Touring May 18 Historic Sites
App-Based "Demand-Responsive" Service Launches
On May 12, the Gwangju City Government announced that it will operate the "Sonyeon Bus" from May 16 to May 30 in collaboration with the Gwangju Tourism Organization. The bus will tour historical sites related to the May 18 Democratization Movement and locations featured in the novel "The Boy Is Coming" by author Han Kang.
The "Sonyeon Bus" is a demand-responsive transit (DRT) service, which means users can select bus stops via the Gwangju Tour Bus app and the vehicle will arrive accordingly. The service is designed to help both citizens and tourists easily travel and experience the spirit of Gwangju in May.
The route includes the following stops: the main gate of Chonnam National University, Hyodong Elementary School, Gwangju Station, Gwangju High School, Jeonnam Girls' High School, the National Asia Culture Center, the former Gwangju Red Cross Hospital, Yangnim Five-way Intersection, and Yangnim Art Museum.
The Sonyeon Bus operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Fares per ride are 1,700 won for adults, 1,350 won for teenagers, and 850 won for children. Payment is made by tagging a card reader upon boarding, and transfers to city buses and the subway are available.
For the convenience of tourists, a one-day pass is also available for 3,000 won, allowing unlimited rides for 24 hours after purchase through the mobile app. However, unlike the single-ride ticket, transfers are not permitted with the one-day pass.
More information can be found on the Gwangju Culture and Tourism Omegwangju website and the official website of the Gwangju Tourism Organization. The Gwangju Tour Bus app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Lee Seungkyu, Director of the New Vitality Promotion Headquarters, stated, "In celebration of the '2025 Visit Gwangju Year,' we expect the 'Sonyeon Bus' to make traveling in Gwangju easier and more meaningful. With increased interest in Gwangju following author Han Kang's Nobel Prize win, we hope that many visitors will experience the spirit of Gwangju in May."
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