5.18 Memorial Park
In the bustling neighborhood of Sangmu, you will find the treasure that is 5.18 Memorial Park. Created as a memorial to the students who lost their lives while taking a stand in the country’s democratic movement, the park features a stunning monument and sculpture garden along with a mausoleum in remembrance of those students. Around the base of the mausoleum, you can find the names of nearly 250 who lost their lives.
The uprising and subsequent loss experienced in 1980 has been turned into a beautiful commemoration in the form of a little forest tucked inside the big city. Within this sprawling green space, you can find a variety of entertaining activities. A gorgeous Buddhist temple, Mugak-sa, is situated adjacent to the park, complete with a bookstore full of essential Buddhist literature and other wonderful souvenirs. Inside the temple resides a handful of monks and nuns, including a Canadian nun who holds a weekly mediation class on Saturdays. The temple also has delicious Buddhist cuisine which you can learn to cook yourself during cooking courses.
Another wonderful component of the 5.18 Memorial Park is the teahouse. It is a great place to visit while walking through the park, to relax with a fresh cup of tea and to watch people enjoy the park for gatherings and picnics. Or, bring a blanket of your own and take your tea to-go and relax in the lush greenery that is the central park of Gwangju.
For those looking for a thrifty souvenir to remember their time in Gwangju, the free market in 5.18 Park is a must-see. Boasting a wide array of vintage items from Buddhist artifacts to antique tea sets, you are bound to find something unique. And for those sports enthusiasts, the park also hosts a sports complex where you can play basketball, badminton, ping-pong, or even go for a swim without breaking the bank.
As night falls, head up to the observation deck to get gorgeous views of Gwangju, as the city lights up. Head into the neon streets of Sangmu to grab dinner or a drink at the multitude of cafes, restaurants, and bars; or catch a film at nearby Lotte Cinemas. Uncheon Reservoir is close and an ideal spot to watch the sunset color the water remarkable oranges and reds.
This area is also very convenient, not just for its location in relation to Pedro’s House, but also for the many large shops and department stores in the area. Anything you may be searching for can be found at two of the large chain stores, E-Mart and LotteMart, both a short walk away. The 5.18 Memorial Park and surrounding neighborhood of Sangmu provide experiences that make Gwangju interesting and unique.
*Things to Do:
-See historical monuments and museums
-Have a picnic in the grass
-Have tea at Lotus Café or traditional Buddhist food nearby
-Pick up Buddhist antiques from the temple in the free market
-Take a stroll or a run on the walking paths
-Go swimming or play basketball, badminton, or ping-pong at the sports complex
-Find a good restaurant or coffee shop in the area (i.e. Indy which serves Indian cuisine)
-People watch: older Korean women powerwalking, pet owners playing with their dogs, etc.
-See the fountain and beautiful landscape of Uncheon Reservoir (in close proximity to 5.18 Park)
Copyright Pedro Kim (Pedro’s House)