"Opposition of Koreans Reveals Cultural Inferiority Complex," Chinese Media Criticizes Gangwon-do 'Chinatown' Controversy

600,000 Signatures Oppose 'Hanjung Munhwa Town' in Blue House Petition
Choi Moon-soon, Governor of Gangwon Province, Says "The Purpose Is Cultural Exchange"

Governor Choi Moon-soon of Gangwon Province. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Amid strong public opposition to the 'Korea-China Cultural Town' development project underway in Chuncheon City and Hongcheon County, Gangwon Province, Chinese media criticized it as "revealing cultural inferiority complex."

On the 19th (local time), China's state-run media Global Times reported, "Despite Gangwon Province's explanation that the Korea-China Cultural Town is not themed around China, the controversy continues."

The media stated that the controversy began when a petition titled "Please withdraw the construction of Chinatown in Gangwon Province" was posted on the Blue House's public petition board on the 29th of last month. It added that over 600,000 people agreed to the petition, which requires an official response from the Blue House.

Regarding this, Professor Jeong Jiyong (鄭繼永) of Fudan University interpreted the controversy as reflecting Koreans' emotions related to Chinese cultural issues.

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board capture.

He said, "Facilities like Chinatown aim to promote cultural exchange and enhance Koreans' understanding of Chinese culture," adding, "I hope Koreans will make more rational and inclusive judgments."

He continued, "Such cultural projects are necessary when misunderstandings exist between the two countries," and argued, "We should embrace them rather than oppose them; otherwise, the gap will widen." He also cited Koreatowns in Beijing, Shanghai, and the Northeast region as examples.

Another expert claimed that Koreans' opposition to the Korea-China Cultural Town reflects cultural inferiority complex.

Film critic Si Wonxue said, "If building a 'Chinatown' means occupying Korean territory, then it shows a lack of confidence in one's own culture."

Earlier, Gangwon Province announced plans to develop a Korea-China Cultural Town in Chuncheon and Hongcheon by 2022, which would be ten times the size of Incheon Chinatown.

The Korea-China Cultural Town, covering 1.2 million square meters (360,000 pyeong), is planned to include a traditional Chinese street, media art, a Hallyu video theme park, a Shaolin Temple experience space, traditional Chinese gardens, and a food zone selling China's eight major cuisines and famous liquors to boost tourism.

However, as opposition grew with a petition calling for the project's withdrawal gaining over 600,000 supporters, Gangwon Governor Choi Moonsoon issued a clarification.

Governor Choi appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyunjung's News Show' on the 16th and rebutted, "Once you understand the project well, you will realize this is fake news. It is content made by mixing a little truth with mostly fake news."

He also emphasized, "This is not a Gangwon Province project but 100% a private business," and added, "It is accurate to understand it as a cultural tourism content and attraction project."

He further stated, "If you visit the site, the Korea-China Cultural Town is designed as a Hanok complex," adding, "The purpose is to invite Chinese tourists to showcase our traditional culture and promote cultural exchange."

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