[Buk-Gu/Attraction] May18th National cemetery

May18th National cemetery

Gwangju 5.18 Democratization movement is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Gwangju!

A Memorial place to pay tribute to those who sparked the Democratic movement in the 1980’s, with a beautiful surrounding of nature.

I visited the May 18^th national cemetery.

01 ｜Visit 

Gwangju, a city that sparked the democratic movement of Korea in the 1980’s!

 I visited the cemetery of those who fought for democracy in the May 18^th Gwangju uprising.

Gwangju is a city that consists of eui(justice), ye(harmonry) and mi(beauty). The 5.18 cemetery symbolizes eui(justice). 

We visited the city in early May to commemorate the 5.18 movement, people have written letters in remembrance of the victims near the entrance.

I read the letters while passing through the entrance; I felt a mixed feeling of grief and my heart choked with emotions.

If you have time, I recommend you to read them too. 

 The letters were can be seen right at the entrance.

It would be a great opportunity to participate in this event, if it is still ongoing. 

I felt a lump in my throat when I saw the phrase “we will not forget”.

In order to not repeat the same mistake, we must not forget the lives of the victims that were sacrificed. 

While I was taking photos here and there for my blog, a stranger offered to explain to me about the history of this national cemetery.

I really received a lot of help from strangers while visiting Gwangju. I was touched by the hospitality of the   locals and this made me love this city even more.

Because of the generosity of the locals, I called the city Gwanju of love, touching Gwangju.

during the May 18^th Democratic Movement

Despite the withdrawal of all the martial and police forces, that could have created anarchy, the city was free from theft, violence, riots, and crime.

I think the morality of the Gwanju citizens of that era remained and have been passed down. 

Anyways, He explained to me a bit about Gwangju and then about the 5.18 Democratic movement.

He was very humorous, I laughed during his little lesson.

After his brief 20minute long explanation, he asked us to not forget two things.

Democracy stands for a world that belongs to the people, and ‘history will repeat itself if forgotten’.

* The tour guides are mainly available on the Friday, Saturday and, Sunday. But the guides are always there so if you want an explanation, please visit the information desk! * 

If you go through the Gate of Democracy,,

There is a large square.  The first thing visible is the tower that soars high~ can you find it?

You must go through 5.18 memorial tower in order to get to the cemetery. 

The two lines signify Democracy and Unity.

The seed-like structure inside signifies life.

I think the noble spirit of those who were sacrificed fighting for democracy are imbedded in this tower.

I think it’s a good recap on the meaning democracy before entering the cemetery. 

Also there is a memorial alter right in front of the tower.

The worship instructions are not very visible...

<In worship instructions>

We will start the worship ceremony for the spirits of the victims of the 5.18 democratic movement

Floral tribute incense burning (burn incense 3 times at the altar)

Bow to the d spirits of the victims.  Front!

Silent tribute.  Front!

This ends the worship ceremony.

if more than 10 people want to participate in the official memorial worship, you must register from this website: http://518.mpva.go.kr/ 

The cemetery of the victims of the Democratic movement is located on top of the stairway passed the tower

But only a small portion of the victims are actually buried in this area

During the 5.18 democratic movement more than 76 victims were labeled as missing, and some bodies were not found even though their deaths were confirmed. 

The memorial alter is on the left of the square.

The photos and alters of the victims buried in the national cemetery are here.

If you visit this place you can feel the desire of the victims that fought and wished for democracy and can thank them once more. 

On the left of the square there is a 5.18 memorial hall. 

You can observe exhibitions, media clips, and various pieces about the 5.18 incident.

You can also see a work that reenacts the actual 5.18 incident.

Upon request at the information desk, you can also watch a 40minute long documentary.

02 ｜Information 

Once thing I realized while visiting the 5.18 national cemetery is that the facilities are great and well made in general.

Since the facilities are above standard I believe all those who visit this place should observe the rules of etiquette

Food, pets, bicycles, and smoking is prohibited in this area.

Also since this place is made for commemorating the victims, a maintenance of silence is important.

And Littering is of course prohibited!!! 

You can drive to this place, because the national cemetery has a pretty big parking lot. 

There is also a rest area at the parking lot. 

You can also find a vending machines and a phone box

Useful when you need a rest or have lost your cell phone. 

 Also on the right, there is a bench and a gazebo.

I saw a lot of elders taking a rest here.

This place is also being used as a public resting space. 

You don’t have to go all the way to the cemetery to find the restroom. You can find one at the parking lot. 

When you go around this area you will realize that a lot signboards and explanations have English and Chinese translations. 
Gwangju is known to be the Mecca of Democracy in contemporary history; I think that explains why a lot of tourists from Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand and etc. come to visit Gwangju. 

When you go through the Gate of Democracy and enter the square, on the right side there is an entrance that leads to the children’s participatory learning room.

Here, children can easily learn about the complicated history of the 5.18. 

Next to the children’s museum there is a park.

As I mentioned earlier, this place has excellent facilities.

You can take a rest and observe the beauty of nature. 

Lastly, I will write a bit more on the explanation I received about the 5.18 incident.

Thanks to the guides I was able to understand better during this trip and make the most of it.

The guides are next to the Gate of democracy.

The explanations are available in Korean, English, Japanese, and many other languages!

Available on Fridays Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays are off!

But if you ask the information desk, you can still find a guide for the explanations on other days as well.

Open hours 10:00~18:00

· Address : Gwangju Northern district Oonjungdong San35

· Telephone : +82-62-268-0518

· Toilets : O

· Assessment :Good for taking a rest and a Great historical area 

03 ｜How to get there

A bit far from the bus stop; might need to be careful not to take the wrong street, but it is easy to find. 

Bus 518 takes you to the 5.18 National Cemetery.

By the way, bus 518..? I bet some of you might have already noticed..

Yeah~ because the bus heads to the 5.18 National Cemetery it was labeled 518.

Also bus 1187 that will take you to Gwangju Mudongsan because the elevation of Mudongsan is 1187m.

Just follow the path that is laid out when you get off bus 518!

Don’t cross the road when you see the signboard 5.18 National Cemetery. Just follow the arrow.

Go straight!

If you walk pass the parking lot 

Voila!!

Find the entrance that says Gate of Democracy and you are here!