Cheonan City: 56.5% Oppose Use of Independence Hall Name by Other Regions

Survey of 1,001 Adults Nationwide on the Use of Independence Hall Name
51% of Opponents Cite 'Damage to Existing Symbolism of Independence Hall'

More than half of the public opposes opening an exhibition hall in another region using the name of the Independence Hall of Korea located in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do.

According to Cheonan City on the 3rd, a public opinion poll on the use of the Independence Hall name was conducted from June 14 to 18 among 1,001 adults nationwide aged 18 and older. As a result, 56.5% of respondents opposed the use of the Independence Hall name in other regions.

Among those who opposed, 51.1% cited "damage to the symbolic significance of the existing Independence Hall, which was established with public donations" as the main reason. Other reasons included "potential confusion if the Independence Hall name is used excessively," and "the Independence Hall should remain free from ideological controversies."

When asked whether they believe the Independence Hall located in Cheonan holds symbolic significance as a sacred site representing the national independence movement, 96.1% of all respondents answered "yes."

The city plans to set its policy direction and strengthen its response based on the results of this public opinion survey.

Park Sangdon, Mayor of Cheonan, said, "This survey confirms that the Independence Hall is an irreplaceable cultural heritage, and we will continue to do our best to protect its noble value." He added, "Next year's Cheonan K-Culture Expo will be expanded into a festival that everyone can enjoy, in connection with the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day."

Previously, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced a plan to invest 24.5 billion won by 2027 to build the National Museum of the Korean Independence Movement (the second Independence Hall) in the metropolitan area. In response, the city expressed regret and submitted a petition to the Ministry to protect the symbolic and representative status of the Cheonan Independence Hall.

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