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May 18th National Cemetery
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · KR

May 18th National Cemetery

Getting around: Take a local bus from central Gwangju (roughly 30-40 minutes) toward the cemetery in Unjeong-dong; not directly on the metro line.
Hours: Grounds typically open daily, roughly 6am-6pm; memorial hall hours may vary.

The May 18th National Cemetery is the burial site and memorial for those killed during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising, a solemn, well-maintained national cemetery with rows of graves, a memorial tower, and a museum documenting the events of that May. It's the primary site of remembrance for the uprising and a significant place in modern Korean political history.

Visiting requires a respectful, quiet approach given its function as an active burial ground for victims whose families still visit; pairing it with 5.18 Memorial Park downtown gives a fuller picture of the event and its ongoing commemoration.

May 18th National Cemetery FAQs

Is this an active cemetery with visiting families?

Yes, family members of victims still visit graves here, so a respectful, quiet demeanor is appropriate.

What's included besides the graves?

A memorial tower, museum, and exhibition hall documenting the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, entry is free.

How does it relate to 5.18 Memorial Park?

They're separate sites related to the same historical event; the cemetery is the primary burial and memorial site, while the park downtown is a smaller memorial and exhibition space.

How long does a visit take?

About an hour to walk the grounds and see the museum.

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