Gwangju is the centre of Korea's pro-democracy movement. The desire to overturn an authoritarian military government got bloody in 1980 and the city still celebrates its independent spirit today.
Frequent buses connect Seoul with Gwangju, a journey that takes 3.5 hours. KTX trains are more expensive but can shorten the journey to under 2 hours. This city is not touristy and is worth at least 1 night for a more authentic Korean urban experience.
5.18 Memorial Park commemmorates the democracy movement that ended in blood in 1980. I was here looking for foliage, and found some good patches.
The riverfront has walkways for a nice stroll. It is not as spectacular as what Seoul has to offer, but still a nice urban space that perhaps needs a facelift soon.
The Asia Culture Center incorporates buildings that played a major role in the 1980 democracy movement.
Yangdong Market's history goes back to the 1910s. It became famous during the May 18th democracy movement when activists gathered here demanding freedom. Now it is a huge maze of many shops selling all sorts of food items.