Mudeungsan National Park

A gorgeous mountain overlooking Gwangju. It is an easy to hike attraction as it has a spider web of well-marked trails leading to its most stunning peak- Cheonwangbong (1187m). It’s beautiful panoramic views will beg you to stay for longer and enjoy a relaxing moment. While you are there, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Yongchu Waterfall or Wonhyo Valley. 

Boseong Tea Fields

A must see to all travellers no matter the country. Tea plantations have a unique feeling to it, and those having visited one, will know exactly what we are talking about. What’s even better about the Boseong Tea Fields, is that it is not only a great opportunity to take a number of stunning pictures with the rolling fields of green tea plantations, but it also lets you try green tea in all of its flavours! Is this real or are we dreaming? We are not sure either.

K-drama Location: Legend of the Blue Sea

Soswaewon Garden

A private garden dating back to Joseon period greets its visitors with stunning views all around. Take a peek at the bamboo grove, walk over the log bridge and enjoy the life of anbinnakdo(being comfortable amid poverty and taking pleasure in an honest lifestyle). It is a perfect place to get away from all the buzz of the city.

Gwangju National Museum

A place which everyone should visit when exploring Gwangju. Since the city boasts some of the most important Korean history memoirs, the museum will help you learn more about the regions and country’s history, dating all the way back to Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910)! If you are not a fan of history, the museum is also worth visiting for its stunning artefact collection and beautiful outlook!

 May 18 Memorial Park and Cemetery

 The infamous May 18 uprising happened none else but here in Gwangju. The locals raised up against the military occupation and protested for Korea’s democracy. Over 150 people were killed with even more injured. Thus, the memorial and cemetery is a must-visit place to understand the Korean history better, and feel the airy atmosphere of 1980s.

 1913 Songjeong Station

Opened in 1913, for many years the market was the go-to-place for household items and produce. However, with the increase of large malls in the later years, the popularity of traditional markets has drastically decreased. Fortunately, in order to liven up the market and the surrounding atmosphere, the Songjeong Station Market was redesigned around the theme of time, with its bright, modern-styled architecture and signboards, it has once again become a go-to-place, especially for delicious hotteok and fish cakes. 

 Jeungsimsa Temple

 Located on the western foot of Mudeungsan Mountain, the temple was founded by Master Cheolgam in 860. However, during the Japanese invasion in 1597, and then again, during the Korean War in 1950s the temple was burned down. Fortunately, the Joseon Dynasty-era Obaekjeon Hall survived and its unique originals can still be observed when visiting the temple that has suffered from all the worst times in Korea. 

 Gwangju Lake Eco Park

 Since its opening in 2006, the Lake Eco Park offers its visitors a perfect place to relax and observe the calm ripples of the waters of Gwangju Lake. With its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful paths, the place has been favorited by both-locals and the travelers alike. It also has an impressive botanical garden, a wetland reserve, waterside observation deck and even more activities to keep you engaged.

Mt. Mudeung Jusangjeollidae

The product of volcano activity from back in the Cretaceous period in the Mesozoic Age, the cliff was formed in the process of eruption, cooling and contraction of lava. The spectacular nature wonder consists of two summits and the stone pillar of Gyubongam temple, with the size of the stone pillar being the biggest ones of its kind in the whole of South Korea!