The park was relocated to its current site in 1999 as part of a city-wide effort to preserve the history of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
The Sangmu-dae military prison held students, teachers, and activists who were arrested for their participation in the 1980 movement.
The military tribunal building within the complex is where many of the key trials related to the uprising were held.
The site includes a 'Living Memorial' section designed to contrast the former military prison's oppressive environment with the concept of modern freedom.
It is officially recognized as a core site of the 5·18 Democratic Uprising's historical infrastructure.
5·18 Liberty Park serves as a memorial site constructed on the former location of the Republic of Korea Army's Sangmu-dae military prison, where many activists were detained during the 1980 Gwangju Uprising. The site features reconstructed prison cells, interrogation rooms, and a military tribunal hall that reflect the harsh conditions faced by pro-democracy protesters. Visitors walk through historically significant structures, including the original gate and confinement buildings, preserved to honor the struggle for human rights in South Korea. The park occupies a significant space within the broader Gwangju democratization movement's geography. It stands as an educational site intended to promote remembrance, peace, and democratic values. The landscape design incorporates symbolic elements that contrast the somber history of the site with the current pursuit of liberty.
The restored exterior of the military prison gate and the entrance to the tribunal hall.
Walk through the simulation of the prison cells to gain a better understanding of the confinement conditions described in historical archives.
Allocate time to read the placards in both English and Korean, as they provide the essential context for the specific trials that took place in the military tribunal hall.
Visit on a weekday if you prefer a quieter, more introspective experience.
Avoid treating the site as a standard leisure park; it is a space for historical reflection, so avoid loud conversations or boisterous behavior.
Closed on Mondays and the day of the Lunar New Year and Chuseok.
Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor throughout the facility, particularly inside the reconstructed detention cells.
