Begin with the fountain
Gwangju's May 18 Democracy Square is more than an open space. The city's official historical trail identifies it as May 18 Historic Site 5-2 and explains that citizens gathered around the fountain, using it as a speaking platform during the 1980 pro-democracy uprising.
Three places with different memories
Nearby are the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Office, designated Site 5-1, and Sangmugwan Hall, Site 5-3. The former office was a significant focal point of the uprising; Sangmugwan was used to temporarily hold the bodies of victims. They belong to one historic district but have distinct histories and should not be treated as a single museum.
A thoughtful walking route
Begin at the square and its fountain, follow historical information signs towards the former provincial office, and consider the meaning of Sangmugwan. The city's trail also connects Geumnam-ro and the May 18 Archives, making it possible to extend the visit according to your interests and energy.
Before visiting
This is a place of remembrance as well as everyday civic life. Respect memorial etiquette and local signs. The present interior access, exhibition hours and guided-tour availability at surrounding buildings were not established from the historical trail alone. Search '5·18민주광장' or the reference address 38 Munhwajeondang-ro on a local map; the archived tourism page may use older administrative labels.