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(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.


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(Dong-gu)

Kungjeon Bakery in Chungjang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Ciy has been serving fresh baked goods for the last 40 years. Among its 200 kinds of bread and 60 kinds of cake, the best items are the “dragon egg bread,” “butterfly pie” and “paper pie.”


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)

Gwangju Family Land is an amusement park equipped with dozens of exciting rides as well as recreational facilities such as a swimming pool, an ice rink, and a sledge park. Spanning 290 acres of land, it is the largest urban amusement park in all of Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do Provinces. The amusement park also offers entertainment courses designed for couples, families and children.


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.


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(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(Dong-gu)

A famous local restaurant, Cheongwonmomil (청원모밀) has been serving buckwheat noodle soup since 1960. Buckwheat noodles are popular in Korea, as they are both flavorful and refreshing, especially when eaten with kkaduki (radish kimchi).