Private Tour

Gwangju City Tour : History and Art (Private)

Overview

Available languages

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Gwangju is a vibrant tapestry of historic significance, creative art culture, and culinary delights. Known as the "City of Light," Gwangju has been a beacon of democracy in Korea's contemporary history. Today, it has transformed into a cultural and artistic hub, with landmarks such as the Gwangju Biennale and the Asia Culture Center celebrating the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. As you explore the city, you'll hear the stories of this pivotal event, experience the spirit of solidarity and sharing among Gwangju's citizens, and savor the local cuisine. You can also enjoy a moment of tranquility while taking in the serene view of Mt. Mudeunsan, the beloved "motherly mountain" of the Gwangju citizens. By the end of your visit, you'll gain a fresh perspective on Gwangju.

Notice : We are currently updating this tour and will temporarily stop operating it. Once the updates are complete, we will reopen bookings. Thank you for your understanding.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Private transportation

All Fees and Taxes

Coffee or Tea in a Cafe

Lunch

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Asia Culture Center

The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is a vibrant hub for Asian art and cultural exchange. Built on the historic site of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the complex is designed to honor and reflect the spirit of democracy. The ACC hosts interactive exhibitions, performances, educational programs, and various events throughout the year. Featuring a modern library and an urban park, it provides an open, relaxing space for the public to enjoy and engage with the arts.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

5.18 Archives

The May 18 Archives, established in 2015, is dedicated to collecting and preserving historical records of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The facility features permanent exhibition rooms that detail the events that unfolded in Gwangju from May 18 to 27, 1980. The records of the May 18 Uprising were inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2011.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Gwangju City Tour : History and Art (Private)

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

7 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Veronica gave us a full...
Emily B,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Veronica gave us a full tour of the city and mountains. We were there for a special family reason, and learning about the City’s history and character of the people was so meaningful. She treated us like family, and we are so thankful for the time.
The unexpected highlight of our trip to Korea
Hansjrg J,
Oct 18, 2024
- Viator
5.00
On our first trip to Korea we just picked Gwangju as another destination and were lucky enough to book this History and Art Tour, completely unaware what to expect. Veronica then gave us an excellent view on this underrated city we will never forget. Thank you very much indeed!
Amazing Korean History and Art Tour!
Zoe H,
May 15, 2024
- Viator
5.00
I loved this tour and trip to Gwangju! I am a student studying abroad for the semester and I wanted to see some cities outside of Seoul. I would definitely recommend this tour for the people who want to see cities outside of Seoul! Especially if you are interested in Korean art and history. I learned a lot about the history of democratization in Korea as well as May 18th. Veronica made the experience so amazing because she has so much knowledge about the city and its history. She was very kind and took me to the best parts of Gwangju and answered any questions I had! It was amazing traveling with her as my guide since she had so much knowledge about Gwangju, and her knowledge really changed the way I saw the city. There is so much I would not have known if I did not take this tour with her! The Penguin Village and the May 18th museums were my favorite parts of the tour. We also went to this museum that had a lot of daily items that people would use in Korea that were very interesting to learn about as a foreigner. It was great to see so many items that are useful and beautiful at the same time. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn about Korean politics and history and who loves looking at art!