Gwangju Dong-gu (District Chief Lim Taek) announced on the 27th that the 5.18 Democracy Plaza Fountain will be in operation from next month until October.
The 5.18 Democracy Plaza Fountain, which stands as the center and symbol of the Gwangju Democratization Movement, has become a new night tourism hotspot, receiving enthusiastic responses from citizens since the opening of the "Fountain of Light" in June 2022.
In 2023, the district completed the "5.18 Democracy Plaza Maintenance Project" to refurbish the aging fountain, and by adding a "musical fountain" program, it offered a variety of attractions to not only Gwangju citizens but also visitors and tourists from other regions.
Last year, by alternating the operation of the "Fountain of Light" and the "musical fountain" between April and October, Dong-gu established its own unique nightscape brand and was recognized for contributing to the development of a stay-type cultural tourism city.
This year, as in the previous year, the district completed facility inspections and maintenance throughout March, aiming to resume operations next month. Full-scale operation will begin on April 1 at 8:15 p.m. with the "Fountain of Light."
Every Tuesday through Sunday, the "musical fountain" will operate three times a day, while the "Fountain of Light" will be held at 8:15 p.m. In particular, every Friday and Saturday evening, visitors can enjoy the "Fountain of Light" signature content performance (media art content utilizing kinetic sculptures), which can only be seen at the 5.18 Democracy Plaza nationwide. Operations are suspended every Monday for maintenance.
Dong-gu plans to use the reopening of the fountain as an opportunity for continuous content development, collaborative performances with large-scale events such as the Chungjang Festival and "Gwangju National Heritage Night Tour," and regular busking performances in cooperation with the Dong-gu Cultural Foundation, showcasing a variety of new initiatives.
Lim Taek, Chief of Dong-gu District, said, "The spirit of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement goes beyond sacrifice and resistance to embrace the values of the future and hope," adding, "With the harmony of light and music, visitors will be able to enjoy the fantastic days and nights of Gwangju at the newly enhanced 5.18 Democracy Plaza Fountain."
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