Seogu in Gwangju to Offer Free Rides on Village Bus No. 760 on May 18

Free Village Bus Service in Seogu District
on the Anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement
Promoting Community Solidarity and the Spirit of May 18

On May 12, Seogu District in Gwangju announced that, in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, Village Bus No. 760 will operate free of charge for one day on May 18.

Village Bus No. 760 connects major residential areas in Seogu, passing through Yangdong Traditional Market, Balsan Village, Gwangju General Bus Terminal, Gwangju Student Culture Center, Uncheon Reservoir, Seogu Cultural Center, and Pungam High School.

Seogu District Office view. Provided by Seogu District

The district planned this initiative to offer everyday experiences of the May 18 spirit, improve accessibility to historical sites, and promote the value of community solidarity. Seogu is the only district in Gwangju to revise related ordinances and secure a budget, and will fully implement the program starting this year.

On the anniversary, the number of passengers is expected to increase by more than 30% compared to usual, and Seogu is working closely with transportation companies to ensure safe and smooth operation.

In particular, as Gwangju City will also offer free rides on city buses and the subway on this day, and Seogu will provide free rides on village buses, the number of visitors to major historical sites such as the May 18 Memorial Park and History Park is expected to rise.

Kim Ikang, head of Seogu District, stated, "The free operation of village buses is expected to serve not only as a means to reduce transportation costs, but also as an opportunity to share and practice the spirit of May 18?democracy, human rights, and peace." He added, "We will continue to do our best to promote resident-centered transportation welfare and uphold the spirit of May 18."

Meanwhile, Seogu conducted a "May 18 Human Rights Field Tour" for about 80 MZ generation public officials who did not directly experience May 18. On May 12, ahead of the 45th anniversary, Kim Ikang, head of Seogu District, along with senior officials and about 80 young public officials born in the 1990s, visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery to reflect on the spirit of May 18.