🕊 the Heart of Gwangju – Remembering the May 18 Democratic Uprising
When people think of Gwangju, they often picture a vibrant city full of art, great food, and warm-hearted locals.
But beneath that charm lies a deeper story—one that changed the course of Korea’s modern history.
In May 1980, ordinary citizens of Gwangju stood up against military dictatorship, demanding democracy, freedom, and human rights.
What began as a peaceful protest turned into a brutal military crackdown, leaving behind pain, loss, and silence.
And yet, Gwangju became a lasting symbol of courage, unity, and hope.
The Gwangju Uprising not only marked a turning point in Korea’s path to democracy,
but also continues to inspire people around the world who believe in justice and freedom.
🗺️ Tracing History – Three Places That Remember May 18
Walking through Gwangju means walking in the footsteps of democracy.
On this trip, I visited three key sites that preserve the memory of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
Each place held something powerful—
✨ a space that remembers,
✨ a building that tells stories,
✨ and above all, a quiet but lasting message of courage.
📍 1. Jeonil Building 245 (전일빌딩245)
Jeonil Building 245, located at 245 Geumnam-ro, is one of the few structures that still bears the physical traces of May 1980.
During renovations, 245 bullet marks were discovered—concrete evidence of helicopter gunfire during the uprising.
On the 1st floor, an exhibit presents the building’s timeline and historical context, including AR (Augmented Reality) experiences that simulate the events of May 18.
Main Facilities
🔹 2F: Namdo Tourism Center (souvenirs & art goods)
🔹 3F: Digital Library & Citizens’ Gallery
🔹 9F–10F: May 18 Commemorative Floors
🔹 Rooftop: Jeonil Maru observation deck
🔹 Additional spaces: Moon Lounge, Stanley Exhibition Zone
Visitor Info
📍 Address: 245 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
📞 Phone: 062-225-0245
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–19:00
🎤 Guided Tour Hours: 10:00–18:00
❌ Closed: January 1st, Lunar New Year, Chuseok(Korean Thanksgiving)
Travel Tip📝
- Visit the 3rd-floor gallery, which reenacts the confrontation between citizens and military forces.
- The 9th and 10th floors, where 14 bullet marks remain visible on the walls, are a must-see.
📍 2. May 18 Archives (5·18민주화운동기록관)
Housed in what used to be the Gwangju Catholic Center, the May 18 Archives serves as the main repository for official materials related to the uprising.
Since 2015, the center has collected, preserved, and displayed extensive documents, videos, and artifacts.
Most notably, in 2011, the archive’s materials were registered as part of the UNESCO Memory of the World, marking them as globally significant records of human rights and democratic movements.
Key Exhibits
🔹 Floors 1–3: Permanent historical exhibitions
🔹 Floor 6: Recreated office of Archbishop Yoon Gong-hee, a key figure in May 18 history
Visitor Info
📍 Address: 221 Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju
📞 Phone: 062-613-8204
🌐 Website: 518archives.go.kr
⏰ Opening Hours: Daily 09:00–18:00
❌ Closed: Mondays, January 1st, Lunar New Year, Chuseok
Travel Tip📝
- Combine this visit with nearby sites like Jeonil Building 245,
May 18 Plaza, and the May 18 Memorial Hall, all within walking distance from the Asia Culture Center.
📍 3. May 18 Democratic Plaza & Former Jeonnam Provincial Office (5·18 민주광장 & 옛 전남도청)
Located in the heart of Geumnam-ro, May 18 Democratic Plaza is a peaceful public space today—but in May 1980, it was the very center of Gwangju’s pro-democracy uprising.
At the center of the plaza stands a symbolic fountain, which once served as a platform for citizens to voice their demands for democracy and justice. Knowing the stories behind it, even walking across the plaza feels deeply emotional.
Next to the plaza is the former Jeonnam Provincial Office, which served as the final stronghold of the citizen militia.
Currently under renovation, the building will reopen as a cultural space combining media and historical exhibits related to May 18.
Visitor Info
📍 Address: 41 Geumnam-ro 1-ga, Dong-gu, Gwangju
📞 Phone: 1899-5566
🚶 Walking Route: May 18 Trail (오월길)
📞 Trail Info: 062-360-0553
🌐 Website: 518road.518.org
Travel Tip📝
Walk the May 18 Trail, a walking route that connects key sites related to the uprising, offering a meaningful way to reflect on Gwangju’s history.
🌱 Reflections
It was a moment to feel the presence of those
who chose to do what was right—even in the face of despair.
The spirit of Gwangju—a spirit of resistance, resilience, and hope—still lives on today.
It reaches far beyond Korea, resonating with anyone who believes in freedom and human dignity.
Democracy does not grow on its own.
Only when we remember the ones who stood up for it
can we keep moving toward a better tomorrow.
Gwangju is a city that remembers how it all began. 🕊
2 comments