![May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587579_image2_1.webp)
 
## Overview

> 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.

 
## Intro

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|infocenter:|• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-62-613-2082|
|restdate:|N/A (Open all year round)|
 

 
## Detail Image
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587576_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587576_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587577_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587577_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587578_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/1587578_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364326_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364326_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364327_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364327_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364328_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364328_image2_1.webp)
![/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364329_image2_1.webp](/2022-07-14-1657809427691/2364329_image2_1.webp)


 
## Contact

- [☎️+82-62-613-2082](tel:+82626132082)
- [🏠www.518.org](http://www.518.org/)


```googleMap
latitude: 35.1498495485
longitude: 126.9182213969
title: 38, Munhwajeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
```
 
## Directions
 
[Subway] 
Culture Complex Station (Gwangju Subway Line 1), Exit 3 or 4. 
[Bus] 
Take Bus No. 1000, 1187, 518, Seokgok87, Geumnam55, Geumnam56, or Geumnam57 and get off at the Culture Complex Station Bus Stop.

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.

May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장)

With the slogan “Yeongsangang River, where Nature and Life Coexist,” Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion consists of an open space that blends well with the surrounding natural environment. The center provides a variety of educational programs and hands-on events, through which visitors can increase their understanding of the Yeongsangang River restoration project, the history of Namdo region, and the cultural and ecological environment of the area.

Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion (영산강문화관)

Nestled at the foot of Yeouisan Mountain in the business center of Gwangju, Mugaksa Temple is an urban Buddhist Temple. Unlike other urban Buddhist Temples, Mugaksa Temple has all the elements of a traditional temple. The temple is used as a cultural resting area and artistic spot for meetings without any religious barrier. The temple is also the starting point of the 2 kilometer walking trail to the 5.18 Memorial Park, leading to a constant flow of visitors.

Mugaksa Temple (무각사)

The Yangnim-dong Missionary Cemetery is the final resting place of 23 missionaries who brought Christianity to Gwangju and led the movement to free the nation from under Japanese colonial rule. Yangnim-dong in Gwangju Metropolitan City was the main area in which Priest Bae Yu-ji and Dr. Clement Owen carried out their work as the first missionaries to Jeollanam-do. <brAs part of his outreach, Priest Bae Yu-ji established the Jennie Speer Memorial School for Girls. Dr. Owen dedicated himself to serving the church and providing medical care along with his wife, who was a nurse. Located nearby is a monument dedicated to Priest Bae Yu-ji and the Owen Memorial Building, built in honor of Dr. Owen and his grandfather. Both memorials are cultural assets and particularly prized by locals of the Christian faith.

Yangnim-dong Missionary Cemetery (양림동 선교사 묘지)

Yangnim History & Culture Village is located in the area where Western items and ideas first entered Gwangju over 100 years ago. As such, the neighborhood has a unique collection of Western architecture mixed with traditional hanok houses. There are also many houses of Christian missionaries, who facilitated the advancement of medicine and education in  Gwangju. Some areas, such as Penguin Village, have been decorated with murals and outdoor exhibitions to promote art and tourism, helping the elderly locals to make a living.

Yangnim History & Culture Village (양림역사문화마을)

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy, built in 1578, was established by Kim Gyehwi and other confucian scholars to honor Ki Daeseung's study and virtue through Mangcheonsa Shrine. The location of the academy was moved to its current site in 1646, and the name Wolbong was given by King Hyojong in 1654. In 1671, Bak Sang and Bak Sun's shrines were moved from Deoksansa Shrine by the suggestion of Song Siyeol. Also, Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jip's shrines were additionally placed in 1673. Unfortunately, the confucian academy was abolished due to the abolition policy of Daewongun in 1868. Later, Bingwoldang Hall was built by Jeollanam-do's Confucian scholars in 1938, followed by Gojiksa Shrine in 1972, Jangpangak Pavilion and Oesammun Gate in 1978, Sau in 1980 and Naesammun Gate in 1981. Bingwoldang is designated as Gwangju Monument No. 9 and woodblocks of Gobongjip are preserved in Jangpangak Pavilion.

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy (월봉서원)

Ssangam Park is located in front of the Gwangju Institute of Science and technology within Cheomdanjigu (the high-technology district) in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Thanks to the beautiful lake at its center, the park is also known as “Lake Park.” The lake is surrounded with landscaped azaleas and pine trees and is home to several fountains. At least once a month, a cultural festival takes place at the park. Convenience facilities include 146 benches, 3 restrooms, and 3 playgrounds. The park is especially popular among students since it has a gym and a wide grassy field perfect for playing sports.

Ssangam Park (쌍암공원)

Pungam Reservoir was originally built in 1956 for agriculture, but was turned into a park in 1999 as part of the pilot program for developing parks nationwide. It is a popular resting area featuring traditional pavilions and wooden bridges.


infocenter:	• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-62-613-2082
restdate:	N/A (Open all year round)