KR · Jeonnam-Gwangju · 35.17°N 126.85°E

gwangju

Art spaces, the story of Korea's 1980 democracy uprising and trails up Mudeungsan.

Best time
April–May and October–November suit the city and the lower mountain trails. July–August is hot and rainy, and winter is cold on the higher trails.
How long
2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Seoul Incheon (about 6.5 hours). The KTX from Yongsan reaches Gwangju-Songjeong in about 2 hours, then the metro runs into the centre. Korea is an hour ahead of KL.
Save postcard
KR · Jeonnam-Gwangjugwangju35.17°N 126.85°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Art spaces, the story of Korea's 1980 democracy uprising and trails up Mudeungsan.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingGwangjuKR, Jeonnam-Gwangju
KLgwangju
≈ 4,405 km from KL, as the crow flies
Mt Mudeungsan

Photo: gary4now · CC BY 3.0

1 / 5

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Korea's sixth-largest city, known for its art, its food and the May 1980 uprising that helped bring democracy to Korea. Mudeungsan National Park rises right behind the city.

Makan

  1. Songjeong tteokgalbiGrilled patties of minced rib meat, usually a mix of beef and pork, on a street of grill houses by Gwangju-Songjeong Station.Map ↗
  2. OritangDuck stew thick with ground perilla seeds and greens, a Gwangju favourite.Map ↗
  3. BoribapBarley rice mixed with greens and chilli paste.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Asia Culture CenterA big arts complex, mostly underground, with exhibitions and performances.Map ↗
  2. May 18 sitesThe old provincial office square where the 1980 uprising played out, and the national cemetery outside town.Map ↗
  3. MudeungsanWooded trails up to rock columns like Seoseokdae, with views back over the city.Map ↗
  4. Yangnim-dongA hillside of old missionary houses, churches and the folk-art alleys of Penguin Village.Map ↗

Good to know

  • KTX trains use Gwangju-Songjeong; Gwangju Station is a different, older station.
  • The Gwangju Biennale, Asia's oldest art biennale, takes over the city from about September to November in even-numbered years.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.