Gwangju Design Biennale (광주디자인비엔날레) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gwangju Design Biennale (광주디자인비엔날레)

Gwangju Design Biennale (광주디자인비엔날레)

11.7Km    2025-07-11

111 Biennale-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-531-7783

The Gwangju Design Biennale is the world’s first design biennale and currently Asia’s only design biennale. With exhibitions centered on the concept of design, the biennale combines the industrial aspect of design with cultural elements. 

Gwangju Museum of Art (광주시립미술관)

Gwangju Museum of Art (광주시립미술관)

11.8Km    2022-09-02

52, Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-7100

The Gwangju Museum of Art was founded on August 1, 1992, to promote local artists. In 1996, it served as the venue for the Gwangju Biennale. The museum holds over 560 works, including those from Heo Baekryeon, Oh Jiho, Yang Su-ah, and Im Jik-sun, all local artists. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also has special planned exhibitions and other cultural programs.

Soswaewon Garden (담양 소쇄원)

11.8Km    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.

Jungoe Park (중외공원)

Jungoe Park (중외공원)

12.0Km    2021-10-25

52, Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-7100

Jungoe Park is one of the nation's most famous leisure spaces. There is a children's grand park, the Olympic Garden, and the Olympic Monument. The children's grand park is especially popular on weekends and holidays.
There is also a folk museum, an education center, and the Biennale Exhibition Hall in the Biennale & Museum section of the park.
The park is most popular during fall for its beautiful foliage. In addition, the Rainbow Bridge is a symbol of the Biennale and was installed during the 1st Gwangju Biennale.

Damyang Resort Spa (담양리조트 온천)

12.0Km    2022-12-28

202, Geumseongsanseong-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-5111

Damyang Resort is a large resort complex comprised of a hotel, spa, arboretum, and event plaza. The spa is spread over a ground floor and basement floor, with both men's and women's pools, as well as many event pools and an open-air hot spring. Additional facilities include a jjimjilbang (Korean-style sauna), skincare center, and massage center. The hot springs use water with a mix of 20 minerals, including germanium, strontium, sulfuric ions, calcium, and lithium. The mineral mix helps soothe skin, relieve stress, and improve blood circulation to prevent many diseases and ailments.

Pyeongchon Ceramics Workshop (평촌도예공방)

Pyeongchon Ceramics Workshop (평촌도예공방)

12.1Km    2024-11-14

77 Damanpyeongmu-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

The Pyeongchon Ceramics Workshop keeps the spirit of traditional Korean Buncheong pottery alive by offering an experiential learning space and hands-on programs that blend classic Korean and contemporary styles. Visitors can create unique pieces that capture the rustic beauty of tradition while keeping the modern flair.

Chonnam National University Museum (전남대학교 박물관)

Chonnam National University Museum (전남대학교 박물관)

12.2Km    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.

YODAMN (요담엔)

YODAMN (요담엔)

12.3Km    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.

Gwangju Arts Center (광주예술의전당)

Gwangju Arts Center (광주예술의전당)

12.5Km    2024-11-18

60 Bungmun-daero, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Opened in 1991, the Gwangju Arts Center is the cornerstone of culture and arts in Gwangju. It offers high-quality performances and exhibitions across various genres, including Korean traditional music, opera, classical music, and ballet. The center boasts a range of artistic facilities, such as a main theater, a secondary theater, a traditional music hall, a sculpture garden, and an amphitheater. The main theater has a seating capacity for up to 1,500 people.

Damyangho Lake (담양호)

Damyangho Lake (담양호)

12.5Km    2025-01-10

Geumseongsanseong-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-3150

Damyangho Lake is a man-made lake, created in 1976 with the construction of a dam on Yeongsangang River. The lake is set at the base of the picturesque Chuwolsan and Geumseongsan Mountains, and its crystal clear water is the habitat of many different freshwater fish species including pond smelt, catfish, snakehead, carp and leather carp. With Damyangho Lake at the center, the area is surrounded by Chuwolsan Tourism Area, Gamagol Youth Camping Grounds and Geumseong Mountain Fortress. The mountain’s lakeside road, which passes through a tunnel at the mid-section of the mountain, is a popular scenic driving road.