5.18 Memorial Park is one of Gwangju's main places for understanding the May 18, 1980 uprising and the city's role in South Korea's democracy movement. The park has monuments, an exhibition hall, and walking paths through the Sangmu district.
Climb to the small pagoda on the hill for a view over the modern part of Gwangju. It pairs naturally with 5.18 Liberty Park and the May 18th National Cemetery, but this central park is the easiest one to fit into a city itinerary.