Opening of the 5th Gate of Gwangju Eupseong Built with Light, 'Gate of Light'

Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, officially opened the 5th Gate of Gwangju Eupseong, 'Light Eupseong,' on the 4th, showcasing the history of Gwangju Eupseong, which disappeared during the Japanese colonial period, through light to the citizens of Gwangju for the first time.

'Light Eupseong' is a space that realizes Gwangju Eupseong, a historical resource of the old downtown area, as media art using the 'light' of culture and arts. It was planned as the first project of the nighttime tourism development project, 'Light Road Urban Night Tourism Activation Project,' and is an experiential sculpture created with a total project cost of 4.5 billion KRW (2 billion KRW national funds, 1 billion KRW city funds, 1.5 billion KRW district funds).

The opening ceremony of 'Light Eupseong,' held at 7:30 PM on the 4th, will be attended by District Mayor Im Taek, residents, and guests. The event will feature an immersive theater performance where actors will present a story that connects past and future spaces together with the audience.

The 'Light Eupseong' sculpture measures a total length of 94.4 meters, a maximum height of 7.29 meters, and a maximum width of 5.9 meters. The upper part of the sculpture consists of the '5th Gate,' 'Light Fortress Wall,' 'Dapseong Bridge,' and 'Seongdol Cloud.'

According to the plan by the general planner, Professor Yoon Dong-sik of Hongik University’s Department of Architecture, the sculpture provides diverse visual experiences by changing images through reflection and projection depending on the viewer’s position and changes in light. It embodies the intention to connect past and present, not as boundaries, but to link people and lead toward a hopeful future.

A large screen made of transparent LED panels is installed on some sections of the sculpture’s outer wall, showcasing works by three media artists, including Lee Lee-nam, a world-renowned media artist representing Gwangju, themed on the history of Gwangju Eupseong.

An interactive experience is also prepared where visitors can participate directly in a video homage to Hong Sung-dam’s 'March of Light,' which artistically represents the spirit of Gwangju citizens and democracy. Visitors can enjoy various light-based experiences such as walking on the upper part of 'Light Eupseong,' firefly lighting effects on trees, an infinity mirror floor, and the Seongdol Cloud.

To cater to the preferences of the MZ generation who enjoy taking certification photos, a photo zone of 'Light Eupseong' has been set up. A small pond located at the front reflects the sculpture and videos on its rippling surface, allowing visitors to capture their shapes in photos. In the center, stepping stones are placed, making it perfect for visitors to take commemorative pictures.

Additionally, a restored model of the stone guardian statue that once stood in front of Seowonmun (the east gate of Gwangju Eupseong) to protect Gwangju from natural disasters has been installed to convey its significance to visitors, allowing them to enjoy both the past and present of Gwangju Eupseong simultaneously.

Im Taek, Mayor of Dong-gu, said, "Through 'Light Eupseong,' which rebirths the memory of Gwangju Eupseong, a historical and cultural resource of Dong-gu, the old downtown of Gwangju, with 'light,' we have embodied the hopeful value of nighttime tourism in Dong-gu." He added, "Building on this, we will fully commit to creating differentiated urban nighttime tourism based on culture and arts by promoting related projects step-by-step, such as 'Light Museum,' 'Light Street,' and 'Light Yard' in the future."