• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-467284538525
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "south-korea/jeollanam-do/gwangju",
      "destination": "Gwangju",
      "title": "gwangju",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Gwangju",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "region": "Jeollanam-do",
      "country": "South-Korea",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Gwangju

South Korea

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.


Shop Book
Namhansanseong Fortress in South Korea,

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Overview

Gwangju (광주), Korea's sixth-largest city, is defined by its powerful political history and reverence for creativity. Often considered the birthplace of Korean democracy, the effects of the May 18 Democratic Uprising – a 1980 mass protest against South Korea's then-authoritarian military government – remain a strong part of the city's identity. Art abounds at every turn thanks to a wealth of museums, exhibitions and festivals that are bolstered by civic investment.

Meet your new travel partner

Stay connected in Gwangju

Get unlimited data while you travel with Holafly eSIM. Peace of mind and no hidden fees wherever you go.

LEARN MORE

Take your South Korea trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

South Korea: Seoul, Jeju-do, and Busan in 13 Days

highlights

  1. 1Touring Korea’s demilitarized zone (DMZ) at the border of North and South Korea
  2. 2Learning how to cook South Korean staples, from bulgogi to bibimbap, during a chef-led workshop
  3. 3Visiting Gyeongju’s ancient temples and royal tombs on a day trip from Busan
from $4,690

per person

Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Must-see attractions

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-13744641574
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "south-korea/jeollanam-do/gwangju",
      "destination": "Gwangju",
      "title": "gwangju",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Gwangju",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "region": "Jeollanam-do",
      "country": "South-Korea",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-446854355974
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "south-korea/jeollanam-do/gwangju",
      "destination": "Gwangju",
      "title": "gwangju",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Gwangju",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "region": "Jeollanam-do",
      "country": "South-Korea",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Gwangju

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-577213035033
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "south-korea/jeollanam-do/gwangju",
      "destination": "Gwangju",
      "title": "gwangju",
      "type": "City",
      "city": "Gwangju",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "region": "Jeollanam-do",
      "country": "South-Korea",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }