By plane

Gwangju Airport (IATA: KWJ) has flights to Seoul and Jeju.
Unless on a company budget or pressed for time, most travelers never step foot in the airport since it only offers flights to Seoul Gimpo and Jeju Airport. Most travelers find it easier and cheaper to take a direct bus from Incheon International Airport instead (4 1/2 hours) or even Gimhae Airport (Busan - 3 hours) if need be. There are 1-2 departures hourly to/from Incheon and the cost is 29,600 won. Gimhae airport is a bit more difficult to navigate to and from. Fastest route would be to take a bus to Gimhae, then take a taxi to the Gimhae Airport. Reverse that trip of heading to Gwangju.

By train

Korail and KTX trains run from Seoul multiple times a day and are the quickest option for travellers wanting to go to Gwangju from Seoul. The trip takes 3 hours and the cost is 33,000-39,000 won. Note that all trains depart from Yongsan Station in Seoul, not the main Seoul Station.
A separate KTX Honam line is under construction and when completed around 2014, going from Seoul to Gwangju will take 90 minutes.

By bus

Buses from major cities throughout the country arrive and depart from Gwangju Bus Terminal, a large, fancy and recently renovated bus terminal near the geographic center of the city. The largest and fanciest in the country to be precise: this place looks like an airport. Every taxi driver in Gwangju knows the bus terminal, or "Busuh Teo-mee-nal". Seoul Gangnam to Gwangju prices are either 16,900 or 23,000 for the standard bus or the limousine bus respectively. Prices to other cities are comparable.

5.18 Memorial Parks, Art Street, Student's Uprising Monument Ssang Chon Dong, Gwangju National Museum, Asian Culture Complex Information Center, Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall

5.18 Memorial Parks

5.18 Memorial Parks Gwangju's claim to fame is for it's own Tienanmen Square uprising, May 18th, 1980. There are two memorials for this moment in its history. The main one is found in the beautiful 5.18 park, in central Sangmu. There is an exhibition hall there that enlightens visitors to the events that lead to the violent democratic uprising. While there, follow the walking path to the top of the hill where you can then climb a three-story pagoda and take in a nice view of the more modern part of Gwangju. The other memorial to this occasion is the 5.18 Cemetery, located in the northeast of the city. Again, more monuments and dedications to this moment in history.

Art Street

Art Street A back street near downtown spanning approximately three blocks. It is full of artists and their works in galleries and nicely decorated store windows. In the evenings, it is lit up especially beautiful and provides a nice quaint walk a stone's throw from the most hectic pedestrian area in town. For artists seeking supplies, many of the stores also carry very affordable materials. From the YMCA, cross the street, pass the KEB, and turn left when you see the white arches and cobblestone road (Keep going straight for a delicious vegetarian restaurant on your right).

Student's Uprising Monument Ssang Chon Dong

Student's Uprising Monument Ssang Chon Dong This monument is in the geographical middle of the city. Not widely known, and requiring a taxi ride to get to, this monument is rather large and situated in a very quiet park atop a hill. The monument commemorates the student uprising against Japanese Imperialism in the early 1900's. The Park includes an impressive museum with detailed representations of the time. At times English tours are availabl

Gwangju National Museum

The museum houses a permanent collection of historical art and cultural relics that date back to the old Joseon and Goryeo periods of Korean history. The museum also organizes various special exhibitions and cultural learning activities that are open to all

Asian Culture Complex Information Center

As of October 2010, the Asian Culture Complex is under construction and is to open by 2010. The Asian Culture Complex Information Center is in operation.

Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall

Gwangju Biennale is an internationally renowned modern art festival that is held every two years. It was first launched in 1995. The Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall is located at the Jung-oe Park Culture Center and the Science Center.

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