Gwangju City Tour
Highlights
May 18 Democratic Uprising Story & Asia Culture Center
Pleasant and fun walk through Yangnim Penguin Village
Wonhyosa Temple with a view of Mt. Mudeungsan
Duration : 8hours
Price : from 110 USD
Available on Tuesday to Friday, Sunday
Included : pick-up service, private transportation, coffee/tea
Excluded : lunch, personal travel insurance
Itinerary
9:30am Pick-up in Gwangju (hotel/train station)
Asia Culture Center
The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is a vibrant hub for Asian art and cultural exchange. Built on the historic site of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the complex is designed to honor and reflect the spirit of democracy. The ACC hosts interactive exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and various events throughout the year. Featuring a modern library and an urban park, it provides an open, relaxing space for the public to enjoy and engage with the arts.
Jeonil 245 building
This site is a significant location related to the May 18 Democratic Uprising, marked by evidence of helicopter strafing. The memorial hall and the building exterior preserves 245 bullet marks as a testament to the events of that time. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and Mt. Mudeungsan from the rooftop garden.
May 18 Archives
May 18 Archives was established in 2015 to collect and preserve the historical records on the May 18 Democratic Uprising. It has permanent exhibition rooms to show what happened in Gwangju for 10days from May 18th to 27th in 1980. The records of May 18 were listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2011.
Lunch - local special dish
Gwangju Yukjeon
: panfried slices of beef
: table-top cooking
Korean Table d'hote
with grilled pork rib patty
Temple cuisine buffet (Vegetarian)
: a variety of vegan dishes run by Buddhist monks.
Yangnim-dong Penguin Village
Following the penguin-shaped signage and entering the narrow alley, visitors will discover a village from the 1970s and 1980s that has been transformed into an outdoor exhibition space. The villagers have cleaned up burned and abandoned houses and repurposed discarded items as exhibits on the walls. One wall bears the inscription, “Let’s be thankful that we lived in those days.” As part of Yangnim-dong Modern History and Culture Village, this area also serves as an art village with murals and antique collections. Despite the name, the village has no penguins. So why is it called Penguin Village?
Yangnim-dong History and Culture Village
With its blend of modern architectural buildings and a forest of trees over 100 years old, Yangnim-dong serves as a living museum of history, architecture, culture, and art. At the beginning of the 20th century, missionaries from the Southern Presbyterian Church in the USA settled in the area to spread Christianity and played a key role in advancing medicine and education in Gwangju. This historical influence is reflected in the neighborhood's elegant mix of Western architectural styles and traditional Korean houses. Yangnim-dong is also known for its vibrant art galleries and charming coffee shops.
Wonhyosa Temple on Mt. Mudeungsan
Wonhyosa Temple is dedicated to the teachings of Wonhyo, a revered Korean Buddhist monk and scholar from the Silla Dynasty. His contributions to Korean Buddhism are highly regarded, and the temple reflects his influence. The temple's location on Mt. Mudeungsan adds to its charm. Mudeungsan, often referred to as the "motherly mountain" by Gwangju citizens, is not only a national park but also a UNESCO Global Geopark. The pavilion at this temple offers panoramic views of Mt. Mudeungsan and provides a serene setting for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty while reflecting on the teachings of Wonhyo.
5:30pm Drop-off in Gwangju (hotel/train station)
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8 hr
From 130 미국 달러
• Additional Information
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
• Cancellation policy
In order to receive a refund, reservation must be cancelled by guest at least 48 hours prior to your tour date.