The seasons of Gwangju, capturing the moments

• Mudeungsan Wonhyo Temple

Wonhyo Temple, located in the Wonhyo Valley on the northern side of Mudeungsan Mountain, belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (21st district, affiliated with Songgwangsa Temple). It is situated in Geumgok-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju.

Surrounded by beautiful natural landmarks such as Uisangbong, Yunpilbong, Tugubong, Cheonwangbong, and Wonhyobong, the temple boasts stunning scenic views.

It is believed that the temple was established during the reign of King Jijeung or King Beopheung of the Silla Dynasty (early to mid-6th century) and that the famous monk Wonhyo practiced asceticism here.

The temple was rebuilt several times during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. After being destroyed during the Korean War, restoration efforts began in the 1950s.

In the 1980s, while renovating the temple site, relics such as Buddhist statues and roof tiles from the Silla and Goryeo periods were discovered, leading to its designation as Gwangju’s Tangible Cultural Property No. 8.

Historical remains such as a Goryeo-era stone pagoda and the tomb of a mid-Joseon monk also remain on site.

Key structures include the Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall), Yaksa-jeon (Medicine Buddha Hall), Jijang-jeon (Bodhisattva Hall), Seongsan-gak, Gaesan-jo-dang, meditation halls, and monks’ quarters. The Daeungjeon is especially known for its traditional architecture and elegant hip-and-gable roof.

Below the temple lies Gwaneum-am Hermitage, originally a small retreat affiliated with Wonhyo Temple, featuring a Maitreya Buddha carved into natural rock, a three-tiered stone pagoda, and Geungnak-bojeon (Hall of Ultimate Bliss).

Along the path to the temple, visitors can also see Eosa Rock, linked to the legend of the government inspector Min Dal-yong.

In particular, Wonhyo Temple is renowned as a prime spot for autumn foliage, attracting many visitors each fall to enjoy the colorful leaves.

Mudeungsan Wonhyo Temple offers a tranquil and beautiful temple experience close to the city, blending nature, history, and Buddhist culture.

• Gwangju National Museum

Opened in December 1978, the Gwangju National Museum was the first national museum established in the Honam region. It houses approximately 160,000 cultural artifacts, including the Shinan Undersea Cultural Heritage.

The museum takes pride in being the first regional national museum built by Korean hands after liberation.

It exhibits a wide range of national treasures and valuable artifacts through permanent and special exhibitions, broadly showcasing the region’s history and culture.

The museum also runs tailored educational programs and cultural events, creating an accessible space for all to experience culture and history.

The museum’s garden provides a serene and beautiful walking area where visitors can enjoy outdoor exhibits such as traditional tiled-roof houses, the Jangun-dong Five-Story Stone Pagoda, the Gangjin Celadon Kiln, and dolmens.

• Chonnam National University

Located in Gwangju, Chonnam National University is a prominent national university known for its beautiful natural surroundings and rich history.

One of its most famous attractions is the Metasequoia Road, loved throughout all four seasons and regarded as a signature landmark of the campus.

Chonnam National University is not only renowned for its beauty but also for its historical significance. Three buildings on campus have been recognized as modern cultural heritage and registered as national cultural properties.

The university is also well-known as a popular filming location for various Korean dramas:

Reborn Rich — Filming took place at the College of Education and College of Law, serving as a backdrop for key scenes.

Once Upon a Small Town (Netflix Original) — Scenes were shot at the College of Humanities and College of Pharmacy, enhancing the drama’s atmosphere.

• Gwangju Theater

Located in Dong-gu, Gwangju, on Chungjang-ro, Gwangju Theater is the only remaining single-screen cinema operating in South Korea.

Since opening in 1935, it has been cherished as a cultural space for nearly a century. Today, it retains its analog charm and operates as a unique venue.

Its historical value and distinct atmosphere earned it the role of “Cannes Theater” in the Netflix drama Once Upon a Small Town, where it served as a key setting that deepened the emotional impact of the story.

With vintage movie posters, an old-style auditorium, and an analog ticket booth, Gwangju Theater is more than a movie house — it’s a living piece of Korean film history and local culture.

Visit Gwangju Theater and immerse yourself in a cinematic experience that feels more like a story than a movie.

• Yangnim-dong Art Village

Located in Nam-gu, Gwangju, Yangnim-dong Art Village means “Sunlit Forest,” a neighborhood where history and culture coexist.

It is a unique area that showcases the aesthetics of alleys alive with art and history.

Yangnim-dong was settled by American and European missionaries during the late Joseon Dynasty and the Japanese colonial period, laying foundations for education, medical care, culture, and faith.

Here, missionary residences, modern architecture, and traditional hanok houses stand side by side, preserving traces of Korea’s difficult past.

One of the murals in the alleyways features a portrait of J-Hope, a member of BTS who hails from Gwangju. This mural has become a popular spot attracting fans worldwide and symbolizes the meeting of art and pop culture.

Yangnim-dong Art Village is a place where past and present, art and life meet. Walking through it, you can encounter history, feel the pulse of art, and discover the footprints of K-pop stars. Experience this special neighborhood yourself.