Gochang-gun Exhibits Winning Entry of General Jeon Bong-jun Statue Contest at Cultural Center

Published 14 Mar.2023 09:39(KST)

Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk announced on the 14th that it will exhibit the winning design for the General Jeon Bong-jun statue contest at the Gochang Cultural Center until May 10.

The winning work, "Under the Banner of Righteousness," is by artist Guk Kyung-oh, who is active in Iksan. It was finally selected through a nationwide artist contest and a second round of evaluation by the judging committee.

Model of the winning entry for the construction of General Jeon Bong-jun Hill in Gochang County. [Photo by Gochang County]

The winning piece is a sculpture composed of 12 figures. It depicts General Jeon Bong-jun, a native of Gochang, taking his first step forward with a resolute posture after proclaiming the armed declaration. Next to him, under a large flag inscribed with "Boguk Anmin, Jepok Gumin, Cheok Wae Yang Chang-ui," the peasant army solemnly makes their resolution.

This exhibition includes a model of the General Jeon Bong-jun statue, an information board explaining the design intent, and a bird’s-eye view rendering of the expected completed statue.

The county expects this to help residents’ interest and understanding of the statue’s construction and to boost their pride as descendants of General Jeon Bong-jun.

County Governor Shim Deok-seop said, “The erection of the statue of General Jeon Bong-jun, the supreme leader of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, in his birthplace Gochang will serve as an opportunity to promote the county’s status nationwide as the sacred site of the Donghak Peasant Revolution. We look forward to the active interest and participation of residents in the statue’s construction, which is funded by nationwide donations and county funds.”

Jin Yoon-sik, chairman of the General Jeon Bong-jun Statue Construction Committee, stated, “Although the original planned location for the statue was in front of the Cultural Center, due to the refusal of cultural heritage alteration, it was changed to the plaza opposite the county office, which caused some difficulties in the process. We will devote all efforts to ensure the best possible work is created.”

Meanwhile, the construction of the General Jeon Bong-jun statue is being carried out with a total budget of 600 million KRW, combining 400 million KRW from county funds and 200 million KRW from donations. A park named Jeon Bong-jun Park, featuring a waterside area and a lawn plaza, will be created opposite the county office plaza and is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.