Gwangju food and culture: beyond Seoul (underrated city guide)

Gwangju is Korea's art and food capital, criminally underrated by tourists: Why visit: - Fewer tourists = more authentic experience - Best food scene outside of Seoul - Important democratic history (May 18th) - Growing art and gallery scene Must-do: - 5.18 Memorial Park — moving tribute to Korea's democracy movement - Yangnim-dong — historic missionary houses + modern cafes - National Asian Culture Complex — massive free cultural center - Mudeungsan hike — Gwangju's mountain with incredible views Must-eat: - 상추튀김 (Fried lettuce) — unique to Gwangju - 한정식 (Hanjeongsik) — full Korean course meal, cheaper than Seoul - 떡갈비 (Tteokgalbi) — minced beef rib patties Getting there: KTX from Seoul 1.5 hours, ₩40,000