick bamboo forest, you will find the small valley and Soswaewon Garden on your left.

Gyubongam Hermitage (Hwasun) (규봉암(화순))

7.2Km 2024-02-20

40-28 Dowon-gil, Iseo-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gyubongam Hermitage is a small hermitage located on Mudeungsan Mountain. It is believed to have been established during the Silla dynasty (B.C. 57-A.D. 935) and underwent renovations in 1959 to attain its current appearance. Renowned for its picturesque scenery, Gyubongam Hermitage is said to be a must-visit spot for those climbing Mudeungsan Mountain. It is particularly famous for its vibrant autumn foliage, and the area around the hermitage is abundant with rocky cliffs.

Namdo Folk Food Exhibition Room & Honam Cultural Material Pavilion (남도향토음식박물관·호남문화자료전시관)

7.3Km 2021-11-27

477, Seoljuk-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-410-6642

Located in Gwangju, the Namdo Folk Food Exhibition Room was established to preserve and promote the local foods of the Namdo region. The museum has a museum shop, both permanent exhibitions and special planned exhibitions, and a studio where visitors can watch a variety of video content related to the local foods. In the Honam Cultural Material Pavilion, literature, clothing, and artwork from the region are on display.

The museum building was designed to resemble both the long, rectangular presses used to make patterned rice cakes and the Ipseokdae Rock of Mudeungsan Mountain, a symbol of Gwangju. Even the colors of the building’s walls hold special significance. The obangsaek (five colors; blue, white, red, black, and yellow) symbolize the cardinal directions, the seasons, the major organs in the body, different tastes, feelings, and philosophy.

Jin Convalescent Hospital (진요양병원)

7.4Km 2025-10-23

33, Daejasil-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Jin Convalescent Hospital is a Ministry of Health and Welfare-certified cancer rehabilitation hospital located in Unam-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju. We provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s condition and symptoms, focusing on specialized programs for cancer patients while utilizing the latest equipment and technology. Our commitment is to prioritize patients’ health and wellness. In 2024, we were designated a foreigner-friendly hospital in Gwangju, offering internal medicine consultation, a wellness clinic, comprehensive blood tests, obesity treatments, and an integrated pain clinic combining Western and Korean medicine for international patients. Experience compassionate, patient-centered care and expert medical treatment here with us.

Bitgoeul Korea Traditional Classical Music Instruction Hall (빛고을국악전수관)

8.0Km 2024-12-17

182 Punggeum-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Bitgoeul Korea Traditional Classical Music Instruction Hall offers various programs throughout the year. Since 2002, classes on traditional instruments are available, as well as separate children gugak classes. Special exhibition on the second floor has various instruments that visitors can actually try. The permanent exhibition on the third floor has 45 different gugak instruments as well as videos to further provide detailed information. The main area is the performance hall on B1-B2F, with 137 seats, that offers performances every Thursday for free from traditional gugak to fusion music.

May 18th National Cemetery (5·18 기념공원)

8.0Km 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.

Mugaksa Temple (무각사)

8.1Km 2025-08-18

230, Uncheon-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-383-0108

Nestled at the foot of Yeouisan Mountain in the business center of Gwangju, Mugaksa Temple is an urban Buddhist Temple. Unlike other urban Buddhist Temples, Mugaksa Temple has all the elements of a traditional temple. The temple is used as a cultural resting area and artistic spot for meetings without any religious barrier. The temple is also the starting point of the 2 kilometer walking trail to the 5.18 Memorial Park, leading to a constant flow of visitors.

Yeonhwa Sikdang (연화식당)

8.3Km 2025-01-22

147 Mareukbokgae-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

It is a restaurant where you can enjoy yukjeon (Pan-fried Battered Beef) with a variety of Jeolla-do side dishes. For a unique twist, try wrapping the yukjeon with aged kimchi in a leaf wrap. The nutty aroma of perilla oil combined with the tangy flavor of aged kimchi creates an especially delightful taste experience.

Dubai hotel (두바이호텔)

8.4Km 2024-12-22

47 , Sangmubeonyeong-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-370-0700, +82-10-5094-1400

The Gwangju Dubai Hotel in Gwangju, Jeollanam-do, opened in 2016. Rooms have white-themed interiors, king-size double beds, a jacuzzi, and chandeliers to enhance the opulence. Free valet parking and both Korean and American buffet breakfasts are provided. Gwangju Airport and U-Square Gwangju Bus Terminal are just 10 minutes away by car, and KTX/SRT Gwangju Songjeong station about 15 minutes away. Gwangju City Hall is within walking distance, and the Kim Daejung Convention Center and the 5.18 Memorial Park are also both nearby.

Hotel The May (호텔 5월 (Hotel The May) )

8.4Km 2024-08-22

51 , Sangmubeonyeong-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-676-5000

Hotel The May is a boutique & business hotel located in the Sangmu district of Seo-gu, Gwangju. Business travelers will find a shared work space on the 7th floor equipped with desks, fax machines and computers. Breakfast is served free of charge in the 2nd floor cafeteria, and residents can use a well-equipped shared kitchen. The hotel is close to Gwangju Airport, Songjeong station, and Gwangju Express Bus terminal, making it convenient for both domestic and international travelers.

Soswaewon Garden (담양 소쇄원) - Area information - Korea travel information