9 Sights in Gwangju, South Korea (with Map and Images)

Namhansanseong is a historical mountain fortress city 25 km southeast of Seoul, South Korea. It sits approximately 480 m above sea level and is aligned with the ridges of the mountain for maximum defensibility. The fortress, stretching 12 km in length, protects a vast area used as an emergency capital city during the Joseon Dynasty of Korea (1392–1910). The design is based on fortress architecture of East Asia, embodying aspects of four historical cultural styles: the Joseon of Korea, the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of Japan, and Ming and Qing China. It was extensively developed during the 16th to 18th centuries, a period of continuous warfare. The technical development of weaponry and armaments during this period, which saw the use of gunpowder imported from Europe, also greatly influenced the architecture and layout of the fortress. Namhansanseong portrays how the various theories of defense mechanisms in Korea were put to form by combining the everyday living environment with defense objectives. The fortress indicates how Buddhism played an influential role in protecting the state, and it became a symbol of sovereignty in Korea. It stands on the Namhansan, containing fortifications that date back to the 17th century and a number of temples. It can be accessed from Seoul through Namhansanseong station of Seoul Subway Line 8.

Wikipedia: Namhansanseong (EN)

The Gwangju Uprising was a popular uprising in the city of Gwangju, South Korea, from May 18 to May 27, 1980, which pitted local, armed citizens against soldiers and police of the South Korean government. The event is sometimes called 5·18, in reference to the date the movement began. The uprising is also known as the Gwangju Democratization Struggle, the Gwangju Massacre, the May 18 Democratic Uprising, or the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement.

Wikipedia: Gwangju Uprising (EN), Website

Owen Memorial Pavilion commemorates Clement Owen and his grandfather William Owen, who were martyred as missionaries during their activities in Gwangju Metropolitan City, and built a building during the Japanese imperialist occupation at Yanglindong Christian Nursing University in the south area of Gwangju Metropolitan City. On May 7, 1998, it was listed as No.26 Tangible Cultural Relics in Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Wikipedia: 오웬기념각 (KO), Website

Chonglie Hall is located in Nanhan Mountain City, facing Nanhan Mountain City, Kwangchow, Gyeonggi Province. It is dedicated to the ancestral hall of Wen Zuwang (BC18 ~ AD28), the ancestor of Baekje, and Li Rui (1580 ~ 1637), the head of the city in 1624 (Renzu 2 years). On May 4, 1972, it was designated as Gyeonggi Province Tangible Cultural Heritage No.2.

Wikipedia: 숭렬전 (KO)

Nanhan Mountain City Palace is a Korean palace located in Nanhan Mountain City, Kwangchow, Gyeonggi Province. On June 8, 2007, it was designated as Historical Site No.480 of the Republic of Korea. The cultural heritage management institution is the Governor of Gyeonggi Province.

Wikipedia: 남한산성 행궁 (KO)

The Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju is a particular church of the Latin Church of the Catholic Church, one of the three Metropolitan sees of the Catholic Church in Korea. The Archdiocese covers the city of Gwangju and entire South Jeolla Province.

Wikipedia: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gwangju (EN)

Yuhebi (翠屛 趙珩 遺墟碑) is a Yuhebi of the Joseon Dynasty in Dochon-dong, Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea. On November 15, 1990, it was designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 18 of Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Wikipedia: 취병 조형 유허비 (KO), Url

Gwangju Hyanggyo (光州鄕校) is a Joseon Dynasty hyanggyo in the South District of Gwangju Metropolitan City. On February 25, 1985, it was designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 9 of Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Wikipedia: 광주향교 (광주광역시) (KO)

Sueojangdae (守禦將臺) is a walled facility of the Joseon Dynasty in Namhansanseong, Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. On May 4, 1972, it was designated as Tangible Cultural Property No. 1 of Gyeonggi Province.

Wikipedia: 수어장대 (KO)