Located in the west of the Metropolitan City of Gwangju, this market is the biggest in the area, as well as in Honam, or the Jeolla Province. Along the Gwangju Stream, there are seven markets in total: Yangdong Market, Bokgae Market, a fishery market, a livestock market, a dried seafood market, Gyeongyeolro market, and an industrial goods market. These seven markets, when combined together, are called Yangdong Market.
In the 1940s, several small markets sprang up around the Gwangju Stream, which was the start of Yangdong Market. As time went by, the streets became the part of the market, and the area was named “Yangdong,” meaning ‘live honestly.’ During the Japanese Colonial period, the Yangdong merchants not only raised funds for the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Movement, but also provided food to the civilian forces, as well as students around that time. They even took part in the protests themselves, truly living up to their name and winning the hearts of the citizens of Gwangju.
Yangdong Market can be accessed from all exits at the Gwangju subway station. At the entrance to each street, visitors can find a list of items being sold in each area. So, people can go directly to the street they need and shop efficiently.
Everywhere you look, there are murals and artfully-decorated benches, as well as event galleries all around this bustling market. Naturally, you will often see visitors taking photos in these photo zones. Starting from the staircase that leads to the second floor of the market, the whole area is decorated with pictures and wall paintings. As you take photos on your way up to the rooftop, you will find a hidden spot, where you can take in the panoramic view of the Gwangju Stream and the entire market.