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

14.4Km 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.

Gwangju Cinema (광주극장)

14.5Km 2025-08-13

10 Chungjang-ro 46beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Gwangju Cinema opened in 1935 as an artistic and independent film theater and is the sole single-screen cinema to operate in Korea. In the past, the cinema mainly focused on Korean-focused productions such as pansori, but also screen Japanese films to increase business.

Mulgogi Coffee Roasters (물고기 커피 로스터스)

14.5Km 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.

Mimiwon (미미원)

14.6Km 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.

Asia Culture Center (국립아시아문화전당)

14.6Km 2025-10-23

38 Munhwajeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-1899-5566

The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is an international arts and cultural exchange organization aimed to promote Gwangju as Asia's central hub through the integration of past and present-day cultural arts as well as the development of futuristic and progressive arts. The center consists of ACC Culture Exchange, ACC Children, ACC Archive & Research, ACC Theater, and other facilities to support and foster innovation.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – movie “Exhuma”
This venue served as the backdrop for the scene where Hwa-rim and Bong-gil visit a hospital in LA to see a newborn whose parent’s life is in danger. Although portrayed as a hospital lobby, the scene was filmed in the Asia Culture Centre, Gwangju’s landmark cultural venue, notable for its impressive architecture that integrates natural elements.

Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection (광주 추억의 충장축제)

14.6Km 2025-07-11

Geumnamno 1(il)-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-608-4674

Every October, the Chungjang Street Festival of Recollection is held on the streets of Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro in the city center with the theme of memories. The themed streets exactly replicate the old Chungjang-ro with the theme of "memories of night," allowing visitors to enjoy different types of songs from the olden days. This festival, held in the heart of Gwangju, offers a wide array of events, such as nostalgic concerts, flour games, parades, and random dance performances, making it a popular attraction with plenty to see and do.

◎ Chungjang-ro, Gwangju
Chungjang-ro is so famous as a fashion street that it is nicknamed the “Myeongdong Street of Gwangju.” The name “Chungjang” comes from the military title of General Kim Deok-ryeong, known for his valiant acts in the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.

Gwangju Chungjang-ro KPOP STAR Street(광주 충장로 케이팝 스타의 거리)

14.6Km 2025-11-05

94 Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

J-hope Hope World
This street was created to commemorate K-pop stars from Gwangju. Within the street, there are murals depicting singers' album jackets, benches decorated with song titles, handprints, and sculptures. After j-hope personally stopped by the bench decorated with the theme of a BTS song and posted a proof shot, it became a holy place for fans. It is one of the essential courses that 'ARMY' cannot miss because he left a message of appreciation and impressions of visiting this place.

Palace Tourist Hotel (파레스 관광호텔)

14.7Km 2025-08-18

13, Jungang-ro 160beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-222-2525

Palace Tourist Hotel is located only a six-minute walk from Geumnamro 4(sa)-ga Station on Gwangju Subway Line 1. Nearby attractions within walking distance include Gwangju Art Street and Yangdong Market.

Chuwolsan Mountain (추월산)

14.7Km 2025-01-13

981, Chuwolsan-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-3492

Located 13 kilometers away from Damyang-eup, Chuwolsan Mountain (731 m) was designated Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No. 4 and is one of the five famous mountains of Jeollanam-do. It marks the boundary between Jeollanam-do, South Jeolla Province (Wolgye-ri, Yong-myeon, the most northern town in Damyang-gun) and Jeollabuk-do, North Jeolla Province (Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun). The mountain has a dense forest, rock formations and stones, and rock walls that look like manmade fortifications with a narrow path to the west which can accommodate only one person at a time.

Shaped like a Buddhist monk lying down when it is seen from Damyang-eup's side, it is popular for its various naturally grown medicinal herbs as well as rare kinds of Chuwolsan orchids. The base of the mountain has gentle slopes and densely packed old pine trees, making it the best destination for families in summer. The hiking trail is hard to climb despite the fact that the peak is not very high. However, it is visited by mountain climbers all year long.

Before reaching Sangbong Peak, there is a hermitage and a mineral spring that never dries up. The peak also boasts an impressive view of the surrounding area, including Damyangho Lake. Chuwolsan Mountain was a battle site during the Imjin War along with the nearby Geumseongsanseong Fortress. The last battle of Donghak Peasant Revolution also took place at Chuwolsan Mountain.

Dream People Enter (드림피플엔터)

14.7Km 2024-12-17

16 Cheonbyeonjwa-ro 338beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Dream People Enter is an indoor ski class facility that visitors can enjoy throughout the year with beginner and intermediate slopes and auto slope for advanced learners. The class also go on field trips to Muju Deogyusan Resort and Welli Hilli Park for ski camps and lessons. There are ski and snowboard classes for both individuals and groups. It also has facility to repair ski gears, a storage, and a ski shop.

May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives (5•18민주화운동 기록관) - Area information - Korea travel information