Yongsan-gu Publishes Booklet on '100 Historical and Cultural Landmarks'

Published 06 Jan.2021 07:50(KST)

Hanyangdoseong, Jeonsaeseo Site and Other Local Landmarks All in One Volume...Including 12 Cultural Heritage Sites Within Yongsan US Military Base

Yongsan-gu Publishes Booklet on '100 Historical and Cultural Landmarks'

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seongjanghyun) has published 300 copies of the guidebook "100 Historical and Cultural Landmarks" as part of the district's project to set the record straight on local history.

The book compiles representative historical sites of the area, including the Seoul Hanyangdoseong Fortress, the former site of Jeonsaengseo, the site of activist Kim Sang-ok's resistance, the former Joseon Bank staff housing, the first church of the Marine Corps Command, the stairs of the Japanese colonial-era Gyeongseong Patriotic Shrine, the old Itaewon road, Chanbaramjae, and the former Namyeong-dong Anti-Communist Investigation Office. Some sites, like Hyochang Park (Historic Site No. 330), are well known, while others had long been forgotten until recently rediscovered by the district.

The list is organized by neighborhood (dong) so residents can easily find the history of their own area. The Wonhyo-ro 2-ga neighborhood, considered the old Yongsan area, holds the largest share. Nineteen sites have been registered as cultural heritage of Wonhyo-ro 2-ga, including Yongsan Theological Seminary, Wonhyo-ro Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the site of the Gunja-gam (River Office), the site of Gwihuseo, and the site of the Korean Empire Yongsan Mint.

The guide also includes 12 cultural heritage sites within the Yongsan US military base area that are not yet open to the public. These include the presumed site of Namdan, the Dunji-mi village site, the site of the Japanese Army Headquarters stationed in Joseon, the site of the Yongsan Governor-General's Residence, the Joseon Army warehouse, the United States Combined Forces Command office (former Japanese Army officers’ quarters), the Yongsan Japanese Army detention prison, the South Post bunker (Joseon Army Headquarters 2nd building), and the former US 8th Army headquarters building, all detailed in the guide.

A district official said, "Among the cultural heritage included in this book, there are histories we are proud of and others we wish to forget. All of these are footprints of our ancestors, and it is our role to properly compile and pass them on to future generations."

The district plans to distribute the published books to local community centers, schools, libraries, and related organizations to further stimulate residents' interest in local history.

The district has also not neglected the installation of guideboards for newly discovered cultural heritage sites. Over two years from 2019 to 2020, guideboards and benches were installed at 24 locations including the site of Gyeongcheon Aeinsa Children's Home, the site of the Geon-guk Silcheonwon Training Center, the site of activist Kim Sang-ok's resistance, the former home of athlete Sohn Ki-jung, the old Itaewon road, Chanbaramjae, the site of the US military officers’ quarters at Yongsan base, and the Joseon Army warehouse, receiving positive feedback from residents and academia.

The guideboards measure 48 cm in width and 170 cm in height. They were reviewed by experts and inspected by the National Institute of the Korean Language.

Seongjanghyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "Following the installation of the historical and cultural landmark guideboards, we have completed the production of the book. This year, we will add engaging storytelling, create 5 to 7 themed tour courses, and encourage citizen participation."

In addition to compiling local cultural heritage, the district has continued its history-correcting projects through various means such as erecting a memorial for activist Yu Gwansun, permanently opening the Uiyeolsa Shrine in Hyochang Park, and establishing the Lee Bong-chang Historical Sound Hall.