Restoration of the Old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office, Symbol of May 18, Reopens as Exhibition and Memorial Space

On May 18, marking the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office, a symbol of the movement, will reopen after completion of its restoration.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that following the "May 18 Democratic Uprising Commemoration Ceremony" at 11 a.m. on this day, the official reopening of the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office will take place at 2 p.m.

On the 17th, a day before the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising, a vigil is being held at the May 18 Democratic Square in front of the old Jeonnam Provincial Office in Dong-gu, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Ministry's Old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office Restoration Task Force has been working to breathe new life into this historic site of democracy, aiming to allow citizens to experience the significance of the May 18 Democratic Uprising firsthand through the restoration of six buildings at the site. Prior to the official opening, the Ministry conducted a pilot operation for about 40 days starting in February, during which it refined the exhibition environment, interpretive methods, and visitor amenities to enhance overall operations.

After the reopening, visitors will be able to tour key restored spaces, including the main government building, the main police bureau building, the police bureau’s civil service office, the government office meeting room, the Sangmugwan hall, and the government office annex (visitor center). Through these spaces, they can experience the unfolding of the May 18 Democratic Uprising and reflect on the spirit of sacrifice and solidarity shown by citizens at that time.

The main building has been transformed into the central exhibition space, focusing on the narrative of the ten-day uprising, while Sangmugwan hall has been created as a memorial area for the victims. The police bureau and government office meeting room provide a deeper look into the history of civic autonomy through various video and oral history materials.

A special exhibition, "May 18 Gwangju, Time Unfinished" (May 18–August 17), will also be held, drawing on materials collected during the restoration process. This exhibition highlights the lives and voices of the citizens of Gwangju in May, centering on the themes of "record," "memory," and "commemoration," and shares the stories of those who remember Gwangju in May 1980.

The Ministry stated that it will continue to operate exhibitions and educational programs, so that the old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office can become a leading venue for learning about the history of democracy in South Korea.

Minister Choi Huiyoung of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism stated, "The old Jeonnam Provincial Government Office is a sacred site of 'K-democracy' that made today's Republic of Korea possible," and added, "I hope that as this space returns to the people at 2 p.m. on May 18, it will serve as a source of pride for our democracy and become a world-renowned landmark that shares its value with the world."

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