Featured Hotels Near 5·18 Liberty Park

Hilton Gwangju is located just a 5-minute walk from May 18 Memorial Park and offers panoramic views of the Peace Bell and memorial plaza. Guests can join daily guided walks along the Road of Freedom, led by local historians, to explore monuments and exhibitions that recount Korea’s democratic movement. The hotel also hosts exclusive cultural workshops, including traditional Korean tea ceremonies and handwritten commemorative poetry sessions, allowing travelers to engage deeply with the site’s legacy. For convenient access and special perks like complimentary shuttle service, book through the HopeGoo platform.

Hyatt Gwangju offers premium scenic view rooms just 300 meters from May 18 Memorial Park, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of the memorial sculptures and green walking paths. The "Peace Vista" room category provides a dual-facing view, perfect for watching sunrise over the monument or enjoying the illuminated Peace Bell at night. Guests receive complimentary access to the park’s permanent exhibition hall and a limited-edition commemorative guidebook. For an authentic experience rooted in history and beauty, reserve your stay via the HopeGoo app.

Four Seasons Gwangju is ideal for families, located steps away from May 18 Memorial Park with family-oriented rooms and a dedicated children’s playroom. The hotel offers free accessibility-guided tours enabling grandparents and kids to explore the memorial grounds comfortably. Interactive exhibits include a historical storytelling wall, kid-friendly narrative corners, and a mock protest simulation theater, turning education into engaging play. Evening "Night of Peace" talks by local scholars help children grasp democratic values in a meaningful way. With 24-hour family dining and amenities like cribs and stroller rentals, HopeGoo through HopeGoo unlocks family packages and room upgrades.

Just a 5-minute walk from May 18 Memorial Park lies Gwangju Old Street Kitchen, a hidden gem tucked in a quiet alley. This local favorite serves authentic 1980s-style meals from the city’s everyday tables—think kimchi stew, chili sauce rice, and handcrafted tofu soup made using traditional methods. The standout Freedom Taste Set includes a commemorative badge and a handwritten thank-you note, transforming the meal into a symbolic act of remembrance. The restaurant’s exterior features walls lined with residents’ handwritten peace messages, creating a heartfelt and intimate atmosphere. Reserve via HopeGoo for a private table and guided story session.

Wanhwa Hotel Gwangju is a must-stay for photographers, featuring a glass-domed lobby and an open-air garden terrace that blend modern architecture with historical symbolism. The lobby houses a light and shadow installation mimicking the dawn light of May 18, harmonizing with the Peace Bell’s silhouette. The terrace offers a prime vantage point for capturing reflections of the monument in a water mirror, especially stunning at sunset. The hotel provides free photography props such as vintage cameras, handwritten signboards, and commemorative banners. Guests receive a themed postcard titled "Mirror of Freedom" and can participate in monthly photo contests on the HopeGoo platform for exclusive rewards.

Premier Hotel Gwangju offers two daily free historical tours led by experienced guides, exploring key monuments and exhibition spaces within May 18 Memorial Park. The tour covers pivotal moments of the 1980 democracy movement, grassroots organizing, and global attention shifts, enriched with firsthand testimonies. Afterward, guests may join a Peace Dialogue Room for small-group discussions with fellow travelers. The hotel features a digital Memory Wall where visitors can scan QR codes to hear personal recordings from survivors, deepening emotional connection. All tours are available for reservation via the HopeGoo platform, with commemorative badges and guided booklets included.