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May 18 Memorial Monument
The Memorial Monument (5·18 기념탑) is the centrepiece of the 5·18 National Cemetery in Gwangju. Two parallel pillars, each 40 metres high, draw inspiration from traditional Korean temple architecture, specifically the danggan-jiju design. At the centre, an oval sculpture set at the height of the pillars represents resurrection. Flanking the monument are two bronze pieces titled 'O월의 민중항쟁' (Popular Resistance of May), commemorating the significant events of 1980.
Memorial Hall
The Commemorative Hall (기념관) sits within the 5·18 National Cemetery and offers an interactive space dedicated to the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980. Visitors can explore the historical events through documentary records, digital displays and virtual tour technology. The hall presents the uprising's legacy to audiences of all ages, combining archival material with modern exhibition techniques to provide an in-depth understanding of this pivotal moment in Korean history.
Portrait Assembly Tower
The Portrait Tower (유영봉안소) is a dedicated structure within the cemetery that houses portraits of the deceased buried on the grounds. Its walls display photographs of those who lost their lives during the Gwangju Uprising of 18 May 1980. This solemn memorial serves as a lasting tribute to those who died during this significant moment in Korean history. What to see here includes the carefully preserved portraits that commemorate the victims and provide visitors with a profound connection to this important historical event.
Democracy Hill
The Hill of Democracy sits within the 5·18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, planted with trees known as the 'Trees of Democracy' or 'Trees of Democratisation'. This green space honours the sacrifice of those who took part in the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980. The hillside serves as a collective symbol of remembrance across Korea, dedicated to preserving the memory of that pivotal moment in the nation's history.
Seungmoru (숭모루)
Seungmoru is a two-storey building within the 5·18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, serving as an exhibition and audiovisual screening space dedicated to the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980. Its dual-level design reflects its dual purpose: hosting exhibitions and screening films related to the events of 1980. Visitors can explore displays and documentary material that document this significant moment in South Korean history.
Gate of Democracy
The Gate of Democracy (민주의 문) is the main entrance to the 5·18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, designed in traditional Korean architectural style. It's the first structure visitors pass through before reaching the expansive Democracy Plaza beyond. The gate marks the threshold to this significant memorial site dedicated to those who lost their lives during the May 18 Democratic Uprising of 1980.
Gate of History
The Gate of History (역사의 문) stands at the entrance to the 5·18 National Cemetery in Gwangju, serving as a visual documentation centre. It displays historical photographs and archival records of the May 1980 uprising, providing visitors with a direct graphic account of those pivotal days. The gate functions as both a physical threshold and a repository of visual testimony to this significant moment in Korean history.
Gate of Remembrance of the Dead
The Gate of Remembrance for the Deceased stands as one of the monumental entrances defining the ceremonial path through the 5·18 National Cemetery. Rising approximately three storeys high, it ranks among the most striking architectural features of the site. Visitors passing through this gateway experience a solemn transition into the memorial grounds, where the scale and presence of the structure underscore the significance of what lies beyond.
Mangweol-dong Old Cemetery
The Old Cemetery (구묘역) in Mangweol-dong was the original burial site for those who died in the May 18 Uprising of 1980, before their remains were relocated to the new national cemetery in 1997. Following exhumation and reburial, the old cemetery was restored to its original condition and now stands as an active memorial space. Unlike the official new cemetery, this site is regarded as a symbol of ongoing democratic struggle rather than institutional commemoration. What to see here reflects a grassroots rather than official historical narrative.
New Cemetery
The New Cemetery (신묘역) forms part of the May 18 National Cemetery and houses the remains of prominent figures associated with Gwangju's democratic movement. It differs from the older Mangweol-dong cemetery, which served as the original burial site until 1997. This section honours those who played significant roles in the city's pivotal historical events.
Seven Scenes of History – Relief Series
"Seven Scenes From History" is a series of relief sculptures located within the grounds of Gwangju's May 18 Democratic Uprising National Cemetery. The works chronicle Korean resistance to oppression across centuries, situating the 1980 uprising within a broader historical tradition of struggle for freedom. What to see here provides important context for understanding this pivotal moment in Korea's democratic movement and the sacrifices made in pursuit of liberty.
Bronze Statue of Armed Resistance
The Bronze Statue of Armed Resistance stands within Gwangju's 5·18 National Cemetery of Democracy. This bronze sculpture is part of the cemetery's collection of public artworks, displayed alongside other notable pieces including the Statue of a Peaceful and Prosperous World. The monument honours those who participated in the armed struggle during the significant historical events of 1980.
- 1.May 18 Memorial Monument
- 2.Memorial Hall
- 3.Portrait Assembly Tower
- 4.Democracy Hill
- 5.Seungmoru (숭모루)
- 6.Gate of Democracy
- 7.Gate of History
- 8.Gate of Remembrance of the Dead
- 9.Mangweol-dong Old Cemetery
- 10.New Cemetery
- 11.Seven Scenes of History – Relief Series
- 12.Bronze Statue of Armed Resistance
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