Gimje-si, Promoting Regional Development through Utilization of Local Cultural Assets

Cultural Heritage Preservation, Industrialization, and Tourism Revitalization

Photo by Gimje-si

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Hong Jaehee] Gimje City, Jeonbuk, has embarked on a field survey of cultural assets to explore the connection between tangible and intangible cultural heritage and regional development.

According to the city on the 23rd, since the 14th, Deputy Mayor Heo Jeon and Seo Won-tae, Director of the Culture, Public Relations, and Festival Office, along with other officials in charge of cultural assets, have been conducting field surveys of local cultural properties.

The cultural asset survey included visits to Geumsansa Temple, the largest temple in Honam and a sacred site of Mireuk faith; Heungboksa Temple, founded during the Baekje period and preserving a long history; and potters and Onggi (traditional Korean earthenware) craftsmen designated as Jeollabuk-do intangible cultural assets, where industrialization of traditional culture and paths to regional economic development can be explored.

During this survey, in-depth discussions were held with Geumsansa Temple’s head monk, Ilwon Sunim, regarding the preservation of cultural assets, including about ten national treasures and treasures held by Geumsansa, as well as ways to revitalize tourism.

Additionally, to explore directions for the industrialization of traditional ceramics and Onggi, which have been overshadowed by the convenience of modern material civilization, meetings were held with pottery master Jang Dong-guk and Onggi master An Si-seong, both designated as Jeonbuk intangible cultural assets, to listen to their difficulties and suggestions.

The city also visited Geumsansa’s Wonkwang Sunim, regarded as a master of contemporary calligraphy, to obtain advice related to the construction of a calligraphy exhibition hall.

A Gimje City official stated, “We are considering various approaches to regional development utilizing tangible and intangible cultural resources,” adding, “We will review the creation of a Seonbi Culture Village and develop it as a space where local residents and tourists can visit.”

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