Korea Travel: Suggested Itineraries-Trip to Gwangju
- Get a glimpse of Korea’s modern history in Gwangju, the central region of Jeolla-do.
Gwangju is the center of Korean modern and contemporary history, and when you travel, you can find traces of the development of Korean democracy everywhere. If you tour the National Gwangju Museum or the May 18 Democratization Movement Archives and listen to the history that occurred in Gwangju, you will gain a new perspective on Gwangju. In addition, Gwangju is a region rich in culture and arts, with the Gwangju Design Biennale being held every year. Check out cute souvenirs made by local artists at Gwangju Art Street. Don't miss this restaurant where you can taste delicious and hearty Korean food made with special ingredients from Jeolla-do.
Recommended Course
1. 1913 Songjeong Station Market (1913송정역시장)
- A market with 100 years of tradition and is full of delicious restaurants.
Introduction
Songjeong Station Market was opened in 1913 in connection with the opening of Gwangju-Songjeong Station. For many years, the market was the go-to-place for necessary items and produce, but with the increase of large supermarts in the 1990s, people began to visit traditional markets less and less. In order to increase the liveliness of Songjeong Station Market and showcase the difference between modern marts and a traditional market, the entire space was redesigned around the theme of time.
The newly redesigned 1913 Songjeong Station Market, located just across the street from Gwangju-Songjeong KTX Station, has a bright appearance with modern-styled architecture and signboards detailing the history of the various shops. Visitors can enjoy all the classic market foods here, such as hotteok (hot griddle cakes), gyeran bap (rice with egg), and eomuk (fish cake).
Address
13 Songjeong-ro 8beon-gil, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju
광주광역시 광산구 송정로8번길 13
Inquiries: +82-62-942-1914
Holiday: Second and fourth Monday of every month
Parking: Available (paid parking)
2. Gwangju National Museum (국립광주박물관)
- A museum where you can appreciate relics from Baekje, Korea’s old dynasty.
Introduction
Gwangju National Museum, opened on December 6, 1978, was established to promote the development of cultural arts and to foster patriotism. Gwangju National Museum’s goal is to conserve cultural values through the collection and preservation of historical and valuable artifacts found in the Gwangju and Jeollanam-do regions as well as make contributions to the community through continuous research, exhibition, and education. With over 130,000 artifacts as well as various educational and experience programs, the museum aims to provide an enjoyable cultural center for visitors.
Address
110 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
광주광역시 북구 하서로 110
Inquiries
+82-62-570-7000
Operating hours
10:00-18:00
[Late hours (Saturdays March-October)] 10:00- 20:00
Holiday
January 1, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day)
Admission / Fee
Free (Excluding paid special exhibitions)
* Visitors must visit the ticket booth to recieve comlimentary entry tickets.
Parking: Available
Website: gwangju.museum.go.kr
3. May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives (5•18민주화운동 기록관)
- Historical archive of the democratization movement against dictatorship in 1980.
Introduction
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.
Address
221 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
광주광역시 동구 금남로 221
Inquiries
+82-62-613-8204
Operating hours
09:00-18:00
Holiday
Mondays (closed next day if Monday is a public holiday), January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays, and days deemed necessary by the museum
Admission / Fee: Free
Parking: Available
Website: www.518archives.go.kr
4. Gwangju Art Street (광주 예술의 거리)
- The representative street of Gwangju. Go shopping for Gwangju's special souvenirs.
Introduction
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.
Address
24, Yesul-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
광주광역시 동구 예술길 24
Inquiries
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-62-942-6160
Website: tour.gwangju.go.kr
5. Mudeungsan Lift Monorail (Jisan Park) (무등산 리프트모노레일 (지산유원지))
- Enjoy the scenery of Mudeungsan Mountain through a thrilling monorail.
Introduction
For the lift and monorail located at Jisan Recreation Area in Gwangju, you can purchase a ticket at the ticket office installed in the convenience store on the first floor and go up to the boarding area on the second floor. Take the lift and enjoy the view of Mudeungsan Mountain for about 20 minutes, and you will arrive at Bitgoeul Station where you can transfer to the monorail. You can feel the thrill of riding toward the top on a monorail that can accommodate about 20 people at a time, and you will be amazed by the spectacular view of Mudeungsan Mountain in all directions. The panoramic view of Gwangju from up on the Octagonal Observatory at the end of the monorail is a beautiful sight that you must see at least once, even if you have to overcome the thrill. It is a famous spot where you can truly see and enjoy Gwangju.
Information Use
opening date; December 8, 2016 (reopening)
Hours of use
- Weekdays 10:00~sunset
- Weekends 09:00~sunset
※ In case of bad weather, operation may be suspended or closed.
Day off: Open all year round
Parking facilities
Available (100 spaces, use Mudeungsan Park Hotel parking lot)
Credit card availability: possible
Pet availability: Impossible
Inquiries and information: 062-221-2760
Related website: http://www.hotelmudeungpark.co.kr/lift-monorail/
Detail
[Naver Knowledge Encyclopedia] Mudeungsan Lift Monorail (Jisan Resort) (Every corner of Korea, Korea Tourism Organization)