The Old Jeonnam Provincial Office, known as the last battleground of the May 18 Democratic Movement, has undergone restoration and opened its doors after two and a half years of construction. This site aims to showcase the narrative of the May 18 Movement, serving as both an educational and memorial space. However, issues regarding uncomfortable navigation and factual inaccuracies in exhibits have been highlighted by visitors and experts alike, indicating the need for improvements as the site officially operationalizes its exhibits.

On September 9, the restoration team held a briefing for the media, providing insights into the interior and exterior of the restored building which is divided into six sections, each filled with displays that convey the history and significance of the May 18 Movement. The main building, which spans three floors, is dedicated to illustrating the events of the ten-day struggle against military rule, with specific references to key moments and artifacts such as bullet marks from the military crackdown on May 27, 1980. Other parts of the building engage visitors with the voices and testimonies of participants, highlighting the collective memories of a significant chapter in South Korea’s journey toward democracy.

The exhibitions are intended to not only honor the victims but also to serve as a space for reflection and contemplation. Additional spaces within the Jeonnam Police Office detail Korea’s democratization journey, while areas have been set for temporary exhibits and resting spots. However, discrepancies in the historical representations have emerged, particularly in one display area that recounts events from May 24, 1980, suggesting a need to validate and correct the content to provide an accurate account of the past. These issues reflect broader concerns regarding the representation of historical narratives within restored sites, pointing to the importance of meticulous research and public feedback in memorialization efforts.