They say Gwangju is the city of art, cuisine, and history… But don’t just listen; go and see, because it is better to see it once than hear about it a thousand times.

It is exactly what we did last weekend. We took a ride to Gwangju to get our own experience and impressions about the city. The active weekend was absolutely what we needed after a long week oversaturated with the office routine.

Our trip began when we twisted the ignition key to start the car. The engine roared loudly heralding the beginning of the adventure time. But if you are not an avid driver, make yourself comfortable by taking a bus or train. You can purchase the tickets using Express Bus Mobile App (고속버스모바일) or KORAIL TALK App and relax in the comfortable passenger seat. Note that Gwangju has two train stations: Gwangju Songjeong Station (mainly used by high-speed KTX train) and Gwangju Station (for cheaper, but slower express Mugunghwa train). Nowadays, Gwangju Songjeong Station is predominantly used, so there is well-developed city infrastructure around.

Upon arrival, we dropped off our luggage at the hotel and rushed to discover the city, starting from Gwangju Songjeong Station. Here, we crossed the street and reached the 1913 Songjeong Station Market. The market by itself is only a 200-m long street with about three dozens of old-fashioned shops selling traditional goods, cafes, restaurants, pub, etc.

It is a must-go place if you are eager to jump back hundred years in time to experience Korea’s past. At this place your pace might be naturally slowed down.

Entrance of 1913 Songjeong Sation Market

Old style pub

Little bit of excitement hidden for everyone there

The street from a different angle

Enjoy the taste and making process of kkultarae

From fish to vegetables, everything is sold to locals and visitors

You can enjoy the tranquil scenery of the old-fashion street, observe artistic handmade souvenirs, taste traditional street food and snacks, take photos and selfies, and even visit a vintage photo studio to get a black & white portrait of yourself like we did.

We definitely recommend visiting this 1913 open-air market, where you can witness the history and become part of it.

The famous Songjeong Tteokgalbi Alley

Don't miss the fresh side dishes that come with tteokgalbi.

The must-taste local specialty is tteokgalbi. Craving this, we headed to the Songjeong Tteok galbi Alley located in the vicinity of 1913 Market (approximatel 10 minute walk to the north from the market or from Exit 1 of Songjeong Station). It is no surprise that Gwangju, the city of food haven, named the whole alley for the tteokgalbi dish that originated from here. Tteokgalbi is a grilled handmade rectangular patty made of beef and pork with herbs and spices. Traditional way to eat this is to wrap it in lettuce together with rice and side dishes. We enjoyed this delicacy at a famous restaurant in the Tteokgalbi Alley and obtained a memorable experience from yummy food and caring staff (for only 12,000 won per person).

1913 Songjeong Station Market

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Songjeong Tteokgalbi Alley

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After recharging with a delicious meal, we were ready to reach Gwangju’s "heaven”, located at the grand Mudeungsan National Park. The park possesses high mountain peaks, which are perfect places to “touch the sky” and get heavenly pleasure from the top view on the wonderful landscape. One of the peaks is Hyangnobong Peak, ideal for both hikers and non-hikers, because for the latter it provides Mudeungsan lift and monorail that will take you directly to the peak crowned with Jatgogae Observatory. To reach the Mudeungsan lift and monorail ticket counter, you can take the subway to Cultural Complex Station followed by a taxi ride.

Ticket counter of Mudeungsan Mountain lift and monorail

The Mudeungsan lift and monorail ride is a thrilling experience you should not miss. Tickets (round trip & monorail package price: 15,000 won/person) are available in the building beside the Mudeungsan Park Hotel. With the ticket you will be able to reach the peak without any effort. Steady 15-minute lift by cables along the mountainside, while sitting in the couple bench and enjoying the nature was very pleasant for us. The surrounding silence was disturbed only by leaves of the passing trees and small talks with faint laughs of the visitors.

Peaceful chair lift between trees along mountain side

Monorail station

Mudeungsan Monorail

After reaching the small plateau, you can get off the lift and move to the monorail station located nearby. Usually, monorail departures every 10-15 minutes and it takes about 5-7 minutes to reach the peak. Riding the monorail can be a bit scary, especially for those with a fear of height, but the rushing adrenaline can make the nature and city scenery unfolding before your eyes even more delightful. Once you arrive at the peak, climb up the stairs to the Jatgogae observatory and witness panoramic view of Gwangju city. Try to recognize some of its landmarks, like snow-white buildings with long columns of Chosun University, arcs of the World Cup Stadium and many more.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye-view of Gwangju from the observatory

View of Gwangju from the observatory at sundown

For the best view, adjust your timing to arrive there around sunset (operating hours: 10:00-18:00). In winter, it can be too cold to hike, though, we were lucky to experience warm and sunny days even in the beginning of December.

Namgwangju night market entrance

We spent the evening at the famous Namgwangju Night Market that offers a unique night food tour (it operates on Friday & Saturday 18:00-24:00). Conveniently located at Exit 3 of the Namgwangju Station, the market revealed itself by neon sign at the entrance and inner ceiling decorated with shiny stars and moon. The design resembles a train tunnel as a reminder of the night trains that used to stop at Namgwangju Station in the 1960s.

Culture food tour at the market

Mobile food carts, designed like old trains, offer traditional street food attracting starving visitors. This mellow atmosphere is usually accompanied with live performances that create a small festive mood. Forget about diet, taste the night Gwangju!

On the next day, we twisted the ignition key to start the car again. The engine roared, but this time we were saying “Good-bye” to Gwangju… Time to go back home. We left, but pieces of our hearts will forever stay there, in the city of art, cuisine, and history…

Mudeungsan Mountain National Park

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Hotel Entrance

Whatever the season and weather outside, at the May Hotel you will always find the warm atmosphere with refreshing spring aromas and gentle lights. Located near the City Hall, it offers a variety of activities and food options around.

Booking the hotel is possible using their website or other common online booking sites. Prices may vary from 90,000 won to 130,000 won per night. Hotel offers ballet parking. Staffs are nice and friendly. You can make a deal with them for a late check-out if needed.

Business Double room

Rooms are spacious enough, very clean and fresh. There you can find a big bed that magnetically pulls you to fall down on it. Don’t resist. Once you do it, you will feel yourself lying down on a soft grass field saturated with redolent scent of flowers. Breathe and relax.

Room Amenities

Rooms are also equipped with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioner, mini fridge (with free bottles of water here and at the reception), a cable TV, a phone, “charging station” for smartphones, coffee table with armchair, kettle with cups and tea/coffee bags, clothes hanger. Big private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries, set of towels, gowns, and a hair drier.

Hotel Entrance

Business Centre located on the 7th floor

Breakfast from Korean dishes

Breakfast from basic Western style dishes

On the 7th floor, the hotel has a business center with printing, copying and fax services, and on the 2nd floor you can enjoy a buffet breakfast (7:00-10:00 a.m.) of home cooked Korean and basic Western style dishes.

Overall, the hotel is very comfortable and nice. The nearby attractions include 5.18 Memorial Park, City Hall, and Kimdaejung Convention Center. You will definitely like staying in Hotel the May while visiting Gwangju.