518 Campus Marathon Held at Chonnam National University, the Birthplace of Democracy

On the 5th, the '518 Campus Marathon' took place at Chonnam National University, the birthplace of democracy. Provided by Chonnam National University

The '518 Campus Marathon' was held at Chonnam National University, known as the birthplace of K-democracy. The event, which brought together more than 1,500 citizens, students, and alumni, successfully concluded after expanding the way democracy is remembered—from mere commemoration to direct experience.

According to Chonnam National University on April 5, the '518 Campus Marathon' was held for the first time since the university’s founding. The area around the event venue was bustling with participants and citizens, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Before the race began, the university’s choral group from the Department of Music Education performed “March for the Beloved,” marking a symbolic moment that recalled the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Along the Democracy Road, students and citizens voluntarily cheered for the participants and waved encouragement, giving the event a festive ambiance. In some sections, runners slowed down and paused to reflect at significant commemorative sites along the route.

The 'Chonnam National University 518 Campus Marathon' was designed to help participants experience the meaning of the May 18 Democratic Uprising by running through the very places where it began. Runners started at the university’s main gate, designated as Historic Site No. 1 of the May 18 movement, and followed a course that connected Democracy Road on campus with Gwangju Station, which is Historic Site No. 2, allowing them to experience these historic locations firsthand.

The course was divided into two routes: 5.18 kilometers and 10 kilometers. The 5.18-kilometer course looped around the campus along Democracy Road, while the 10-kilometer course extended to Gwangju Station, symbolically connecting Historic Sites No. 1 and No. 2.

Chonnam National University is where the first clashes between students and martial law troops occurred in May 1980 during the expansion of martial law, marking the starting point of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Since then, this site has remained a historic place etched with the pain and sacrifice of the era and is now officially designated as Historic Site No. 1.

To carry forward this history into the present, the university established 'Democracy Road' on campus in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Democracy Road is a symbolic 5.18-kilometer path divided into three zones representing justice, human rights, and peace. It connects major commemorative sites such as Park Kwan-hyun Hill, Yoon Sang-won Forest, and Kim Nam-ju Garden, allowing visitors to experience the spirit of May 18.

Lee Geunbae, President of Chonnam National University, stated, "The experiences and lessons of the May 18 Democratic Uprising are the foundation of K-democracy," adding, "This marathon, where citizens and students run together, is a practical way to embody and spread those values."

Prime Minister Kim Minseok said, "Chonnam National University, as Historic Site No. 1 of the May 18 movement, is truly the place where democracy began. Gwangju and Jeonnam have been at the forefront of Korea's marathon toward democracy since May 18. Now, a new marathon toward a new Honam and a new Republic of Korea is beginning. If Jeonnam and Gwangju are united, Honam will be completely transformed and revived, and New Honam will become the leader of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.