| Address |
| 34 Wunjeong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju-si |
| Description |
May 18 Cemetery, located in front of Mt. Mudeungsan, is the symbol of freedom
and democracy and is a graveyard of victims during the contention for democracy
in May 1980. It was at the graveyard in Mangwol-dong that victims were carried
and buried by handcarts and garbage trucks at that time in 1980. In 1997 the
cemetery was exhumed and reburied at this cemetery. May 18th became a national
holiday of re-evaluating our desire for democracy. To enter the May 18 Cemetery,
you need to pass the Democracy Gate, built in a traditional Korean style.
Passing the widely spread Plaza of Democracy, you will reach the Commemoration
Passage. Keep walking and you will reach a round figure (4m high) of an
enclosing hand. This is the Memorial Tower, which symbolizes the resurrection of
new life. Under the tower there is a worship platform with burning incense to
show respect. Past the Memorial Tower, there are raised works on the right and
left. On the right there is an enshrinement where pictures and monetary tablets
are placed, and across from it stands the Door of History showing the images of
that day. You can understand Korean history by viewing these materials. After
viewing this part of Korean history, it will be pleasant to take a walk and
enjoy the surroundings of the 5.18 Cemetery.
| |
| Directions |
- At Gwangju Express Bus Terminal, take Bus No.25-2 (30 minute ride) and
get off
at the entrance of Cemetery (Buses are run every 40 minutes, 30 min
ride).
- Taxi takes 20 min from Gwangju Express Bus Terminal.
| |
| Information |
- Contact: Cemetery control office +82-62-266-5187 (Kor,Jpn)
- Homepage:www.518.org (Kor,Eng)
- Visiting hours:
Mar. – Oct.:
07:00~19:00
Nov. – Feb.: 07:00~18:00
- Admission Fee: Free of charge
- Parking lot: 300 spaces available
|
| Travel TIPS |
| There is a memorial service held on May 16th. This memorial service has various
events such as a Korean folk music orchestra performance, group dancing and
Sitgim exorcism to exorcise and prepare for the ascension of the souls. |
