Owen Memorial Hall (오웬기념각)

1.5Km 2025-10-23

6 Baekseo-ro 70beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

The Owen Monument and Memorial Hall is located inside the Christian College of Nursing. The monument was erected in 1914 in memory of missionary Clement Owen who, together with Priest Bae Yoo-ji, was the first missionary to come to Jeollanam-do. The monument was built using the 4,200 dollars collected by Owen’s relatives in the USA after Owen died as a martyr in Gwangju.

Clement Owen came to Yangnim-dong, Gwangju in the 1900s and served as a missionary and medical volunteer with his wife, who was a nurse, before dying of exhaustion and overwork in 1909. Owen had hoped to build a memorial hospital in honor of his grandfather, but died before his plan was materialized. The plaque hanging in the hall honors both men in English and Chinese, reading, “In Memory of William L. and Clement C. Owen.”

A Western-style building with a total footage of around 1,435 meters squared (including the annex building), the monument is said to have been used as chapel and assembly room. Today, the building serves as the auditorium of the Christian College of Nursing. The white, two-story building features a lectern in one corner, with two columns of pews facing the lectern. The second floor balcony stretches along the two walls opposite the lectern.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm – movie “Love, Lies,”
In the film, So-yul and Yeon-hee come here to see the renowned singer Lee Nan-young perform. Owen Memorial Hall has a history as a venue for Christian gatherings, lectures, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and various cultural events in the region. Today, it continues to serve as a space for both religious and cultural gatherings.

Art Polygon Horanggassinamu (호랑가시나무 아트폴리곤)

1.5Km 2025-02-04

22 Jejung-ro 47beon-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Located in Yangnim-dong, Art Polygon Horanggasinamu is a multi-purpose cultural space that hosts various programs such as exhibitions, lectures, and performances. In 2021, it was used as one of the venues for the Gwangju Biennale. The space was created by preserving and expanding the original structure of a missionary's garage. Yangnim-dong is home to many modern historical cultural heritage sites and art galleries that connects the past and the present.

LEEKANGHA Art Museum (이강하미술관)

1.6Km 2024-11-14

6 3·1manseundong-gil, Nam-gu, Gwangju

The LEEKANGHA Art Museum, opened in 2018, offers a range of exhibitions, educational programs, and a research center. Visitors can explore the life and art world of Lee Kang-ha in different eras through various exhibitions and gain a deeper understanding of art with performances and educational programs. The museum aims to foster empathy and communication to enrich cultural knowledge by using diverse art-culture experience programs.

Cheongchun Balsan Village (청춘발산마을)

2.1Km 2025-10-24

12-16 Cheonbyeonjwa-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Balsan Village is a representative neighborhood of Gwangju and is a prime example of how something amazing can come out of hardship. First settled by Korean war refugees, the small houses jam-packed on a hillside attracted young people looking for work in the 1970s and '80s, mainly females working in the garment factories nearby. Recently, the addition of colorful murals and public spaces has given the village a breath of new life.

YODAMN (요담엔)

2.3Km 2024-12-20

39-2 Jami-ro 66beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju

YODAMN is a Gwangju-based Company redefining Korea’s fermented traditions. It is known for its premium rice nuruk, a traditional Korean fermentation starter, and products like Yoando yogurt, a malted yogurt and Yomakkey, a makgeolli kit. The company is engaged in research, liquor development, and provides consultation services. Additionally, it offers unique experiences, such as one-day traditional liquor brewing classes, and sells its uniquely developed products. It is a great place for visitors to experience the Gwangju local traditional liquor culture.

Chonnam National University Museum (전남대학교 박물관)

2.5Km 2025-01-02

77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

The Cheonnam National University Museum showcases a variety of domestic and international works on history, anthropology, culture, and folklore, along with providing research materials. Initially established as a research center for the faculty and students, the museum has evolved into its current form since 2002. Visitors can explore exhibitions on diverse topics and immerse themselves in different cultures at the learning center of the museum.

Creation & Love Women's Hospital (CLWH) (시엘병원)

2.7Km 2025-12-10

957 Mujin-daero, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Based on over 25 years of clinical experience, Ciel Fertility Hospital provides comprehensive medical services including infertility diagnosis, artificial insemination, IVF (in vitro fertilization), and laparoscopy and hysteroscopic surgery. It is a global infertility hospital that operates an international medical center and provides interpretation and concierge services to patients overseas, including in Mongolia, Russia, and the United States, and guarantees safe and reliable medical services and an environment where patients can focus on treatment.

Gwangju KIA Champions Field (광주-기아 챔피언스 필드)

2.7Km 2025-08-06

10 Seorim-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Gwangju KIA Champions Field is the first open-air stadium in the country and houses INC COFFEE, making it a must-visit attraction for baseball fans. The café offers spacious seating and various bakery items– with the baseball-shaped bread being the most popular. There is also a photo zone, allowing visitors to capture the memories of their trip. With a seating capacity of 20,500, tickets for the seats can be purchased online or on-site.

Gaemagowon (개마고원)

2.8Km 2024-10-15

1094 Sangmu-daero, Seo-gu, Gwangju

Gaemagowon is a hanu (Korean beef) restaurant that has been serving the Gwangju area for over 20 years. The menu includes a variety of dishes using hanu.

Mudeungsan Lift Monorail (Jisan Park) (무등산 리프트모노레일 (지산유원지))

3.1Km 2025-08-12

14-10 Jiho-ro 164beon-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju

To use the lift and monorail located at Jisan Park in Gwangju, visitors can purchase a ticket at the ticket office in the convenience store on the first floor and go up to the boarding area on the second floor. Get on the lift with a track length of 745 meters and an operating speed of 12 m/sec and climb for about 20 minutes while enjoying the scenery of Mudeungsan Mountain to arrive at Bitgoeul Station. From here, visitors can transfer to the monorail. Passengers can feel the thrill of riding toward the top on a monorail which can accommodate about 20 people at a time. A spectacular view of Mudeungsan Mountain will unfold in all directions. The view of Gwangju from Palgakjeong Observatory at the end of the monorail is a beautiful sight that visitors to Gwangju must see at least once as it is a famous attraction to enjoy the view of Gwangju.

Owen Memorial Hall (오웬기념각) - Area information - Korea travel information