Gwangju Teachers' Union: "May 18 Is Living Democracy"

Educational Materials and Participation Events Prepared for the 45th Anniversary

The Gwangju branch of the Korean Teachers and Education Workers Union has proposed educational materials and civic participation programs to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, enabling students and citizens to reflect together on the spirit of May.

On May 13, the Gwangju branch announced that this year's teaching materials include activities that shed light on both the citizens' march to the National Assembly in May 1980 and the "12·3 Rebellion" incident that occurred last year. Under the theme "Can the past save the present?", the materials are designed to help students connect history with the present and think critically.

A large banner with the phrase "Voting is Power" is hanging on the exterior wall of Jeonil Building 245 in Donggu, Gwangju. Photo by Song Bohyun

The materials have been tailored to different ages and levels, and the teaching resources can be downloaded from '오일팔수업.com'. In addition, online book talks with picture book and young adult novel authors are planned, providing students with opportunities to gain a deeper understanding and empathy for May 18 through literature.

The Gwangju branch is also preparing events for citizens beyond the classroom. At the May 18 eve festival, a booth will be set up at May Square to distribute rice balls to citizens, and at the upcoming Youth Culture Festival on May 24, there will be activities such as a handwritten Constitution experience and quizzes related to May 18.

A representative from the Gwangju branch stated, "The spirit of May 1980 is not a relic of the past, but the heart of democracy that drives us today in 2025. We hope for greater interest and participation so that democratic citizenship education can be further promoted in schools, beyond the upcoming presidential election."