Asian Culture Center, Museum and cultural center in Dong District, Gwangju, South Korea.
The Asian Culture Center in Gwangju is a modern complex with multiple buildings housing art galleries, theaters, and exhibition spaces. The facility includes areas dedicated to artistic creation, performance, and visitor interaction.
The center grew from a 2002 campaign pledge by Roh Moo-hyun to make Gwangju a cultural capital, and was established under a 2006 special law. Kyu Sung Woo's "Forest of Light" won the 2005 international design competition; construction began in 2008. Plans to demolish the old South Jeolla provincial office were changed to preserve May 18 sites, delaying completion to 2014. It opened in 2015.
The center's name reflects its commitment to showcasing art forms from across Asia through its exhibitions and events. Visitors can observe how different artistic traditions from the region are displayed together here.
The center has a library with books about Asia and a lounge area where visitors can read and rest. The various spaces are well organized to provide a comfortable visit for guests of all ages.
The complex's main building occupies the site of the former South Jeolla provincial office, a location tied to the May 18 Democratization Movement. Plans to demolish the old annex were changed after groups linked to the movement objected, so part of the original structure was kept and new buildings were placed underground.
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