Chonnam National University Connects Scattered '5·18 Memorial Spaces' into One

Opening Ceremony of 'Minjugil' Held on the 18th

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The 'Minju-gil' (Democracy Path), which connects the scattered 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement memorial spaces at Chonnam National University into one, will be completed.

Chonnam National University announced on the 13th that on the 18th, marking the 40th anniversary of the 5·18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, it will hold the 'Minju-gil Opening Ceremony' at the main gate of the university, attended by President Jeong Byeong-seok, professors, students, the alumni association, key organization leaders, and democracy figures.

The number of attendees and the scale of the event have been adjusted in accordance with daily quarantine guidelines.

The Minju-gil at Chonnam National University is a kind of trail that connects 11 democratization movement memorial spaces on campus through three routes spanning 5 km, with a project cost of approximately 8.3 billion KRW.

It began in 2018, overcoming difficulties in securing the budget, and has finally reached completion on this day.

The opening ceremony will proceed in the order of a progress report, introduction of Minju-gil, followed by a 'Minju-gil Walk Together' where attendees walk together. The pilgrimage path will be accompanied by commentary from the Chonnam National University 5·18 Research Institute.

Following this, the 'Minju-gil Supporters Association,' which will support the creation and future operation of Minju-gil, will be launched at Minju Maru (the former main auditorium).

It is known that Kim Sang-yoon, former chairman of the Chonnam National University Democratic Alumni Association, will serve as the chairman of the Supporters Association.

Chonnam National University plans to establish a 'Minju-gil Visitor Center' that will provide convenience and showcase the history of the democratization movement at a glance for the numerous university students who flock nationwide around the 5·18 anniversary and the visitors throughout the year.

President Jeong Byeong-seok said, "We opened 'Minju-gil' to honor the noble spirit of students, professors, and citizens who devoted themselves to democracy, human rights, and justice at Chonnam National University," adding, "We will nurture it as a space for culture, rest, communication, and a place for democracy education in daily life."