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전통문화관 (Jeontong-munhwagwan)
The center is near the entrance of Jeungsimsa Temple, at the foot of Mudeungsan Mountain. At the center, masters who have been designated as intangible cultural properties teach the public about traditional culture: Pansori (traditional Korean folk opera); Janggu (traditional drumming technique); Gayageum (traditional Korean zither). Performances are also held to demonstrate such elements of traditional Korean art and culture. A free performance of Gugak is held on every Saturday from 15:00.
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증심사
Jeungsimsa Temple, one of Gwangju’s main Buddhist temples, is located at the western foot of Mudeungsan Mountain. Important cultural artifacts are preserved on the grounds. Climbing up the temple is quite easy. You can walk along the trail with an atmosphere in a quiet stillness. Jeungsimsa operates temple stay programs for tourists.
The river in Gwangju runs from the southeast to the west of the city with a well-paved footpath along all the parts of the river in the city. It is perfect for a nice walk or cycle with a few park areas spaced out along the banks. At night, the park offers fountain shows and night lighting, making it ideal for family outings or romantic strolls.
양림역사문화마을 (Yangnim-dong Modern History Culture Village)
The neighborhood of Yangnim-dong district has a variety of modern and contemporary architecture and dense groves of massive 100-year-old trees. The establishment of a church, school, and hospital by Christian missionaries during the Japanese occupation earned the neighborhood the nicknames “Jerusalem of Gwangju” and the “Western Village.” There are some traditional Korean houses, including the Choi Seunghyo House and the Lee Jangwoo House, and more attractions, such as ‘Penguin Village’ (but there is no penguin).
Yangrim-dong, Nam-gu (Supia Girls' Middle School/Supia Girls' High School, Woo Il-sun's old house, missionary house, etc.) where modernization sites are located as the birthplace of Christian culture in Gwangju are well established along with the theme of modern history and culture. The oldest Western-style house in Gwangju is Woo Il-sun's house, Owen's memorial hall, Bae Ji-woo's house, Bae Ji-won's memorial hall, Bae Yeong School and Hyangsari Church, Gwangju Sungil High School, and Choi Seung-hyo's house, which offers a glimpse of Hanok during the enlightenment period. If Penguin Village is a place that has become famous by word of mouth due to the voluntary creation of the community, the difference is that the historical and cultural village has been systematically created and became famous by writers who write various magazines and travel journals. However, the location is on the hill right behind Penguin Village, and the top of the hill is Sajik Park. Baeyeong School and Hyangsari Church, which were founded by missionary Bae Ji-ji, are connected to Gwangju Seohyeon Church, and if you cross this Gwangju Seohyeon Church, you will find Chungjang-ro, a busy city in Gwangju.
국립아시아문화전당
You can see art exhibitions and musical performances at this national art complex. It's one of the largest museums in South Korea, but most of the facilities are built in the basement. Old South Jeolla Provincial Hall, where the Gwangju Uprising started in 1980, is involved in this area. You can also buy Korean-style souvenirs here.
It is a place with a very beautiful night view. For this reason, it becomes a popular walking place, dating course, and friendship street for Gwangju citizens at night. However, the location in charge of the city is similar to that of the National Theater + Sejong Center for the Performing Arts + Seoul Arts Center, so there are not many people interested in culture and art, so it is lame during the day.
However, as the Gwangju Fringe Festival, which has been promoted since late 2015, was held in connection with the Cultural Center, it quickly emerged as Gwangju's first landmark as many people began to flock as the Cultural Center succeeded in promoting it. It is the largest cultural theme complex in the country, and it is easy to fall off while walking if you get lost.
광주프린지페스티벌
The festival is held in Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro Streets, and Gwangju Art Street in every Saturday. Like as the other fringe festivals, any amateur artist can show people their own skills off without requirements. The experience booths for citizens operate in the areas as well.
금남로 & 충장로
These two streets form the pedestrian area of downtown, which is large when compared to other downtown areas with the exception of Seoul and Busan. Any given night these streets will be packed, though the crowds die out around midnight. From restaurants to karaoke rooms, to DVD rooms, pool halls, clubs, bars, movie theaters, and shopping can be done here. Several foreign food restaurants have established themselves here too and two foreign grocers (Western products and a Philippine market) are in this area too. Just about neighborhood has a bus that eventually ends here and taxi drivers will understand "Geumnam-ro". The main landmark is the YMCA, which is handy to ask for as well if using a taxi. The subway makes three stops (Geumnamno 4&5 and Asia Culture Center) all within a short distance, covering the two ends and the middle of the downtown district. Don't miss the underground shopping areas, which spans those three subway stops as well.