Yangnim-dong and Dongmyeong-dong Gourmet Week,
Abundant Alleyway Experiences
Seasonal Folk Games at History and Folklore Museum, Traditional Culture Center
Biennale and Municipal Art Museum Exhibitions, Invitational Shows
Gossaum Nori and Biennale Square Night Performances
Seochang Scenic Observatory, Famous for Silver Grass and Sunset Views
Moonlight Walk at Science Museum, International Stage at ACC
During the Chuseok holiday, downtown Gwangju transforms into a massive cultural travel destination. Gourmet experiences and performances fill the alleyways, while museums and traditional culture centers offer seasonal customs experiences. Biennale exhibitions, moonlit walks at the science museum, and performances at the Asia Culture Center all welcome both residents and visitors returning home.
Street performance at the "Gwangju Nostalgic Chungjang Festival" held last year. Provided by Gwangju City
◇ Gourmet Experiences in the Alleyways
To celebrate the Chuseok holiday, Gwangju City has turned various spots in the city center into travel destinations. Until the 4th, "Gwangju Gourmet Week" takes place in the old city center. Restaurants and cafes in Yangnim-dong, Dongmyeong-dong, and around Gwangju Theater are offering discounts on selected menu items and introducing special new dishes. Campaigns promoting local agricultural products and eco-friendly goods are also underway.
A wide variety of hands-on programs are available. Highlights include traditional liquor pairing, vegan cooking classes, Makgeolli brewing, moka pot coffee experiences, paella tastings, traditional snack making, and urban farmer social dining. Walking tours such as the "Bakery Pilgrimage" in Yangnim-dong, the "Coffee Tour" in Dongmyeong-dong, and the "Vegan Tour" around Gwangju Theater have also been organized. In the evenings, the lawn at the Yangnim Missionary House becomes a busking stage, while the Asia Food Culture Street hosts DJ performances and food sharing events.
Cultural event held last year during Chuseok at Gwangju History and Folklore Museum. Provided by Gwangju City
◇ Stages of Tradition and Art
There are also abundant opportunities to experience traditional culture. On the 6th and 7th, the Gwangju History and Folklore Museum hosts the "Chuseok Hangawi Hanmadang," featuring outdoor performances of Chunhyangjeon and Byeoljubu-jeon, folk games, and hands-on experiences with musical instruments and crafts. At the Traditional Culture Center near the entrance to Jeungsimsa Temple on Mudeungsan Mountain, a "Folk Game Experience" on the 4th will showcase traditional games depicted in Goguryeo murals, as well as pansori and sanjo performances.
The Biennale and Municipal Art Museum exhibitions continue as well. The Gwangju Design Biennale Exhibition Hall is holding a special exhibition themed "Inclusive Design," while the Municipal Art Museum is presenting the "Heo Baekryeon Art Award Winners Exhibition" and the "Gwangju Design Biennale Commemorative Exhibition." At the Hajeongwoong Art Museum, the invitational exhibition "Lee Sehyun: Blue Face, Red Night" by a young artist is being held. The Biennale exhibitions are open throughout the holiday, with the Municipal Art Museum closed only on Chuseok day.
On the 3rd, the Gossaum Nori Theme Park in Nam-gu will reenact the "Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori," National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 33. On the 4th, Biennale Square in Buk-gu will host the "2025 Biennale Cultural Concert," featuring a nighttime program combining light experiences and performances.
The Gwangju Cultural Foundation is turning various city locations into performance stages through its "Traveling Cultural Performances." On the 4th, there will be a woodwind performance at ACC Sang Sang Madang in Dong-gu, a saxophone and choir performance at Pureungil Park in Nam-gu, and a traditional tightrope walking show at Unnam Neighborhood Park in Gwangsan-gu. On the 11th, Samgmu Citizen Park in Seo-gu will host a Nanta performance, Yangsan Lake Park in Buk-gu will feature a Korean traditional music concert, and Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center will stage a musical drama commemorating the 75th birthday of activist Yoon Sangwon.
◇ Seochang Scenic Observatory Opens: The First Gateway to the Yeongsan River
Located along the Yeongsan River near Seochangdeulnyeok in Gwangju, the Seochang Scenic Observatory offers panoramic views of silver grass fields, water streams, and sunsets. It was established as a long-awaited resting and healing spot for citizens. Completed over three years with a total project cost of 2.5 billion won (1.5 billion won in special grants and 1 billion won in city funds), the observatory was designed from the outset to showcase the river and field landscapes of the Yeongsan River so that visitors can enjoy the natural scenery in all four seasons. The site is significant for allowing visitors to experience both the historical importance of the old Seochang Port and its ecological and cultural value.
The Seochang Scenic Observatory is the first achievement of the "Yeongsan River 100-ri Road, Y Project" promoted by Gwangju City. Based on four values-Clean Water, Excitement, Eco, and Connection-the city plans to invest 373.2 billion won in 20 projects by 2030 to expand waterfront spaces, restore ecosystems, and build tourism infrastructure.
◇ Expanding the Journey to Science and Asia
To mark its 10th anniversary, the National Asia Culture Center is hosting "Asia Culture Week" until the 4th. The program includes the Asia Art Market, a traditional costume fashion show, and creative performances featuring artists from seven countries. Some performances will also be broadcast live on YouTube.
The National Gwangju Science Museum is holding the "Hangawi Science Festival" from the 3rd to the 9th. The schedule features a space science musical, science magic shows, shadow magic shows, balloon art performances, traditional games and musical instrument experiences, family theater animation screenings, and instant family photo sessions. On the evening of the 5th, a "Moonlight Walk" will be held for full moon observation, and on the 5th and 7th, the permanent exhibition hall will be open to the public free of charge.
Other events include a space exploration photo exhibition in celebration of World Space Week, Nuriho rocket-making, space science lectures, and rocket launch experiences.
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