Gwangju, May 18 Revolt
Gwangju was the site of a large uprising against the government which started on May 18, 1980. A group of pro-communist student activists took to the streets, angered by the closing of the University by military personnel. The uprising soon expanded beyond students and citizen militias were formed which ended up expelling the military units by March 20. On March 27 the military regrouped and retook the city by force, killing 207 according to the official count. However, there are many who claim this figure to be much higher, possibly in the thousands.
Gwangju has since carried with it the reputation as the revolutionary city, and everywhere are reminders of these past events. Near Scott’s apartment is the May 18 Memorial Park and Museum. Poignant statues dot the park and surround a museum about the event. The park is nice, but I can’t seem to forget the injustice that overshadows the Memorial. The two generals directly responsible for orders to fire on crowds later both became president. I wonder how much attention is given this fact in the history books as those in power usually write them. A path winds up a gentle hill to a three-storied viewing pagoda. From the top you can see all of Gwangju and the mountains that surround, the largest of them being Mudeung-san which was our target today.
Hiking is a popular hobby among Koreans, so you know when your on a mountain-bound bus by the boots and hiking sticks. Even a short day hike brings out the full attire including knee-high leg warmers, gortex pants, jacket, gloves, and hat. These clothes didn’t seem so strange today since it’s cold and snowed earlier in the week, but according to Scott, even summer hikes bring out the full wardrobe.
We hiked around in the snow for a couple of hours before heading back downtown for lunch, a quick 30 minute ride. We rested up, had some dinner, and headed out at night in search of a foreigner party being given by some new teachers. The night ended in a Noribong, a Korean karaoke bar, and the last thing I remember is haggling with a waitress at 5 am over paying 4,000won for my bowl of “well-being” soup. Judging from the way I felt when I woke up I was right to give her a hard time, because there wasn’t an ounce of well being in my body. The whole night reminded me of my first six months in Japan, only I didn’t have to work to next day. Great night.
Tags: Capitals tour of Asia, Korea
Administrator
I think that pro-communists are the persons who are in favour of communism.nrBut, the students, who suffered from the Korean government from the late 1970s to the 1980s, were anti-communists as well as democrats.