Gwangju to Offer Free City Bus and Subway Rides on May 18 for May 18 Democratization Movement Anniversary

Available to All Citizens and Visitors,
Including Mobility Support Vehicles for Transportation-Vulnerable Groups

646,000 Rides Used Over Two Days Last Year

"Enhancing Travel Convenience for May 18 Events"

On May 18, the anniversary of the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement, city buses and subways in Gwangju will operate free of charge. Visitors to Gwangju will also be able to use public transportation without any fare.

The Gwangju Metropolitan Government announced on May 12 that, in commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement, all city buses, urban railways (subways), and mobility support vehicles for transportation-vulnerable groups will be free for the entire day on May 18. This measure is intended to facilitate travel for citizens and visitors participating in memorial ceremonies and commemorative events.

The free service applies to all city buses, subways, and mobility support vehicles operating within the Gwangju area. Not only Gwangju residents but also any visitors to the city on the day may use these services free of charge.

The usage method remains the same as usual. Passengers should tag their transportation cards on the readers when boarding and alighting, but no actual fare will be charged. The Gwangju Metropolitan Government explained that the card tagging process is maintained in order to track usage and settle transportation losses resulting from the free rides.

Previously, for the 45th anniversary of the May 18 Democratization Movement last year, Gwangju Metropolitan Government also offered free public transportation for two days, from May 17 to 18. The total number of rides during this period was recorded at 646,448, with 367,130 on the first day and 279,318 on the second day.

This year, the Gwangju Metropolitan Government expects many citizens and visitors to use public transportation once again and has completed preparations in advance, including driver training and system inspections.

Bae Sangyoung, Head of Public Transportation at the Gwangju Metropolitan Government, stated, "We expect this to enhance travel convenience for citizens and tourists participating in the May 18 commemorative events, and also help alleviate downtown traffic congestion."