Seo-gu in Gwangju Reflects on the Meaning of Democracy in "May Gwangju"

Strengthening Solidarity Between Public Officials and the Local Community

Seo-gu District in Gwangju Metropolitan City is once again reflecting on the meaning of "May Gwangju."

On May 6, Seo-gu announced that Mayor Kim Ikang and about 70 public officials visited the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery to honor the spirits of those who sacrificed their lives.

This visit was organized to help carry on the legacy of the May 18 Democratic Movement within the public sector. In particular, young public officials born in the 1990s, who did not experience May 18 firsthand, also participated in the visit, sharing the spirit of May with their senior colleagues.

Kim Ikang, Mayor of Seo District, Gwangju, is honoring the noble spirits of the May 18 Democratic Movement martyrs together with public officials born in the 1990s at the National May 18 Democratic Cemetery on the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Movement on the 6th. Provided by Seo District, Gwangju

Seo-gu also operates the "May 18 Human Rights Site Tour," which allows residents to visit sites of democracy and human rights in person. The tour will be held twice, on May 21 and May 27, and is designed to help generations who did not experience May firsthand gain a vivid understanding of Gwangju's history and spirit.

Participants, guided by a professional commentator, will experience history and watch reenactments at the May 18 Freedom Park, the former site of Sangmu Military Base, and listen to explanations during a visit to the former Jeonnam Provincial Government Building. They will also visit key May 18 historic sites in Seo-gu, such as the Nongsung Square battleground, the former site of Deulbul Night School, and the former 505 Security Unit, to recall the power of community that defended democracy.

The May 18 Human Rights Site Tour is open to all Seo-gu residents, with 50 participants being recruited until May 18. For more details, residents can contact the Human Rights Team in the Administrative Support Division of the Seo-gu District Office.

Mayor Kim Ikang stated, "Through the process of public officials and residents reflecting together on the meaning of the May 18 Democratic Movement, we will further strengthen our community spirit and continue to build Seo-gu as a 'Good City' of sharing and solidarity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.