May 18th National Cemetery (국립 5·18 민주묘지)

9.2Km 2024-07-11

200 Minju-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-268-0518

The May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The cemetery holds the graves of 764 victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising in 1980, seven structures, and many monuments.

Geumnam-ro Street (금남로)

9.2Km 2025-08-13

Geumnan-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Geumnam-ro Street used to be in the government office quarters, and is now the center of the city's finacial sphere, with many banks, insurance companies and public offices lining the street. During the May 18 Movement, the citizens gathered at Geumnam-ro Steet and marched together to express their sadness and give support for the sublimation of the nation. In modern times, the street serves as a meeting space for citizens, with an underground shopping mall and a plaza around a fountain, where events and performances freely take place.

Arie-ne guesthouse (아리네 게스트하우스)

9.2Km 2024-12-13

6 , Cheonbyeonjwa-ro 428beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju
+82-10-2104-8899

Ariene Guesthouse is an integrated cultural platform located in Yangrim-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju. The accomodation is located in the downtown area of Gwangju, making it both easily accessible and affordable. On the first basement floor, there is Yanglim Culture Hall, a lounge cafe on the first floor, and a rooftop party room on the fourth floor. The guesthouse has nine rooms on the second and third floors, including double rooms, twin rooms, ondol rooms, and separate dormitory rooms for men and women. Each room is equipped with a bathroom for guests' convenience, and breakfast is provided at no charge. A fee is charged for laundry services. There are modern cultural and historic sites nearby.

YODAMN (요담엔)

9.2Km 2024-12-20

39-2 Jami-ro 66beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

YODAMN is a Gwangju-based Company redefining Korea’s fermented traditions. It is known for its premium rice nuruk, a traditional Korean fermentation starter, and products like Yoando yogurt, a malted yogurt and Yomakkey, a makgeolli kit. The company is engaged in research, liquor development, and provides consultation services. Additionally, it offers unique experiences, such as one-day traditional liquor brewing classes, and sells its uniquely developed products. It is a great place for visitors to experience the Gwangju local traditional liquor culture.

Yangnim-dong Penguin Village Craft Street (양림동 펭귄마을공예거리)

9.3Km 2025-10-24

92-8 Baekseo-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Yangnim-dong Penguin Village Craft Street is a narrow alleyway located behind the Yangnim-dong Community Center. The village, named because of the way the elderly residents appear to waddle like penguins, has become an exhibition space of life in the 70s and 80s. Villagers cleaned up empty houses that had been burnt down and left unattended in the past, brought discarded items, and began displaying them on the village walls. "Let's be thankful for living at that time" was engraved on the village wall. It also has historical culture, such as the House of Choe Seunghyo, the House of Missionary Uilsa, and Owen Memorial Hall. The Penguin Jumak in the middle of the village was the residents' gathering place, selling small but necessary items. Various workshops, such as leather workshops, textile workshops, and carpentry workshops, are located on Craft Street, so you can purchase pretty crafts or experience upcycling crafts with a retro vibe in which the historical and the modern coexist.

Yangnim History & Culture Village (양림역사문화마을)

9.3Km 2023-11-28

7 Seoseopyeong-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-676-4486

Yangnim History & Culture Village is located in the area where Western items and ideas first entered Gwangju over 100 years ago. As such, the neighborhood has a unique collection of Western architecture mixed with traditional hanok houses. There are also many houses of Christian missionaries, who facilitated the advancement of medicine and education in Gwangju. Some areas, such as Penguin Village, have been decorated with murals and outdoor exhibitions to promote art and tourism, helping the elderly locals to make a living.

Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Chungjang (라마다플라자 충장호텔)

9.3Km 2024-11-28

369 Cheonbyeonu-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Ramada Plaza By Wyndham Chungjang is the second Ramada Plaza in Gwangju with a view of Mudeungsan Mountain and Gwanjucheon Stream. The hotel has spacious 95 rooms with facilities including a fitness center, male-only sauna and more. Convention Center with a view of Mudeungsan Mountain, lounge and entertainment facilities with a trendy style provide guests with the comfort for any type of travel.

ER NC Department Store - Gwangju Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (ER NC백화점 광주)

9.3Km 2024-04-23

249, Gyeongyeol-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

-

Owen Memorial Hall (오웬기념각)

9.4Km 2025-10-23

6 Baekseo-ro 70beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-650-7647

The Owen Monument and Memorial Hall is located inside the Christian College of Nursing. The monument was erected in 1914 in memory of missionary Clement Owen who, together with Priest Bae Yoo-ji, was the first missionary to come to Jeollanam-do. The monument was built using the 4,200 dollars collected by Owen’s relatives in the USA after Owen died as a martyr in Gwangju.

Clement Owen came to Yangnim-dong, Gwangju in the 1900s and served as a missionary and medical volunteer with his wife, who was a nurse, before dying of exhaustion and overwork in 1909. Owen had hoped to build a memorial hospital in honor of his grandfather, but died before his plan was materialized. The plaque hanging in the hall honors both men in English and Chinese, reading, “In Memory of William L. and Clement C. Owen.”

A Western-style building with a total footage of around 1,435 meters squared (including the annex building), the monument is said to have been used as chapel and assembly room. Today, the building serves as the auditorium of the Christian College of Nursing. The white, two-story building features a lectern in one corner, with two columns of pews facing the lectern. The second floor balcony stretches along the two walls opposite the lectern.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – movie “Love, Lies,”
In the film, So-yul and Yeon-hee come here to see the renowned singer Lee Nan-young perform. Owen Memorial Hall has a history as a venue for Christian gatherings, lectures, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and various cultural events in the region. Today, it continues to serve as a space for both religious and cultural gatherings.

Chonnam National University Museum (전남대학교 박물관)

9.4Km 2025-01-02

77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

The Cheonnam National University Museum showcases a variety of domestic and international works on history, anthropology, culture, and folklore, along with providing research materials. Initially established as a research center for the faculty and students, the museum has evolved into its current form since 2002. Visitors can explore exhibitions on diverse topics and immerse themselves in different cultures at the learning center of the museum.

May 18th National Cemetery (국립 5·18 민주묘지) - Area information - Korea travel information