To commemorate the May 18th movement, a special exhibition is also being held at the very place where pro-democracy protestors had gathered,... almost four decades ago.
Our Yoon Jung-min was there.
Video displays show faces of ordinary people, from here in Korea, and around Asia, to represent peace for 'everyone'.
Some four decades ago, ordinary citizens in South Korea's southern city of Gwangju fought for peace and democracy.
These pieces of art are no ordinary displays, but they represent the historical records of the May 18 Pro-Democracy Movement.
This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Pro-Democracy Movement, and the Asia Culture Center opened the special exhibition at the Former Jeollanam-do Government Office building in Gwangju, the symbolic place where citizens in 1980 fought against the repressive regime.
"I work at a foundation commemorating the historic Jeju April 3rd incident. The May 18 Movement is also an important time in history, and it's meaningful to have this exhibition for visitors to remember, commemorate, and learn from history."
"I was a sixth grader when the Democracy Movement happened. I was so scared then that I fled to my grandmother's place in Hwasun. Decades have passed since then, and now I have visited this place again. It makes me recall heartbreaking memories, but it's good that visitors can learn about the history."
In 1980, Chun Doo-hwan grabbed power in a coup. Citizens in Gwangju led massive protests, calling for Chun to step down and abolish the martial law. Chun brutally cracked down on the movement, causing hundreds of deaths.
The May 18 Pro-Democracy Movement in Gwangju served as a catalyst for Korea's democracy, and is remembered to this day.
"The special exhibition runs until August 18th, and the symbolic meaning behind the works on display leaves visitors with a deeper impression of what happened here 39 years ago.
Yoon Jung-min, Arirang News, Gwangju."
