Beopseong Cultural Promotion Institute Successfully Concludes 'Beopseongpo Cultural Heritage Academic Conference'

The Beopseong Cultural Promotion Institute (Director Kim Kyung-soo) announced on the 27th that the ‘Beopseongpo Cultural Heritage Academic Conference’ was successfully concluded on the 19th at the 2nd floor of the Beopseong-myeon Community Center.

The Beopseong Cultural Promotion Institute successfully concluded the "Beopseongpo Cultural Heritage Academic Conference" on the 19th at the 2nd floor of the Beopseong-myeon Community Center.
[Photo by Beopseong Cultural Promotion Institute]

Last year’s academic conference laid the foundation for the excavation and restoration of Beopseongjin Fortress, and this year, concrete methods for restoration feasibility and designation as a cultural historic site were discussed.

This academic conference featured in-depth research presentations, starting with ‘Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritage’ by former Naju Museum Director Park Jung-hwan, followed by studies on historical documents that elevated the status of Beopseongjin Fortress as an independent fortress, considerations on the restoration of ‘Jewoljeong,’ a symbolic building of Beopseongjin Fortress, research on the location and composition of the Beopseongjin Fortress government office, studies on Joseon Dynasty poetry expressing the beautiful scenery of Beopseongjin Fortress, and research on records of Beopseong Jochang appearing in late Joseon Dynasty documents.

In the second part, a discussion session was chaired by Professor Emeritus Lee Jae-woon of Jeonju University, who is also a Cultural Heritage Committee member of the Cultural Heritage Administration. A heated debate was held on the possibility of designating Beopseongjin Fortress as a historic site and on the research topics.

The discussants shared opinions while discussing unconfirmed hypotheses in their respective research fields, working together to establish the historical identity of Beopseongpo.

Lee Jae-woon, Cultural Heritage Committee member of the Cultural Heritage Administration, summarized the discussion by saying, “If we were to unify the identity of Beopseongpo, it would be Beopseongjin Fortress. Centered on Beopseongjin Fortress, Beopseongpo Port was reborn as a jochang (official grain storehouse), and along with that, the early fish market and Dano Festival intertwined, allowing it to grow into the central commercial district of Honam.”

He added, “There is an abundance of historical value and justification for designating Beopseongjin Fortress as a cultural historic site. However, since the conditions for designation are complex, efforts from local residents and related local governments must also accompany it.”

Attending the event, National Assembly member Lee Gae-ho and County Governor Kang Jong-man also emphasized the historicity of Beopseongjin Fortress and expressed their commitment to resolving the long-standing wishes of local residents, receiving enthusiastic applause from the attendees.

Meanwhile, the Beopseong Cultural Promotion Institute will continue to gather the will of local residents and cooperate with related organizations to strive for the excavation, restoration, and designation of Beopseongjin Fortress as a historic site.

Yeonggwang = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jeon-seong baekok@asiae.co.kr

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