Private Tour

Gwangju City Tour : Where old meets new (private)

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

* This tour takes place in Gwangju, the metropolitan city in South Korea.

Welcome to Gwangju, the city of light!

Famed as Korea’s most delicious city with its generous cuisine, Gwangju is also the proud hometown of Han Kang, who won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. Shaped by the energy of Mt. Mudeungsan and the courage of its citizens, Korea’s fifth-largest city is peaceful yet vibrant—offering an authentic glimpse of daily life far from the bustle of Seoul and Busan.

On this tour, explore the cityscape, discover art spaces, and taste local specialties while hearing stories of Gwangju. Finish at a local supermarket, where your guide helps you choose authentic Korean ingredients, snacks, tea, and cosmetics. If you prefer not to shop at a local supermarket, you can choose to visit a traditional market instead.

Come as a guest, leave as part of the Gwangju family!

(For a deeper understanding of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, join the “Gwangju May 18 Tour.”)

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

Lift and Monorail Rides

Lunch

Personal Travel Insurance

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

Let’s begin our journey at May 18 Democracy Square, the heart of Gwangju, both in meaning and in daily life. Back in May 1980, this plaza was the final stronghold for citizens who bravely stood together against military dictatorship, making it a landmark of Korea’s modern democracy. Today, it’s a lively gathering spot where young people, locals, and visitors come to reflect, learn, and experience cultural life. From memorial ceremonies to festivals and educational events, May 18 Democracy Square is more than just a place of past pain—it continues to live on as a space where the May Spirit is remembered, practiced, and carried forward by the people of Gwangju.

20 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Asia Culture Center

Right next to May 18 Democracy Square, you’ll find the Asia Culture Center, or ACC. This is one of the largest cultural complexes in Asia, built on the very site of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. The center honors the spirit of democracy while serving as a hub for art and cultural exchange across Asia. Inside, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, performances, and hands-on programs that change throughout the year. When a recommended exhibition is available, we’ll explore it together as part of the tour. There’s even a modern library and a spacious park, making it a welcoming place for culture lovers and anyone seeking a relaxing visit. Many young people and families come here to hang out, learn, and experience something new.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

Gwangju City Tour : Where old meets new (private)

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

8 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing cultural, historic and nature experiences
Cornelia N,
Oct 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Fantastic itinerary! Veronica is amazing. Due to weather conditions and traveller preferences she customised the tour. She recommended restaurants and dishes that were all good.
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!