5.18 Gwangju Uprising: A Spark for Change

Having lived in Korea for three years, with various short and long term visits added in, I've come to learn a lot about the country.  Quite appropriately, my first round of learning was through food, language and entertainment, after which  I began learning more about the intricacies of the people and culture.  What I've been lacking though, is a deeper understanding of the history and politics in Korea.  I blame High School, scarred by too much note taking, but the currently political situation in Korea has sparked some interest.  South Korea has had quite a year in politics, a political scandal, months of peaceful protests and finally the impeachment and arrest of president Park Geun Hae.  Now, with the election of Mood Jae In, the country is buzzing with excitement and curiosity for the future, and I too am interested to see what's in store.  Having been in Mokpo for the last two weeks I decided last Friday to take a trip to Gwangju for a history lesson.   

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