Free Use of City Buses and Urban Rail in Gwangju on May 18

Gwangju City Implements Special Traffic Measures for 5·18 Memorial Week

Increased Operation of City Bus No. 518 to National 5·18 Democratic Cemetery

Vehicle Restrictions on Geumnam-ro from 15th to 18th... 19 Routes Diverted

Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Kang Gi-jung) announced on the 13th that it will implement special traffic measures for the 44th anniversary week of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

The measures were promoted to facilitate transportation for participants, focusing on the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, where the commemorative events are held, and the May 18 Democratic Square, the venue for pre-events such as the eve ceremony.

On the 18th, public transportation such as city buses and urban rail will operate free of charge for one day, allowing people to experience the significance of the May 18 Democratic Uprising in their daily lives.

Gwangju citizens and visitors to Gwangju can use city buses and urban rail on this day without card tagging or cash payment when boarding or alighting. However, village buses and Jeonnam rural buses are excluded from free use.

Additionally, city bus number 518, which goes to the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery, will operate 30 additional trips to provide convenience for bereaved families and visitors attending the May 18 Democratic Uprising memorial ceremony.

Prior to the ceremony, to prepare and hold pre-events such as the May 18 Democratic Uprising eve ceremony, all vehicles will be restricted from 12:00 PM on May 15 to 3:00 AM on May 19 on the entire section from Geumnam-ro 1-ga to Geumnam-ro 3-ga (May 18 Democratic Square to Geumnam-ro Park).

Accordingly, 19 city bus routes passing in front of May 18 Democratic Square will be rerouted at the Geumnam-ro 4-ga Station intersection.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, about 70 personnel from the city, autonomous districts, and the Model Drivers Association, along with traffic guidance vehicles and police, will be deployed on-site around May 18 Democratic Square and the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery to minimize inconvenience to citizens.

Kim Seok-woong, Director of the Transportation Bureau, said, “As the 44th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising approaches, many citizens are expected to visit the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery and Geumnam-ro. Since traffic inconvenience is anticipated due to vehicle restrictions in the event area and city bus detours, we ask for citizens’ cooperation and use of public transportation.”