Gwangju Dong-gu Restores First Streetlight on Chungjang-ro, 'Yeongran-deung'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Cho Hyung-joo] Dong-gu, Gwangju (Mayor Im Taek) has completed the installation of seven 'Yeongran Lanterns' on the street in front of Gwangju Theater and will hold a lighting ceremony on the 16th.

According to Dong-gu on the 15th, the event will be attended by about 40 people including Mayor Im Taek of Dong-gu, district council members, the Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council, and the Chungjang Merchants Association. The schedule includes a project progress report, unveiling of the signboard, commemorative photo session, and on-site tour.

The Yeongran Lanterns to be lit this time are bellflower-shaped street lamps first installed on Chungjang-ro in 1931, the first in Gwangju. It is said that at that time, five flower bud-shaped lamps were bundled together and hung.

After 1940, the Japanese colonial government stopped the use of neon signs, outdoor signboards, and street lamps for the war effort, and in August 1941, issued a metal collection order to procure military supplies. It is believed that the Yeongran Lanterns on Chungjang-ro were dismantled around this time.

Mayor Im Taek of Dong-gu said, "I deeply appreciate the efforts of Chairman Jeon Byung-won of the Chungjang45 Win-Win Development Council and its members who worked hard to promote this project," adding, "I think it is very meaningful that the Yeongran Lanterns, a precious historical resource of Chungjang-ro, have been restored through the voluntary participation of residents."

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