Gyeongnam-style Reading School 'Gayasan Dokseodang Jungle Book' Groundbreaking Ceremony

Perspective view of 'Gayasan Reading School Jungle Book,' a Gyeongnam-style reading school

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kang Sharon] On the 28th, the Gyeongnam Provincial Office of Education announced that it has commenced construction of the Gyeongnam-style reading school, 'Gayasan Dokseodang Jungle Book,' on the site of the former Sungsan Elementary School in Gayamyeon, Hapcheon-gun.

The groundbreaking ceremony was replaced with a local residents' meeting in consideration of the social atmosphere due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Gayasan Dokseodang Jungle Book, remodeled from the Sungsan Elementary School building, will be a two-story structure with a total area of 2,379㎡ on a site of 23,315㎡, and is expected to be completed in September at a cost of 7.93 billion KRW.

The Jungle Book will include a picture book library, publishing and discussion rooms, and reading facilities, as well as an outdoor performance hall and playground.

The Office of Education plans to establish educational and cultural infrastructure in the relatively underdeveloped western region of Gyeongnam, promoting balanced development between the eastern and western areas. It is also expected to become a new model of educational facilities utilizing closed schools.

The name 'Gayasan Dokseodang Jungle Book' originates from 'Dokseodang,' a specialized reading research institution established during the Joseon Dynasty to cultivate important national talents, and 'Gayasan,' a famous mountain representing Hapcheon. The title of the British novelist Kipling's work, 'The Jungle Book,' was added to give the meaning of a playground full of books.

Park Jong-hoon, Superintendent of Gyeongnam Education, said, "We will ensure that Gayasan Dokseodang Jungle Book becomes a cradle that fosters children's right character through reading and healing," and added, "We hope it will become a famous destination visited nationwide along with Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.