Echoes of the democracy movement in the city of light | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

The National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery, also called the 5·18 Burial Site, is a communal cemetery for the victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement. As a sacred place of democracy and a representative symbol of Gwangju, the cemetery contains graves of the 5·18 patriots, a memorial plaza, exhibition spaces, symbolic sculptures, and the Gwangju Democratization Movement Memorial Tower. The central square pillar tower, 40 meters tall, modernizes the traditional Korean stone structure called Dangganjiju. The oval shape grasped by hands in the center symbolizes the rebirth of new life, and the light reflected by the sun’s shifting rays represents seeds of hope. The 5·18 Memorial Hall was established to honor the democratic spirits who sacrificed for democratization and to properly inherit their cause. It provides an objective understanding of the 5·18 Democratization Movement, its victims, and the still unrevealed truths, functioning as an experiential space where visitors can actively engage with the realities and spirit of 5·18 rather than merely observe. ※ To maintain a solemn atmosphere for worship, slippers and sleeveless clothing are discouraged.

Like Daehak-ro and Insadong Street in Seoul, and Piff Street in Busan, each region has streets that reflect their local character. The representative street of Gwangju Gwangyeoksi is Gwangju Art Street. Art Street was created to carry on and develop the tradition of Gwangju, an artistic city and the cultural and artistic center of Honam. To accommodate artists, symbolic works representing local art such as calligraphy, ceramics, and crafts are gathered, exhibited, and sold. It is a famous site where anyone can easily experience the essence of Namdo art, focusing on Korean painting, calligraphy, and Namdo chang. Exploring the area from in front of Gwangju Dongbu Police Station to the intersection behind Jungang Elementary School takes about one hour just to look around, and about two hours if you enter stores to appreciate the art. It is a must-visit for first-time travelers to Gwangju. Every Saturday, the street is designated as a "car-free street" where various cultural events can be enjoyed. Once a month, events led by the Namdo Culture and Arts Promotion Association such as concerts, light festivals, underground performances, character culture merchandise exhibitions, and light festivals are held to further activate Art Street.

광주·전남지역의 전통 문화를 널리 알리기 위해 1978년 12월 6일 개관하였다. 90,000여 점의 소장품을 보존 관리하며, 그동안 100여 회의 학술조사로 우리 문화를 일구었다. 또한 150여 회의 다양한 전시와 맞춤형 교육은 우리의 역사와 문화를 알리며 지역민과 함께 하는 복합문화공간으로 광주·전남의 역사를 조명하고 있다.

5·18 Freedom Park is the site where the Sangmu Military Court and military detention cells, originally used during the May 18 Democratic Movement in 1980 for those who resisted the violent suppression by some political military personnel attempting to seize power, were relocated about 100 meters from their original position and faithfully restored in their original form. This place preserves the fervent courage and spirit of those who opposed injustice with their high will for democratization and youthful passion. It is a historical site marking a trail of struggle and will be remembered as a symbol of human rights, peace, and unity.