May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

1.4Km 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.

Gwangju Art Street (광주 예술의 거리)

1.4Km 2020-06-19

24, Yesul-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-942-6160

Gwangju Art Street is aimed at developing Gwangju’s traditional art scene through exhibition of local work. The street is 300m long and located behind Jungang Elementary School, nearby Gwangju Dongbu Police Station. Items commonly found here include Korean fine art such as paintings, ceramics, writings, and industrial art.

Every Saturday, an art flea market famous for its unique pieces is held here. People from all over the nation gather to display items that include old calligraphy materials, collector coins, stone hairbrushes, Chinaware, wooden sculptures, folk drawings, classic books, ink, and incense burners. Part of the attraction is the stories the collectors share with each part of their collection. Enjoy the many shows and exhibitions that draw regular crowds to this famous road.

The Mudeung art exhibit operates according to districts, and functions as a cultural festival as well. The outdoor exhibition was built in February 1995, and is open throughout the day. The large exhibition space has 32 booths and regularly holds special exhibits. Many regional cultural treasures are also on display here. Every Saturday, the Street of Fine Arts is blocked from traffic, and people gather to share and enjoy art culture. Gwangju Summer Universiade will be held this summer, 2015.

Gajokhwegwan (가족회관)

1.4Km 2024-12-04

50 Dongmyeong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Gajokhwegwan is a Korean table d'hote restaurant with 36 years of tradition. Visitors can experience the charms of Jeolla Province style food that only uses fresh ingredients in season. There are both private rooms and large group seats to enjoy the meal.

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

1.4Km 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.

YODAMN (요담엔)

1.4Km 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.

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

1.5Km 2024-04-23

67, Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

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Gwangju Cinema (광주극장)

1.5Km 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.

1960 Cheongwonmomil (1960 청원모밀)

1.5Km 2020-05-04

174-1, Jungang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-222-2210

1960 Cheongwonmomil is a popular restaurant on Chungjang-ro Street, serving buckwheat noodles since 1960. It features white tables along with bright lighting. The representative menu is momil guksu, attracting people's appetite. Also, they offer kkakdugi (diced radish kimchi) made in-house.

Zipper House (여행자의 집)

1.5Km 2025-08-13

137-17 Donggyecheon-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Zipper House is a multi-purpose cultural space that provides tourists with tourism information and convenient facilities, hosting various events and programs. The two-story building, adorned by a large red ribbon, features a gift shop selling souvenirs of Gwangju and Dong-gu, a campsite-like lounge and terrace, and a snack bar offering refreshments such as toast and coffee.

S-Market - Gwangju Chungjang-ro Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (에스마켓 광주충장로)

1.5Km 2024-04-18

73, Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

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