[Latest 2025 Travel Guide] Gwangju
🎨 Editor's Guide: A Complete Guide to Gwangju Travel
Gwangju, located in South Jeolla Province, is South Korea's sixth-largest city and is known as a "City of Culture and Arts." It's not only a culinary paradise, but also boasts a rich history and artistic atmosphere. The Gwangju Democratization Movement of 1980, in particular, has cemented this city's importance in Korean history.
📍 Must-see attractions in Gwangju
1. Gwangju Asia Culture Center (ACC)
- Features : Asia's largest comprehensive cultural and arts space, integrating exhibitions, performances, libraries and interactive art.
- Editor's Tip : There are many free areas in the museum, which is perfect for rainy days. You can also take photos with a sense of design.
2. May 18th Democracy Square & National May 18th Democracy Cemetery
- Features : This is an important place commemorating the Gwangju Democratization Movement, which is very helpful for understanding the modern history of South Korea.
- The editor recommends : Go to the Democratic Cemetery first, and then go to the square to feel the atmosphere, which will make you feel more involved.
3. Yangnim-dong Historical and Cultural Village
- Features : It retains Japanese colonial and modern architecture, and integrates cafes, art studios and small museums.
- Editor’s tip : It’s perfect for taking hipster-style photos, and you can also drink the special hand-brewed coffee.
4. Mudeungsan National Park
- Features : Gwangju's "back garden" offers different scenery in each season, and the maple leaves in autumn are particularly beautiful.
- Editor's suggestion : You don't have to climb to the top, you can also enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery by taking the easy route.
5. Chungjang-ro Street
- Features : Gwangju's busiest shopping district, home to department stores, fashion shops, cosmetics stores, and street food.
- Editor’s tip : There are more people at night, so you can enjoy snacks while shopping.
6. 1913 Songjeong Station Market
- Features : After renovation, the century-old market has become more hip and interesting, with traditional food and creative desserts.
- Editor’s recommendation : You must try the “Butter Bread” and “Handmade Tea”.
🍜 Must-try food in Gwangju
| gourmet food | Recommended locations | Editor's Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Gwangju Bibimbap (광주비빔밥) | Zhongzhuang Road, Food Street | Similar to Jeonju bibimbap, but with lighter toppings and sauces. |
| Kimchi soup (김치찌개) | Korean restaurants in the city | Gwangju kimchi is spicy and the soup is rich and fragrant. |
| Korean fried chicken | Zhongzhuang Road, 1913 Market | The skin is crispy and the meat is juicy, perfect with beer. |
| Gwangju Glutinous Rice Blood Sausage (순대) | Traditional Market | It is soft and chewy, and tastes even better when eaten with spicy sauce. |
| Handmade cream bread | 1913 Songting Station Market | Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, the cream is sweet but not greasy. |
🚇 Gwangju Transportation Guide
1. Subway
- Gwangju has only one subway line, which connects major stations with some city attractions.
- Editor's Tip : To reach suburban attractions like Mudeungsan Mountain and the Democracy Cemetery, you'll need to transfer to a bus or taxi.
2. Bus
- There are dense bus routes in the city, which can reach most attractions.
- We recommend using Kakao Map or Naver Map to find directions.
3. Taxi
- The price is cheaper than Seoul, making it suitable for groups of people or when you are in a hurry.
4. How to get to Gwangju
- It takes about 2 hours from Seoul to Gwangju-Songjeong Station by KTX .
- It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes from Busan by SRT .
🎯 Editor recommends a 2-day itinerary
Day 1 : Gwangju National Asia Culture Center → Chungjang-ro Shopping Street → 1913 Songjeong Station Market Night Tour
Day 2 : Mudeungsan Mountain Hike → May 18th Democracy Cemetery → Yanglimdong Historical and Cultural Village
