Trip to four of Gwangju Seogu eight scenic spots | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Mangwijeong Pavilion is located in Dongha Village, Seha-dong, Seo-gu. It was reportedly built by Hyougong (孝友公) Jang Chang-woo (張昌羽) to teach younger generations and spend his later years. However, the original building collapsed over time and was rebuilt in 1934 and restored in 1945 by his descendants. Jang Chang-woo is the Nagnam ancestor of the Heungseong Jang clan (興城 張氏) who lived in the Dongjok village here, though the exact founding date is unknown. The pavilion is four kan wide on all sides, featuring a hip-and-gable tiled roof and wooden floor with railings on the east, west, and south sides. Mangwijeong is a waterside pavilion built amid a large pond, with two other pavilions next to it—Seuphyang-gak (襲香閣) and Mukam Jeongsa—situated side by side across a bridge. Both other pavilions were established after the reconstruction of Mangwijeong.

The Uncheonsamae Seated Buddha Statue is a rock-carved Buddha believed to have been made in the early Goryeo period, located within the grounds of Uncheon Temple. It measures 2.1 meters in height and 2.1 meters across the knees. It is a rare, large Buddha statue in both Jeollanam-do and Gwangju. The statue is a relief carved into a natural rock cliff, with a building constructed over it forming a shrine. The overall shape and body parts are sculpted with a sense of three-dimensionality, while the halo and pedestal are carved in outline form. The ushnisha (the protuberance on the crown of the Buddha's head) is prominently raised, and the hair, originally in snail-shaped curls, is heavily worn and appears like short hair. A faint hole where the white hairs called 'baekho' (thin, radiant hairs between the Buddha's eyebrows symbolizing light illuminating the infinite world) was located can be seen between the brows. The eyes are half-closed as if in meditation. Both ears are very large, extending to the shoulders, with distinct ear rims and earlobes. The neck clearly shows three folds, and the statue wears a monk's robe draped over the right shoulder, known as u-gyeon-pyeon-dan. Although known as an outdoor Buddha statue, the discovery of Goryeo period roof tiles suggests that a shrine protecting the rock-carved Buddha originally existed. The large scale causes some anatomical imbalance, and the stiff face and stylized robe indicate it is likely an early Goryeo work.

5·18 Memorial Park was created to commemorate the May 18, 1980 Gwangju Democratization Movement. When Sangmudae, a military facility at the time of the movement, was relocated, the government provided the park site. Accordingly, in 1998, Gwangju Metropolitan City established the 5·18 Memorial Park over an area of 208,000㎡ to honor the movement and to properly inherit and develop its valuable lessons. The park includes the 5·18 Memorial Culture Center with archives and performance/event facilities, the 5·18 status sculptures and memorial sublimation space consisting of the Citizens’ Army statue and memorial space, Daedong Square featuring a circular fountain symbolizing the spirit of 5·18, and the Student Memorial Tower of the 5·18 Democratization Movement. At the foot of Yeouisang, where the park is situated, is the Gwangju Student Education and Culture Center, and walking paths surround the mountain. At the summit, there is Oweoldae, a pavilion functioning as an observatory. Today, 5·18 Memorial Park serves not only as a place for citizens to commemorate the 5·18 Democratization Movement but also as a pleasant urban resting space. Approximately 45% of the total area, 92,099㎡, is green space with traditional ponds and diverse trees, widely used as a natural learning area for children.

Yangdong Market is a traditional market located in Seo-gu, Gwangju, and is the largest in Jeonnam. It originated from markets held on the 2nd and 7th of every month at Baeksajang under Gwangjugyo in the 1910s. Known as a symbol of generous hospitality, Yangdong Market features a wide variety of goods and plentiful food, earning it the nicknames 'big-handed market' and 'kitchen of Gwangju' among citizens. It remains the go-to place for holiday preparations and purchasing fermented skate (hong-eo). The famous local specialty, 『Yangdong Tongdak』, is only available here. During the May 18 Democratization Movement, Yangdong Market and Daein Market were sites where citizens united in spirit. Merchants supported and encouraged the citizen army with rice balls, drinks, and medicine. Facing challenges from the advancement of distribution industries, Yangdong Market modernized its facilities. Through integrating logo projects, building online shopping malls, and opening merchant colleges, it successfully modernized management. The market won the top award at the 『National Excellent Market Expo』 for its cleanliness and orderliness, becoming a convenient shopping space with no shortcomings. Additionally, the market's love for the community continues, offering affordable meals like Yangdong 1,000-won Noodles for seniors and operating the café 'More-less' in River Market 276 to support disabled barista trainees, along with cooking, crafts, and zero waste experience programs. Top 3 foods are Yangdong Tongdak vs Suil Tongdak, Yangdong 1,000-won Noodles, and Lettuce Tempura. Nearby are Yangnim Historical Cultural Village, National Asian Culture Complex, and May 18 Memorial Park.