ABSTRACT
The democratization of South Korea came about in the 1980s resulting from a nationwide democratization movement propelled by diverse groups and political leaders. This movement made possible the current Korean democracy and its effective but democratic way of responding to COVID-19. During May 1980, the focus of the Movement was in the southern city of Gwangju where many pro-democracy protesters died in armed clashes with the military, turning the tide in the struggle. Over decades since, many places commemorating those events, along with organizations, programs, and events, have created a city with a sense of identity around both human rights and culture. The cultural side of the movement also propelled the current Korean cultural wave. This chapter reviews the May 18 Democratization Movement and how it gave inspiration to youth activists in the 1980s while creating public places to share the spirit of the May 18 Movement.
