Asia Culture Center: Gwangju's Hub of Contemporary Arts

The National Asia Culture Center (국립아시아문화전당, ACC) is a vast arts and cultural institution in central Gwangju, opened in 2015. The complex is built largely underground to preserve the historic former South Jeolla Provincial Hall above ground — the very building where civilians sheltered during the 1980 uprising. Five divisions cover children's culture, arts, information, creation, and cultural exchange, spread across 160,000 square metres of floor space.

The site was chosen deliberately: the old Provincial Hall witnessed pivotal moments in the May 18th Uprising. Rather than demolish the building, architects buried the new complex underground, leaving the historic structure as a visible reminder. The ACC opened in 2015 as part of Gwangju's ambition to become a leading city of arts and culture in Asia. It anchors the Gwangju Biennale, one of the oldest and most prestigious contemporary art biennales in Asia.

The ACC hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary Asian art, immersive media installations, live performance, and international cultural festivals. The Children's Culture Center is highly interactive and popular with families. The sunken open-air garden at the heart of the complex is a peaceful public space used for outdoor events. The old Provincial Hall is preserved and open for viewing as part of the historical narrative.

Admission to the grounds is free; individual exhibitions or performances may require tickets. Check the ACC website for current programming as exhibits rotate frequently. The complex is a short walk from Gwangju's central business district. Allow at least 2–3 hours to cover the main spaces. The underground layout means the complex is comfortable to visit even in summer heat or rain.