Asia Culture Center Gwangju: Why It Was Built Underground A Democracy Uprising Site
Visiting the Asia Culture Center in Gwangju? Hours, the 5.18 Democracy Square next door, and the history behind why the ACC is built underground.
The Asia Culture Center (ACC) might initially seem like a sleek, modern cultural complex. But once you realize much of it is underground, it starts to look completely different. This site was originally the location of the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Office, the last stronghold during the May 18 Democratic Uprising in 1980. To preserve this historic building, the new structure was built underground.
Based on my visit, I've summarized why the ACC has this unique structure, its relationship with the adjacent 5.18 Democracy Square, and how best to explore it. If you want to truly understand one of the most meaningful places in Gwangju, knowing this background is essential.
Many travelers pass by, thinking of it as just a "large cultural facility in Gwangju," but the ACC and 5.18 Democracy Square aren't separate places—they share a story. The old provincial office building above ground, the square in front, and the modern exhibition space expanded underground are all part of a continuum connecting the memories of May 1980 with present-day Gwangju.
| Basic Info — Asia Culture Center (ACC) & 5.18 Democracy Square | |
|---|---|
| Address | 38, Munhwajeondang-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju |
| Indoor Hours | 10:00~18:00 (Wednesdays & Saturdays some facilities open until 22:00)※ Check the official website before visiting |
| Outdoor Hours | 06:00~22:00 |
| Closed | Every Monday※ Check the official website before visiting |
| Admission | Varies by facility (many permanent exhibitions are free)※ Check the official website before visiting |
Why It Was Built Underground
When the ACC site was first selected, some argued that "Gwangju has no historical sites related to art." However, this was actually where the old Jeollanam-do Provincial Office stood, where citizens made their last stand against martial law forces in May 1980.
The initial plan was to demolish the old provincial office and build a new cultural facility. However, families of the May 18 victims and local residents strongly opposed the erasure of this historical site. As a result, a compromise was reached to preserve the original form of the above-ground building while constructing the new complex underground. When you visit the ACC now, you can see the old provincial office above ground, with the modern cultural space expanded below—a unique structure to witness firsthand.
The ACC was constructed over six years from 2008 to 2014 and officially opened in November 2015. It took over a decade of planning and discussion to complete, indicating the social consensus surrounding this site wasn't easily achieved. The resulting building is more than just a cultural facility; it's a symbolic structure where historical wounds and current creative energy coexist in one space.
5.18 Democracy Square
Right in front of the ACC, 5.18 Democracy Square is the plaza in front of the old Jeollanam-do Provincial Office, officially named in 1996. In May 1980, the fountain in this square served as a stage where citizens gathered to pledge their resolve against martial law forces. Today, it serves as an open space for performances, exhibitions, and various events, while still remembering the pain of that time.
TIP: There are sculptures and information boards throughout the square commemorating the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Don't just pass by the ACC—walk through the square and read the boards to gain a deeper understanding of the site's significance.
The square covers a vast area of about 14 hectares, featuring a pond, memorial walls, and symbolic sculptures. Depending on the season, festivals, exhibitions, and performances are held, offering a completely different atmosphere based on when you visit.※ Check event schedules on the official website before visiting
The name "5.18 Democracy Square" was officially adopted in 1996, 16 years after the 1980 event. This indicates the lengthy social discussion needed to officially remember and name this event. Today, the entire wide area extending to Geumnam-ro is considered a space imbued with this historical significance, and every May, it becomes a gathering place for citizens during memorial events.
Exploring the ACC
The ACC is divided into five main facilities: the Culture Creation Center, Children's Culture Center, Archive & Research Center, Creation Center, and Theater. Each facility has a different character, offering a wide range of content from exhibitions and performances to archival materials and children's interactive spaces.
The five facilities are connected by underground passages, allowing you to explore multiple spaces without having to exit the building. Despite being underground, it doesn't feel cramped or dark, thanks to its open design that lets in natural light, making it a pleasant place to explore. If it's your first visit, I recommend starting with a map from the information desk and planning your route before you begin your tour, along with essential travel apps.
The Children's Culture Center is designed for kids to experience culture and art through play, making it particularly popular with family travelers. The Archive & Research Center offers historical materials on the May 18 Democratic Uprising and Gwangju's history, recommended for visitors who want a deeper understanding of the area's background.
The Culture Creation Center hosts various contemporary art exhibitions and media art, offering completely different exhibitions by season, so even repeat visits can provide new experiences. The theater regularly hosts performances and screenings, so if your schedule allows, adding a performance to your Gwangju itinerary is a great option. The Creation Center is a space for artist residencies and creative activities, where you might even catch a glimpse of the creative process.※ Check exhibition and performance schedules on the official website before visiting
How To Get There & Hours
The ACC is centrally located in Gwangju, making it easily accessible by public transportation.※ Check exact subway stations and bus routes on map apps before visiting Indoor facilities operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with some facilities open until 10:00 PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The outdoor 5.18 Democracy Square is open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, allowing for evening strolls.
Compared to Seoul or Busan, Gwangju's public transportation routes are relatively straightforward, so with a map app, you can easily find your destination. If you arrive in Gwangju by KTX or express bus, you can use city buses or the urban railway to reach the ACC in the city center without much hassle.
Most facilities are closed on Mondays, but exact closure days may vary, so it's important to check before visiting. Especially if you're visiting for a specific exhibition or performance, confirming the day and time in advance is a good way to avoid a wasted trip.
Visiting Tips
The ACC is large, so it can take more than half a day to see all the exhibitions. If you're short on time, focusing on the main exhibitions at the Culture Creation Center and a walk through the 5.18 Democracy Square can be a good way to condense your visit.
In summer, the above-ground square can be exposed to the scorching sun, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon is recommended. Conversely, the underground exhibition spaces are well-equipped with heating and cooling, allowing for comfortable viewing regardless of the weather. If you want to save on your travel budget, plan your route around free permanent exhibitions, and visit on a weekday morning to enjoy both the square and exhibition spaces in a quieter setting.
Given the deep historical significance of the location, it's best to avoid loud conversations or inappropriate poses for photos in front of memorials. For many Korean visitors, this square is not just a tourist spot but a place with lingering painful memories.
If possible, I recommend looking up some background information on the May 18 Democratic Uprising before your visit. Without any information, you might pass by this space as just a flashy modern building, missing its true meaning. As you walk and read the information boards in the Archive & Research Center or around the square, you'll naturally come to understand the price this city paid for democracy.
For foreign travelers, this event might seem unfamiliar, but the weight of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in modern Korean history is significant. It's considered the root of many subsequent democratization movements, so knowing this background makes a big difference in truly experiencing Gwangju.
Where To Stay Nearby
Many of Gwangju's other cultural and historical attractions are within walking distance of the ACC, making it easy to explore them together if you have more than half a day. Given the nature of Gwangju's city center, public transportation connections are also convenient.
Walking along Geumnam-ro, you'll find key sites from the May 18 Democratic Uprising, so many travelers choose to walk this street after seeing the ACC and the square. The entire city of Gwangju is designed to remember this history, so dedicating a day to exploring these historical sites without combining them with traditional markets or other regional attractions can be a meaningful experience.
If you're looking for a place to stay near Gwangju, compare locations and price ranges on the map below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an admission fee?
It varies by facility, but many permanent exhibitions are free.※ Check exact fees on the official website before visiting
Is it open on Mondays?
Most indoor exhibition facilities are closed on Mondays.※ Check the official website before visiting
What exactly is the May 18 Democratic Uprising?
It was a democratic uprising in May 1980 in Gwangju, where citizens spontaneously resisted the military's violent suppression. It's considered a significant milestone in Korea's democratization movement, with memorial events held in Gwangju every May.
Is it okay to visit with children?
Yes, there are interactive spaces for children like the Children's Culture Center, making it suitable for family visitors. However, the 5.18 Democracy Square and Archive exhibitions cover heavy historical topics, so it's recommended to adjust viewing areas according to your child's age.
Can I take photos?
Photography is allowed in most outdoor spaces and permanent exhibitions, but some special exhibitions may have restrictions.※ Check before visiting
Is there information available in English?
Many major exhibitions and information boards provide English explanations.※ Check the exact range of multilingual support before visiting
How much time should I allocate?
If you're exploring the main ACC exhibitions and the 5.18 Democracy Square together, plan for at least 2-3 hours. It can take more than half a day if you want to thoroughly view the exhibitions.
The Asia Culture Center and 5.18 Democracy Square aren't just flashy tourist spots; they're places that have transformed into new cultural spaces after overcoming heavy moments in Korean modern history. Walk through the old provincial office building above ground and the modern exhibition spaces below to feel firsthand how Gwangju remembers this history.