Gwangju, South Korea

Gwangju Metropolitan City is located in the heart of southwestern South Korea, adjacent to South Jeolla Province. It lies between 35°09′ and 35°10′ north latitude and 126°38′ and 127°00′ east longitude, at the intersection of the Noryeong Mountains and the South Jeolla plains. Gwangju has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main ones: History and Culture - May 18th National Cemetery: Located in Seo-gu, Gwangju, this cemetery was built to commemorate the May 18th Democratic Uprising. Inside the park, there are monuments and a memorial hall displaying related historical materials and artifacts. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, with white locust blossoms and purple dianthus blooming together. - Buseoksa Temple: An ancient Buddhist temple with a rich history and cultural heritage. The Buddha statues and murals inside the temple are exquisite, and the architectural style is simple and elegant, creating a strong Buddhist atmosphere. - Hwaeomsa Temple: Built in 544 AD, this temple houses many works of art carved by stonemasons from the Silla Dynasty, such as the magnificent Daeungjeon Hall, the Four Lion Three-Story Stone Pagoda, and the Five-Story Stone Pagoda. It is a typical ancient temple in Korea. Arts and Humanities - Gwangju Art Street: This street is home to many creative and artistic cafes, shops, and studios, as well as various art exhibitions and cultural events. Visitors can experience Gwangju's artistic atmosphere and purchase unique art souvenirs. - Asian Culture Center (ACC): Opened in 2015, the ACC features a unique architectural appearance and complete facilities, including theaters, exhibition halls, and libraries. It regularly hosts various artistic performances, exhibitions, and cultural exchange activities. - Yangnim-dong Penguin Village: This village is filled with an artistic atmosphere, decorated with a large number of old objects such as discarded clocks and toys. There are also many unique cafes and small shops. When the lights come on at night, the colorful scene is quite dreamy. Natural Landscapes - Mudeungsan Mountain: Towering over the east side of Gwangju at an altitude of 1,187 meters, Mudeungsan is a symbol of the city. It offers a panoramic view of Gwangju and boasts beautiful scenery, including scenic spots like Seoseokdae and Ip Seokdae, as well as temples and Buddhist relics such as Jeungsimsa and Wonhyo Temple. - Gwangju Lake Eco Park: Here, you can see various wild flowers, and in the wetland area, you can observe the process of birds hatching and growing. It's a great place to get close to nature and enjoy the natural scenery. - Mudeungsan National Park: With an excellent ecosystem suitable for wildlife such as otters and flying squirrels, this park offers beautiful natural scenery and hiking opportunities. Urban Leisure - 1913 Songjeong Station Market: With nostalgic retro streets and design-conscious signs, this market offers a variety of specialty snacks, handicraft shops, and more. You can experience Gwangju's traditional customs and local life. - Chungjang-ro: Gwangju's commercial street, known as "Little Myeongdong," has many fashionable shops, restaurants, and cafes. It's a popular shopping and leisure spot for young people. - Gwangju World Cup Stadium: One of the venues for the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, this stadium has a unique architectural appearance and complete surrounding facilities, including parks and restaurants. You can experience the World Cup atmosphere and enjoy the surrounding scenery.