Discover Gwangju: Art, Walking Tours and Mudeungsan
Accommodation in Gwangju
Gwangju can be explored from several perspectives: through international art and cultural exchange, guided city walking tours, and rail connections. Mudeungsan adds another dimension as a natural landscape in the wider region. This distinction is useful for planning your trip: the cultural sites and walking tours mentioned are in Gwangju, while the mountain information relates to the broader surrounding area.
Art, culture and guided walking tours
The National Asian Culture Center (ACC) is an international organization for art and cultural exchange. It aims to promote Gwangju as an Asian hub by bringing together past and present cultural arts with forward-looking and progressive art.
The Gwangju Biennale is an international art exhibition held in Gwangju every two years. Each edition and its dates vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the Biennale, check the dates for the relevant edition.
Free guided walking tours are available in Gwangju and must be reserved in advance. Individual tours last 1 to 1.5 hours; reservations and schedules may change. The “금도깨비극장” walking tour includes the 5·18민주화운동 기록관. Routes may also be revised.
Getting there by train
Gwangju Songjeong Station is located in Gwangsan-gu and is a major transport hub in Gwangju. All trains on the Honam and Gyeongjeon lines stop there. Connections include KTX services from Yongsan and Mokpo, among others. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable for your specific departure times.
Mudeungsan in the wider region
Mudeungsan lies on the border between Gwangju and Damyang and Hwasun counties. Its landscape changes throughout the year: azaleas bloom in spring, tiger lilies in summer, and maple trees and silver grass appear in autumn; snow covers the mountain in winter. The mountain is home to endangered species, including the Eurasian otter, Siberian flying squirrel, and Akebia quinata orchid.
Geological and cultural features are also part of Mudeungsan: the mountain includes 20 geological sites, among them the columnar cliffs of Seoseokdae, Ipseokdae and Gwangseokdae, as well as 42 historical and cultural sites. This variety ranges from striking geological formations to places of historical and cultural significance.
The first hiking course on Mudeungsan offers views of downtown Gwangju and the mountain’s silhouette. From Jeungsimsa Temple at the foot of Mudeungsan, it takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit.
Jisan Recreation Area
Jisan Recreation Area is a resort and amusement park in a natural setting. A lift and monorail take visitors up to an octagonal pavilion observation deck. From there, you can enjoy views of Mudeungsan and Gwangju’s cityscape. Operating conditions may vary; check whether the lift and monorail are running before visiting.
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