The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City held an opening ceremony Wednesday marking the completion of a project to restore the home of the late Hong Nam-sun, a lawyer who devoted his life to democracy and human rights.
The restored house features four rooms and a wooden veranda preserved in their original form, along with a range of exhibition materials documenting Hong's life and achievements.
The city plans to operate the house as an exhibition and education space to commemorate and carry forward the history and spirit of the May 18 pro-democracy uprising.
Visitors can tour the house Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hong was a prominent human rights lawyer who defended political prisoners during the military dictatorship era.
During the May 18 uprising, he joined the civilian militia's "march of death" and was sentenced to life in prison, serving one year and seven months before his release. He later served as chairman of the May 18 Detainees Association, leading efforts to uncover the truth about the uprising and restore the honor of its participants.
His home was known as a "democratic salon" — a gathering place where pro-democracy figures met to discuss the political situation during the May 18 period.
The house was designated a May 18 historic site in 2017 in recognition of its historical significance. The city purchased the property and began restoration work in 2025.
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