Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Located in Gwangju Metropolitan City, the Namdo Folk Food Museum was established to preserve and promote the folk foods of the Namdo region. The museum is housed in a building that resembles both the long, rectangular presses used to make patterned rice cakes and the Ipseokdae Rock of Mudeungsan Mountain, a symbol of Gwangju. Even the colors of the building’s walls hold special significance. The obangsaek ‘five colors’ (blue, white, red, black, and yellow) symbolize the cardinal directions, the seasons, the major organs in the body, different tastes, feelings, and philosophy.Major facilities at the museum include: a special exhibition room for invitational displays on culture and art, the permanent exhibition room on Namdo folk food, the Museum Studio with material related to the museum itself, and the Museum Shop, which sells a selection of Namdo folk food. Other facilities include the Honam Cultural Material Exhibition Room, which showcases the culture of the Honam region (literature, customs, and art), and a seminar room for art and culture-related lectures and conferences.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo Dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon Dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.Jeungsimsa Temple is home to a large number of valuable cultural assets: Obaekjeon (hall of 500 Arhats); Cheoljo Birojanabul Jwasang (seated metal Buddha statue, Treasure No. 131) enshrined in Birojeon (Saseongjeon) Hall; a three-story stone pagoda from the latter Silla Kingdom (Gwangju Tangible Cultural Property No. 1); Beomjonggak Pavilion; Beomja Seven-story Stone Pagoda engraved with Beomja (ancient Sanskrit); and more.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

The Uijae Museum of Korean Art was established in memory of the famous Korean artist Heo Baekryeon. Construction of the museum ended in December, 1999, but the museum wasn’t officially opened until November 17th, 2001. Built to mimic the curve of a gently sloping road, the museum’s unique design earned architect Jo Seongryong the 10th Korean Architecture Award the same year as the museum’s opening. Measuring 6,000㎡ (B1-2F) in size, the museum is comprised of two exhibition rooms, a storage facility, a seminar room, and a tea ceremony room for visitors.Since its opening, the Uijae Museum of Korean Art has hosted notable exhibitions and seminars such as the 2002 Biennale Project 2 International Symposium. Currently, the classic works of Heo Baekryeon and a photographic exhibition of the famed artist are on display.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Lotte Outlets - Gwangju Worldcup Branch is the first Lotte shopping outlet to provide famous local fashion brands at a lower price. It is connected to Lotte Mart - Worldcup Branch, so one can shop for both fashion and groceries at the same time. There are sports facilities near the store, including Gwangju World Cup Stadium and a swimming pool.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

The May 18th National Cemetery, located in front of Mt. Mudeungsan, is the symbol of freedom and democracy and is the grave of victims during the contention for democracy in May 1980. Victims were carried and buried by handcarts and garbage trucks in 1980. In 1997 the cemetery was exhumed and reburied at this memorial. May 18th became a national holiday of commemorating our desire for democracy.To enter The May 18th National Cemetery, pass the Democracy Gate, built in a traditional Korean style. Passing the widely spread Plaza of Democracy, you will reach the Commemoration Passage. Keep walking and you will reach a round figure (4m high) of an enclosing hand. This is the Memorial Tower, which symbolizes the resurrection of new life. Under the tower there is a worship platform with burning incense to show respect. Through the Memorial Tower you will find carvings on both sides. On the right there is an enshrinement where pictures and monetary tablets are placed, and across from it stands the Door of History showing the images in those days. You can understand Korean history by viewing these works.After viewing this part of Korean history, it will be pleasant to take a walk and enjoy the surroundings of The May 18th National Cemetery. 


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

The Gwangju Museum of Art was established on August 1st, 1992 and has been under the management of the Gwangju Biennale Committee ever since the opening of the Biennale Hall in 1995 and the incorporation of the Biennale Support Headquarters in 1996.On display at the museum are 560 pieces of artwork ranging from those by classic Korean artists like Heo Baekryeon, O Jiho, Yang Sua, and Im Jiksun to works by modern artists. As part of its efforts to revitalize the region’s art industry, the Gwangju Museum of Art regularly holds various exhibitions and cultural and educational programs.The Gwangju Museum is divided into 3 sections: the Main Hall, the Education Promotion Center, and the Biennale Hall. There are 18 galleries and 2 visitor lounges. Other facilities include a bookstore, which sells books and magazines on art, and an art information center about domestic and overseas exhibitions.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

A Window of Asian Culture Facing the World The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is an international arts and cultural exchange organization that produces new, future-oriented results through the convergence of Asia’s past and present arts and culture with innovative ideas and beliefs. Having the context of artistically sublimating the significance of the May 18th Democratic Movement’s human rights and peace as its point of departure, the ACC, which opened in November 2015, is a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism–affiliated institution established for the advancement of mutual understanding and cooperative growth with different Asian countries through exchange, education, research, and other efforts with regard to Asian culture. The ACC plays the role of an integrated platform for participants from Asia and the rest of the world to freely unite and exchange their ideas while transcending boundaries in carrying out the steps of research, creation, and production. At the ACC, diverse and dynamic programs (exhibitions, performances, education, festivals, and other events) using collected research data, resources, etc., are held year-round with the creative output of experts from various fields who have exchanged their creativity and ingenuity with one another.  


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Daein Market in Gwangju is a wonderul example of the changes traditional markets have gone through to remain relavent in the modern world. Originally the community center for all living needs, including produce and household goods, the market lost much interest in the mid-1990s with the influx of large marts. From that point on, many shops began to close down as there was no business. However, the market saw a revival in 2008 during the Gwangju Biennale. Many of the available shop spaces were rented out to host small art exhibitions, creating a unique art market. Thanks to this effort, Daein Market was designated a Cultural Attraction in 2013. The market continues to have a strong connection with the art that saved it, and the vendors and artists live and work together in harmony. The market also draws in a lot of interest from the community through their weekly night markets, taking place every Saturday.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Gwangju World Cup Stadium is a major symbol of Gwangju. Designed to reflect the notion of ‘spreading far and wide’ the exterior is shaped like spokes of a wheel. When lit up, the stadium looks like a glowing dome. The ceiling and large ‘Y’-shaped pillars resemble a ‘Go,’ an instrument used in a traditional game from Gwangju, Gossaumnori. It is with design touches such as these that architects of the stadium have sought to capture and reflect traditional aspects of the Gwangju area.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

The Art Museum of Woo Jae Gil is square-shaped to express the image of Mudeungsan Mountain which is a massive native symbol of Gwangju. Also, it shows their wish for Gwangju to improve with the incorruptible and righteous spirit of citizens of Gwangju.