Gwangju to Launch 'Boy Bus' for 5·18 Democracy Movement Anniversary
In anticipation of the 45th anniversary of the 5·18 Democracy Movement, Gwangju Metropolitan City will operate a special bus service called the 'Boy Bus' that will tour significant sites related to the movement, as depicted in the acclaimed novel 'Boy Comes' by Nobel laureate Han Kang. The service will run from May 16 to May 30, allowing passengers to select their stops via the 'Gwangju Tour Bus' app, utilizing a demand-responsive transport (DRT) model.
The bus route will start from the main gate of Chonnam National University, where the protests began in May 1980, and will include stops at Hyo-dong Elementary School, Gwangju Station, Gwangju High School, Jeonnam Girls' High School, the National Asia Culture Center, the former Gwangju Red Cross Hospital, Yangrim Intersection, and Yangrim Art Museum.
Operating hours will be daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, with fares set at 1,700 KRW for adults, 1,350 KRW for teenagers, and 850 KRW for children. Transfers to city buses and subways will be available. A one-day pass priced at 3,000 KRW will also be offered, although it does not allow for transfers.
To commemorate this significant anniversary, Gwangju City has planned a series of 145 events, including free rice ball distributions, a bread-sharing sale involving 49 bakeries, and the World Human Rights City Forum. On May 17 and 18, all city buses and urban rail services will be free of charge, supported by a recently amended ordinance that provides a legal basis for this initiative.
A memorial service for the 5·18 Democracy Movement will take place on May 17 at 10:30 AM at the National 5·18 Democracy Cemetery, attended by Gwangju Mayor Kang Ki-jeong, 5·18 activists, their families, and citizens. Following this, a community event called 'Citizen's Gathering' will be held in the Geumnam-ro area, showcasing the spirit of citizen autonomy from 1980.
The official 5·18 Democracy Movement commemoration ceremony will occur on May 18 at 10 AM, organized by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs at the National 5·18 Democracy Cemetery.
Mayor Kang Ki-jeong expressed his hope that visitors will experience the spirit of democracy, human rights, and peace that Gwangju embodies through walking, riding, and enjoying local food during this commemorative period.
