Gwangju is the capital city of Jeolla-do, the south-western province of South Korea, and is rich in culture and history. It's a great location to go to if you're trying to see different parts of Korea during your trip! Gwangju is known to be a safe city for solo female travelers, with friendly people who are welcoming to female digital nomads. The city is home to one local train line, as well as over 1,000 buses to help you get around. There is an abundance of things to do and places to see as a solo traveler, so no need to fret! And now, in no particular order, 7 places for you to visit, see, and things to do on your solo trip to Gwangju!

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1. 5.18 Memorial Park

The first place on this list is the 5.18 Memorial Park. Also known as the Gwangju Uprising, the May 18th Democratization Movement was a historic event, and something that Gwangju is most known for. It was a civilian movement, containing many students, against government oppression imposed on the public. At just 19 years old, Cha Myung-Sook amplified the events and encouraged other civilians in the protection of Gwangju and its citizens against the military, becoming one of the leading figures in the street broadcasting of the event. The movement lasted 10 days and is believed to be the spark that set the flame for other democratization movements across the country. In 2019, Cha was awarded the 3rd Gil Won-ok Women's Peace Prize. 5.18 Memorial Park serves as a monument commemorating the lives lost.

           The park is peaceful and offers opportunity for reflection. There are many little trails to walk along and it's a great place to walk around for an hour or two, or spend an afternoon and have a picnic if weather permits. The location of the park is accessible by bus or train. The train station wooncheon-yeok (운천역) is a less than 5 minute walk from the 'back' of the park, and a 15 minute walk from the 5.18 Memorial Culture Center located at the 'front' of the park. There are many cafes and restaurants near the park as well if you get hungry while walking.

Address:광주 서구 상무민주로 61

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2. 1913 Songjeong Market

1913 Songjeong Station Market was first opened in 1913 in conjunction with the opening of Gwangju-Songjeong Station. In the 1990's the market underwent a bit of a reconstruction to compete with the incoming big box retailers and retain some of the market space in Gwangju. This led to a unique combination of modernity in the traditional market, modern storefronts on old buildings, and lights hung up that make for a great view in the evenings and nights. The market is also a great way to get in touch with the local food culture of Gwangju. There are many little shops and cafes that have many different kinds of food, although, it is predominantly seafood. You can get to the market by bus or train, taking exit 2 at Gwangju-Sngjeong-yeok (광주송정역).

Address:광주 광산구 송정로8번길 13

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3. Museums (Gwangju National Museum, Gwangju Museum of Art)

Gwangjuis known to be an art and culture hub, with many different museums and exhibitions. There are many to choose from depending on whether you'd like to learn about art or history. Some of the bigger or more popular museums are the Gwangju National Museum, and the Gwangju Museum of Art. The Gwangju National Museum is a museum filled with different artifacts from pottery to paintings.They often have different temporary exhibitions as well. The Gwangju Museum of Art has many paintings and installations to look at as well as rotating exhibitions. This museum also has a cafe if you get peckish during your walk around. Both of these museums, as well as others, are within walking distance of each other, so it makes for a great afternoon of museum hopping, and it's not far from the downtown areas of Gwangju with restaurants and shopping.

Address:

           Gwangju National Museum: 광주 북구 하서로 110

           Gwangju Museum of Art: 광주 북구 하서로 52

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4. Juknokwon (Bamboo Forest)

Juknokwon is a popular bamboo forest, located in Damyang, Gwanju. The tall trees provide ample shade from harsh weather, whether that be the hot sun or cold winds. The very picturesque forest has 8 trails that weave throughout the trees and have plenty of places to sit down and take a rest, and there's even a children's playground. The forest is a well-known attraction for many tourists and locals alike, and an entrance fee is only 3,000 won for adults. It's about an hour away from Gwangju U-Square Station, but can be shorter depending on the type of bus you take. The 311 bus will take you right to the forest, but will be a lengthier ride, or you could buy a direct bus ticket to Damyang and then transfer to the 311 for a shorter journey. Though, the scenery makes the trip out worth it.

Address:전남 담양군 담양읍 죽녹원로 119

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5. Chungjang-ro

In the heart of downtown Gwangju, there's Chungjang-ro. The area of Chungjang-ro is hip and popular and is often compared to Myeongdong in Seoul for its lively energy, food, and shopping. The youth of Gwangju thrives here, as Joseon University is just down the road. There's an abundance of cafes, restaurants, and shops, enough to spend a couple hours walking around. Chungjang-ro is also home to K-Pop Star Road Gwangju, a popular tourist attraction for fans around the world. This is a street filled with different statues and little monuments that celebrate all of the K-Pop idols who are from Gwangju such as J-hope from BTS, Bae Suzy from Miss A, and Yunho from Ateez.

Chunjang-ro is accesible by bus ortrain, and the closest train station is Moonhwajeondang-yeok (문화전당역).

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6. Mudeungsan Chairlift and Monorail

Another scenic expedition to go on in Gwangju is taking a chairlift up Mudeung mountain, taking a ride on the monorail, and then taking in the views on their observation deck. Mudeung mountain is 1,187 meters tall and is a part of the Mudeung National Park. The chairlift offers an easy way up to the top of the mountain with ample opportunity to take in the mountain ambiance. The monorail at the top is an older piece of equipment, from when there was a theme park on the mountain in the 1970's, and it will take you all around the mountain top. When you get to the observation deck after the monorail, you'll be met with the most stunning views of the city and the other nearby mountains. No matter the time of year, you'll have incredible sights. The chairlift and monorail tickets can be purchased at the convenience store at the entrance and are, for an adult, 9,000 won for the chairlift, and 7,000 won for the monorail.

Address:광주 동구 지호로164번길 14-10

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7. Baseball Game at Kia Champions Field

Baseball is a popular sport and well enjoyed pass-time in South Korea. With 10 teams in the KBO and a season of 144 games per team, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game during your time in South Korea. Gwangju is home to the Kia Tigers, and they play at the Gwangju Kia Champions Field. Games occur very frequently in the summer months, when the KBO season begins around mid-May. Watching a baseball game is also a very fun low-cost activity, as tickets reach as little as 13,000won.

The location of Kia Champions Field is optimal. It's located right in the center of the city, only a 10 minute bus ride from Gwangju U Square Terminal, on the Ilgok 38 bus.

Address:광주 북구 서림로 10 무등종합경기장

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