Gwangju to Implement Special Transportation Measures for May 18 Commemoration Week

Free Rides on City Buses, Urban Rail, and Vehicles for the Transportation-Vulnerable
Increased Service for Route 518 Buses Passing the Cemetery on the 18th
Complete Vehicle Restrictions on Geumnam-ro from May 15 to 18 and on the 24th

Gwangju City Hall exterior view.

On May 13, the city of Gwangju announced that it will implement special transportation measures centered around major event venues, such as the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery and the May 18th Democracy Plaza, ahead of the 45th anniversary commemoration of the May 18·Democratization Movement.

For two days, May 17 and 18, the city will offer free rides on city buses, urban rail, and vehicles supporting the mobility of transportation-vulnerable groups. This is intended to help citizens reflect on the meaning of May 18·Democratization Movement in their daily lives and to allow more convenient participation in the commemorative events. However, passengers will still be required to tag on and off for statistical purposes, but no fares will be charged.

Among village buses, Route 760 in Seo-gu, which has completed the ordinance amendment process for "free operation on May 18," will operate free of charge on May 18. On the day of the commemorative ceremony, May 18, the city will increase the number of trips on city bus Route 518, which passes through the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery, by 30 times to enhance transportation convenience for citizens attending the event.

Roads around Geumnam-ro in Dong-gu, where the eve festival and the main event will take place, will be completely closed to vehicles according to the event schedule. Full closures will be in effect for five days: May 15 to 18, and May 24. During this period, up to 27 city bus routes passing through Geumnam-ro will be detoured.

On May 24, due to the May 18·Marathon taking place around the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery, Route 518 will be detoured in the morning. The city plans to deploy municipal and district officials, as well as volunteers, in the Geumnam-ro and May 18th Democracy Plaza areas to minimize inconvenience to citizens caused by traffic control.

Kim Youngsun, Director of the Integrated Airport and Transportation Bureau, stated, "A large number of citizens and visitors are expected to participate in the 45th anniversary commemoration of the May 18·Democratization Movement," and requested, "To reduce traffic congestion, we ask for your active cooperation in using public transportation and checking detour routes in advance."