Chuseok Holiday: Encountering "Stone, Sound, and Memories" at the Gwangju Biennale

Docent and AI Guide Programs for Family Visitors
Downtown Tours and Shuttle Bus Services Also Available

During the long Chuseok holiday, visiting the Gwangju Biennale with your family could be a great option. Artworks that embrace a wide array of stories—from Jeju volcanic rocks and items donated by citizens to the memories of women who experienced the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement—await visitors.

The 16th Gwangju Biennale is being held for 72 days until November 15, taking place at the Biennale Exhibition Hall and various locations throughout downtown Gwangju. The theme is "You Must Change Your Life." Artists from Korea and abroad have expressed changes in everyday life, society, and nature through their works.

On the afternoon of the 4th, citizens are watching the opening performance at the '16th Gwangju Biennale Opening Ceremony' held at the Buk-gu Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall. Photo by Yonhap News

From Stone and Sound to Citizens’ Memories

In the exhibition halls, visitors can encounter familiar materials such as stones, sounds, paintings, and objects donated by citizens.

Volcanic bombs, lava stalactites, and lava stalagmites preserved by Jeju Stone Park display traces of transformations created by nature over a long period.

"Bulrim" by artists Byungjun Kwon and Chankyung Park consists of instruments and sound devices made from metal donated by citizens and organizations. The names of donors can also be found on the artwork labels.

Paintings and publications jointly created by the May Mothers’ House and artist Juhong encapsulate the memories and lives of women who experienced the May 18 Gwangju Democratization Movement. In a space dedicated to Uijae Heo Baekryeon’s works and Mudeungsan Chunsulcha, visitors can even taste Chunsulcha (first-snow green tea) firsthand.

"Misaligned BPM (R Rose Variation)" by Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork is composed of transparent air bags, blowers, and electronic music. Visitors can personally experience the process of the artwork moving and producing sound. Exhibition Hall 5, which houses this work, can be accessed directly from the plaza without a ticket.

Every evening from 7 PM to 9 PM, the media art work "Apple" by James T. Hong is screened on the exterior wall of the exhibition hall.

On the afternoon of the 4th, attendees are viewing the exhibited works at the 16th Gwangju Biennale Press Day held at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. The 16th Gwangju Biennale will be held for 72 days until November 15. Yonhap News

Guided by Docents, Explained by AI

A guided commentary program is available for visitors unfamiliar with contemporary art.

Regular exhibition tours are held every hour between 10 AM and 5 PM. There are seven sessions per day, each approximately 60 minutes, and visitors can participate on a first-come, first-served basis by registering at the entrance before each tour—no reservation needed.

If the scheduled explanation times do not fit, visitors can use the AI docent "Docent Q" via the QR code at the entrance of the exhibition halls. This service supports multiple languages.

Up to 5 Re-entries per Day

Tickets can be purchased on mobile devices and entry is via QR code. On the day of the visit, re-entry is allowed up to five times. If visitors purchase an additional ticket, they receive a 50% discount.

Tickets are available through Nol Ticket, 29CM, Naver Reservation, and other channels, with a 30% discount for residents of Jeollanam-do Gwangju Metropolitan City.

Holders of tickets for both the Gwangju Biennale and the Yeosu World Island Expo can receive a 30% discount on the other event’s admission.

On the afternoon of the 4th, attendees are listening to an explanation of the artwork at the press day of the 16th Gwangju Biennale held at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News

The Biennale Extends Beyond the Exhibition Hall

The exhibitions also continue outside the main Biennale Exhibition Hall.

The "Gwangju Biennale & Gwangju Art Pass" is a limited package product that combines Biennale admission with local cafes, museums, and accommodations, available in three types—gourmet, arts, and accommodation—with only 1,000 passes being sold.

A free downtown tour of places such as the May 18 Archives, Jeonil Building 245, and Eunam Art Museum is also offered until November 15. This program, themed "Changes in the City’s Memories," features guided walks through Gwangju’s historical and cultural landmarks led by experts.

In Yangnim-dong, an exhibition tour visits around 10 key pavilions including the Lee Jangwoo House, Lee Kangha Art Museum, Woo Ilseon Missionary Residence, and Lee Leenam Studio. The participation fee is 10,000 won, which includes snacks and a 5,000 won coupon for use in the Yangnim-dong commercial district.

During the exhibition period, a shuttle bus operates 30 times per day, connecting the Gwangju Biennale parking lot in Maegok-dong with the exhibition hall. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, a shuttle also connects the exhibition hall with key pavilions.

Related programs have also been arranged, including Namdo Hanbaqui packages, artist meet-and-greets, and field trips for elementary and middle school students. The official Jeollanam-do Gwangju Culture & Tourism social network service "Visit Jeonnam Gwangju" will also hold a photo event for visitors who verify their visit to major tourist sites in September and October.

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