Gwangju’s Old Downtown Preserved in a 1,093 m Alley: Chungjang-ro
Chungjang-ro is an approximately 1,093-meter urban street centered on 37 Seoseok-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Named in 1946 after the posthumous title of Kim Deok-ryeong, it brings together the old post office known as “Udabam,” memories of the May 18 Democratic Movement, hanbok and fashion districts, and K-POP Star Street along one route.
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1,093 m Named “Chungjang” in 1946
Chungjang-ro is a major urban arterial road in downtown Gwangju, extending from Chungjangno 1-ga to Chungjangno 5-ga, with a total length of 1,093 m. The reference address is 37 Seoseok-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Chungjangno 1-ga), and inquiries can be directed to the Dong-gu Office at 062-608-2221.
The road’s name comes from “Chungjang,” the posthumous title of Kim Deok-ryeong, who served as a militia commander during the Japanese invasions of Korea. Gwangju Tourism states that it has been called Chungjang-ro since 1946, while the September 15, 1947 issue of the Gwangju-bu Monthly Bulletin also records that the former name Bonjeong was changed to the posthumous title of Kim Deok-ryeong.
- Street range: Chungjangno 1-ga–Chungjangno 5-ga, 1,093 m
- Reference address: 37 Seoseok-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City
- Inquiries: Dong-gu Office, 062-608-2221
The Central Axis of Gwangju’s Commercial District, Beginning with a General Store in 1911
The general store “Yeomok,” opened by a Japanese merchant in 1911, is mentioned as the starting point of the Chungjang-ro commercial district. Shops subsequently increased around Chungjangno 1-ga, while the presence of a Japanese colonial government institution on the site of the former Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office contributed to the concentration of businesses.
Today, the route has distinct sections. Chungjangno 1-ga through 3-ga feature fashion malls, clothing stores, accessory shops, and general stores, while Chungjangno 4-ga and 5-ga continue as a textile district specializing in traditional wedding hanbok, merchants’ hanbok, and modernized hanbok. For shopping, it is most efficient to start at 1-ga through 3-ga; for comparing hanbok shops, start at 4-ga through 5-ga.
- Year mentioned as the starting point of the commercial district’s formation: 1911
- Fashion and general goods: Chungjangno 1-ga–3-ga
- Hanbok and textiles: Chungjangno 4-ga–5-ga
The Post Office “Udabang” of 1963 and the Crossroads of May 1980
“Udabang” on Chungjang-ro is a nickname for the post office, called that because it resembled a teahouse. The former post office building, completed in 1963, was a large building unusually equipped with heating and air-conditioning at the time, and during the 1970s and 1980s it served as a meeting place for students and couples.
During the May 18 Democratization Movement in 1980, this location is also mentioned as a preliminary gathering point, information exchange center, and shelter for protesting crowds. Rather than viewing Chungjang-ro solely as a shopping street, walk along with May 18 Democracy Square and the road in front of the Asian Culture Center to understand the historical layers of Gwangju’s old downtown.
- Former post office completed: 1963
- Period when “Udabang” was active: the 1970s–1980s
- May 18 Democratization Movement period: May 18–27, 1980
A Four-Minute Approach Starting at Exit 1 of Geumnamno 4-ga Station
Exit 1 of Geumnamno 4-ga Station on Gwangju Subway Line 1 is practical for reaching the center of Chungjang-ro. According to tourist information, it takes about 4 minutes on foot from the exit to Chungjang-ro, while Exit 3 of Asia Culture Center Station takes about 9 minutes.
For the Chungjangno 5-ga entrance, consider the Munheung 80 branch bus, which passes the Chungjang Security Center bus stop. Since the street is 1,093 m long, allow 60–120 minutes for a one-way walk from Geumnamno 4-ga Station toward Asia Culture Center Station, including visits to alleys and shops.
- Exit 1 of Geumnamno 4-ga Station: about 4 minutes on foot
- Exit 3 of Asia Culture Center Station: about 9 minutes on foot
- Bus reference: Chungjang Security Center stop, Munheung 80
- Recommended duration: 60–120 minutes
A Street with No Admission Fee or Closing Day; Business Hours Vary by Shop
Chungjang-ro itself is a public road, so there is no admission fee, and there are no opening or closing hours or regular closing days that apply to the entire street. Therefore, unlike a museum, it is not a place that requires visiting at a specific time; check the individual business hours of the shops, restaurants, and exhibition spaces you plan to visit separately.
If visiting by car, it is better to aim for public or private parking lots on the outskirts rather than parking inside the street. Chungjang-ro Shopping District Public Parking Lot is located at 174 Guseong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju, and publicly available parking information lists the rate as 1,400 won per hour. However, rates, discounts, and availability may change, so reconfirm before departure.
- Chungjang-ro admission fee: Free
- Closing days for the entire street: None
- Chungjang-ro Shopping District Public Parking Lot address: 174 Guseong-ro, Dong-gu
- Parking fee according to public information: 1,400 won per hour
Hwanggeum-dong K-POP Star Street, Lit Up Since 2018
K-POP Star Street is located at 43 Hwanggeum-dong inside Chungjang-ro. The space was created beginning in 2018 by renovating the back alley behind the former student center, where idol singers practiced dancing and singing during their unknown years.
Features include entrance lighting, pole signs, electronic displays, and wall media façades inside the alley, which broadcast K-POP videos and fan videos. Inquiries can be directed to the Gwangju Metropolitan City Tourism and Urban Development Division at 062-613-3643. It is suitable for adding an evening alley scene after daytime shopping along Chungjang-ro.
- Address: 43 Hwanggeum-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City
- Development began: 2018
- Inquiries: 062-613-3643
- Facilities: Electronic displays and wall media façades
Experience the Street Through the 23rd Chungjang Festival, October 7–11, 2026
The biggest annual transformation of Chungjang-ro comes with the Gwangju Chungjang Festival of Memories. Held every October since 2004, the 23rd festival in 2026 is scheduled for five days from October 7 to October 11. The festival’s main stage extends beyond Chungjang-ro to Geumnam-ro and May 18 Democracy Square.
During the festival, the usual 1,093 m walking route may become an event zone because of the world parade and retro-themed programs. If you want to browse the shopping district quietly, avoid the festival period; if parades and street performances are your goal, check the event dates and traffic-control notices as well.
- Festival launched: 2004
- 2026 event: October 7–11
- 2026 edition: 23rd
- Main areas: Chungjang-ro, Geumnam-ro, and May 18 Democracy Square
For Wheelchair and Stroller Access, Check the Shops You Plan to Visit Rather Than Just the Street
Open Tourism information from the Korea Tourism Organization lists accessible toilets, elevators for people with disabilities, designated parking spaces, step-free main entrances, subway and low-floor bus access, and wheelchair rentals in the Chungjang-ro area. However, this does not mean that every individual shop throughout the street has the same conditions.
Wheelchair and stroller users should first take the level main roads from Geumnamno 4-ga Station or Asia Culture Center Station and confirm in advance the entrance width, elevator, and restroom locations at their destination shops. Gwangju Tourism provides a separate English-language page, but foreign-language assistance and menu labeling at individual businesses vary by establishment.
- Open Tourism listings: Accessible toilets, elevators, and designated parking spaces
- Public transportation access listed: Subway and low-floor buses
- English information: Available on the Gwangju Tourism English-language page
Before You Go
- Address
- 37 Seoseok-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Chungjangno 1-ga)
- Admission
- Free
- Phone
- 062-608-2221
- Official site
- https://tour.gwangju.go.kr/home/tour/info/village/002.cs?act=view&infoId=358
- Transport
- About 4 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Geumnamno 4-ga Station on Gwangju Subway Line 1, and about 9 minutes from Exit 3 of Asia Culture Center Station. Munheung 80 passes the Chungjang Security Center stop.
- Parking
- The publicly listed rate for Chungjang-ro Shopping District Public Parking Lot (174 Guseong-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City) is 1,400 won per hour. Rates, discounts, and availability may change.
- Time needed
- 60–120 minutes recommended, including a one-way walk along the street and visits to alleys and shops.
- Accessibility
- Open Tourism information from the Korea Tourism Organization lists accessible toilets, elevators, designated parking spaces, step-free main entrances, subway and low-floor bus access, and wheelchair rentals. Accessibility facilities at individual shops must be checked separately.
The information above is accurate as of the time of writing. Check official information again before visiting.
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