Gyeongpodae Signboard in Gangneung Also Relocated... Cultural Heritage at Risk Due to Wildfire

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced that in response to the wildfire damage that occurred on the morning of the 11th in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, they are in the process of removing seven signboards from Gyeongpodae, a nationally designated treasure, and relocating them to the nearby Ojukheon Museum.

As the wildfire spread on the morning of the same day, the Cultural Heritage Administration took preventive measures by spraying water around Gyeongpodae. They are also conducting water spraying operations at Seongyojang, a national folk cultural property in Gangneung.

As of 1 p.m. that day, no damage had been confirmed at either Gyeongpodae or Seongyojang.

However, as the wildfire spread to various areas, part of 'Banghaejeong (放海亭)', a tangible cultural property of Gangwon Province located in Gangneung, was destroyed, and Sangyeongjeong (觴詠亭), a small pavilion near Gyeongpo Lake, was reported to have been completely burned down.

Gyeongpodae is a representative scenic spot of Gangneung, ranked as the first among the Eight Views of Gwandong. It is a historic site where many literati have visited since ancient times to enjoy the natural scenery, cultivate their studies, and nurture their minds. It was designated as a treasure in 2019. A notable example is the poem "Gwandong Byeolgok (關東別曲)" by the Joseon Dynasty literati Songgang Jeong Cheol (1536?1593), which praises Gyeongpodae.

In Gangneung, a wildfire broke out around 8:22 a.m. in the Nangok-dong area and the flames spread to various locations. The Fire Agency issued a Level 2 firefighting response at 9:18 a.m., and then escalated it to Level 3 at around 9:43 a.m. This is the first time this year that the highest firefighting response level, Level 3, has been issued due to a wildfire.

[Photo by Cultural Heritage Administration]

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