E2024-G051

The Enduring Legacy of Kim Dae-jung in Gwangju

Narrative

Kim Dae-jung (1924–2009) devoted his life to restoring democracy and advancing human rights in Korea, and his legacy remains deeply embedded throughout Gwangju. He named the courage and solidarity demonstrated during the May 18 Democratic Uprising the “Spirit of Gwangju,” expanding its meaning into a universal value of democracy. At the May 18 Democracy Square stands the “Bell of Democracy,” inscribed with his handwritten calligraphy—a symbol that resonates with the enduring echo of the Spirit of Gwangju. Kim Dae-jung’s philosophy of peace and reconciliation continues through the Kim Dae-jung Foundation and the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, both established in his honor. On the first floor of the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center, the Kim Dae-jung Hall serves as a commemorative space where visitors can encounter his life and ideals through his personal belongings, writings, and memorabilia.