Two places, different ways to encounter history
On Geumnam-ro in Gwangju, the May 18 Democratic Uprising Archives presents documents, photographs and videos about citizens' experiences in May 1980. Its official facilities guide describes permanent exhibition areas and a visitor center on the first floor, with further exhibition and video spaces upstairs.
Nearby Jeonil Building 245 has its own May 18 memorial exhibitions. The operator's site describes exhibits on the suppression of the press and the YWCA conflict. These are different venues, not two floors of the same museum.
Check the last entry, not just the closing hour
The Archives lists 09:00–18:00, with last entry at 17:40. It closes Mondays and on New Year's Day, Seollal and Chuseok. Permanent displays are free, while special exhibitions may charge admission.
The May 18 memorial spaces at Jeonil Building 245 have separate hours: 10:00–19:00, last entry 18:30. Check the relevant holiday schedule for the venue you intend to visit.
Interpretation for international visitors
Regular guided talks at the Archives are listed for Tuesday–Saturday at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:30, and Sunday at 10:00, 11:00, 14:30 and 16:00. The official site also describes audio guides in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese, but devices may run out. Confirm tours and any group arrangements ahead of time.
The Archives' address is 221 Geumnam-ro, telephone 062-613-8204. Search the separate addresses in your map app and leave time to read the historical records rather than rushing between exhibits.