Jeonnam Province Announces Two Provincial Designated National Heritage Sites

Former Yungmundang and Yungmudang in Yeonggwang
First Gim Aquaculture in the Nation

A view of the former Yungmundang and Yungmudang in Yeonggwang. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do has designated and announced the former Yungmundang and Yungmudang in Yeonggwang, as well as Gim aquaculture, as state-designated national heritage.

The former Yungmundang and Yungmudang in Yeonggwang were built in the 5th year of King Gojong (1868) in the rear garden area of Gyeongbokgung Palace (now the site of the Blue House). These buildings served as multipurpose spaces for military parades and civil service examinations, but were dismantled by the Japanese in May 1929 and repurposed as a Japanese temple.

In 1946, the Won-Buddhism order acquired the buildings and used them as a temple and living quarters. In 2007, they were relocated and restored in Yeonggwang. Among the palace buildings of Gyeongbokgung damaged during the Japanese colonial period, these are among the few whose history is fully verified, making them highly valuable both historically and architecturally as examples of late Joseon dynasty palace architecture.

Gim aquaculture is the oldest form of seaweed aquaculture.

Its history and tradition are confirmed by old documents such as the 'Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam'. Jeollanam-do is the site of the first Gim aquaculture (Gim Sishikji in Gwangyang) and is the largest production area in the country, possessing important historical, cultural, and national fisheries heritage resources.

From the late 17th to the 18th century, Gim aquaculture techniques were established in Gwangyang and have continued to develop along the southwestern coast of Jeollanam-do. With its long history and rituals reflecting aquaculture techniques still being passed down within communities (such as in Wando, Shinan, and Gwangyang), Gim aquaculture is recognized for its value as intangible heritage.

Kang Hyoseok, Director of the Culture and Prosperity Bureau of Jeollanam-do, stated, "The former Yungmundang and Yungmudang in Yeonggwang are important cultural assets that exemplify late Joseon dynasty palace architecture, and their historical and architectural significance is widely recognized. In addition, Gim aquaculture is deeply rooted in the maritime culture and economy of Jeollanam-do, and its value is further elevated amid the global K-food trend."

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