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(Dong-gu)

With a proud 20-year history, Arirang House is famous for its kimchi, which won a prize at the first Kimchi Festival. In 2003, the restaurant collaborated with Shilla Hotel and Paradise Hotel and successfully hosted a royal cuisine demonstration event, contributing to the promotion of Korean cuisine. Arirang House serves delicious Korean cuisine in an elegant style. The food is carefully prepared by 11 chefs, including the chef who has thirty years of experience. The kitchen is divided into the side dish team, the special dish team, and the main course team to prepare a total of thirty or so specialized dishes. The flavors are enhanced by using only the freshest natural ingredients and not using any artificial seasonings. Prices vary by course, and each course comes with raw beef, samhap (a combination of three special foods), assorted raw fish, and steamed short ribs. The bossam kimchi (kimchi with slices of steamed pork) is also one of their specialties.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Yangdong Market started in the 1910s as a traditional market held on dates ending in 2 and 7 of every month on the white sand beach under Gwangjugyo Bridge. The market has a long history and local citizens have many sayings referring to the multitude of items available here. During the May 18th Democratization Movement, both Yangdong and Daein markets were a grand venue where the citizens of Gwangju gathered together to rally for democratization of the nation. Merchants of the markets provided food, beverages, and medicine to the protestors and participated in the movement alongside their fellow citizens. Yangdong Market is an outstanding traditional market among all markets throughout the nation. The market has upgraded with the times to include modern conveniences, including a consolidated market logo, online shopping mall, and shop owner education classes.


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)

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 (5.18 민주광장, Minju Gwangjang) since 1996.


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

Saji Park is well landscaped with various trees and flower beds. Around April 15th every year, cherry blossoms are in full bloom creating a splendid scene. During this time, the municipality of Gwangju installs lighting in the trees for citizens to enjoy the blossoms late into the night. The park has become established as a favorite rest area for Gwangju citizens.The park houses several attractions including a memorial for national heroes, the Gwangju Broadcast Station (KBS), the Memorial Tower for Policemen, Yeonpajeong Pavilion, the Gwandeokjeong shooting range, and the Palgakjeong Pavilion overlooking downtown Gwangju. The various trees, shrubs, and flowers offer an inviting atmosphere for an outing.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Even before the mad cow disease crisis, Yumyeong Hoegwan has only been serving locally-bred hanu beef. The fresh meat, sirloin, and prime ribs are delicious and they also use rice and kimchi made in Korea. The restaurant has a lot of business and group customers, but it is also good for family occasions, wedding receptions, and other social gatherings.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju Station is the representative train station of Gwangju, a cultural and industrial city located in the southwest region of the Korean peninsula. The station opened its doors in 1922 and moved to its current location in July 1969. In 2004, it was included as a stop along the KTX (Korea Train Express) high-speed rail services. From the station, trains run to and from Yongsan Station (Seoul), Mokpo Station, Daejeon Station, and Suncheon Station.Gwangju is the only metropolitan city in the southwest region of Korea and is an important node in the nation’s transportation network. The city hosts a variety of international festivals and events such as the Gwangju Biennale (an international art exhibition) and the World Kimchi Culture Festival. As a result, Gwangju Station is bustling with tourists all year round.Points of interest nearby Gwangju Station include Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple, and Wonhyosa Temple.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

About a kilometer to the right from the main entrance of Hotel Mudeung Park (무등파크호텔), there is the famous Korean hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote) restaurant called Myeongseonheon. To maintain the freshness of the food, the restaurant runs on specific business hours (12:00-14:00 for lunch, 17:00-22:00 for dinner) However, the timing may vary by seasons. The table setting is neat and the food is served in a hearty manner. Also, the food is served by course to allow each dish to be appreciated at the right temperature. The traditional hanjeongsik comes with 30 or so dishes that include gulbi-gui (grilled corvina), hongeo-hoe (raw skewed skate), galchi-jorim (braised cutlessfishl), bossam-kimchi (wrapped kimchi with steamed pork), and jeotgal (salted seafood), and each dish is prepared with great care.


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

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 Province. As part of his outreach, Priest Bae Yoo-ji established the Jennie Speer Memorial School for Girls. Clement Owen dedicated himself to serving the church and providing medical care along with his wife, who was a nurse. Nearby is a monument dedicated to Priest Bae Yoo-ji and the Owen Memorial Building, built in honor of Dr. Clement Owen and his grandfather. Both memorials are cultural assets and particularly prized by locals of the Christian faith.