Wando Life Culture Center Faces "Total Crisis"… Malfunctions, Leaks, and Neglect Draw Frowns from Users

Loss and Neglect of Art Installations
Questions Raised Over Commitment to Proper Management
Maze Park Falls Short
Residents Say "It Doesn't Resemble a Maze at All"

The Wando Life Culture Center in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has been drawing complaints from residents due to poor facility management.

Despite a total investment of 2.2 billion won, including 1 billion won in national funding, and a complete remodeling after its initial completion, various malfunctions and signs of neglect have surfaced within just a few years, leading to repeated criticism that the center is "failing to serve its intended purpose."

The Life Culture Center was selected for the "Living SOC Complex Project" by the Presidential Committee for Balanced National Development in 2019, and the 35-year-old county residents’ hall was completely remodeled in 2021. The center was anticipated to become a complex cultural space equipped with an indoor playground, a small library, a cafe, a multipurpose room, and a 247-seat performance hall. However, criticism regarding the layout and design has persisted since its opening.

Wando Life Culture Center has been reborn as a complex cultural space through a complete remodeling, but poor facility management has caused dissatisfaction among residents. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

During the remodeling, the indoor playground and library were placed side by side, prompting complaints from residents questioning why a noisy area was located next to a quiet space. Additional concerns about the risk of falls were also raised, leading the county to implement some remedial measures.

The large sculpture "Healing Piano Andante" installed in the center's parking lot is a prime example of severe mismanagement. The core structure of the sculpture-the piano-has long since disappeared, and the lighting remains broken and neglected. The fact that this work was created over the course of a year by more than ten artists, including artist Choi Sunjoo, adds to the shock.

Park Jaeseon, a member of the Wando County Council, stated, "It is a problem that an artwork installed for the community is being neglected in this way," and added, "Proper management is necessary in consideration of the artists’ dedication."

There are also ongoing criticisms that the facility does not reflect the scale of the budget invested. The indoor playground’s video equipment does not function properly, there are hardly any toys, and only a single play structure stands alone in the space.

The sculpture installed in the parking lot, "Healing Piano Andante," has long lost its core structure, the piano, and the lighting remains broken and neglected. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

There are also complaints about the attitudes of some staff members. Some parents have reported being made to feel uncomfortable or restricted from using the facilities due to concerns about cleaning burdens. One parent said, "I visited because my children had nowhere else to go, but the facilities were poor and the staff made us feel unwelcome. I never want to go back."

The "Maze Park" created behind the center has also faced criticism for its lack of effectiveness. The trees are sparsely planted, so the park does not function as a true maze.

Council member Park commented, "Despite early concerns, no improvements have been made. In Jeju, for example, maze parks are efficiently constructed and visually appealing to any visitor."

Water leakage inside the building is another recurring issue. One parent complained, "Every time it rains, there are leaks. They say the building was remodeled, but with problems like this, it seems like shoddy construction from the start."

A county official belatedly responded, "The building is old, so maintenance is challenging. Last year, we spent 20 million won on waterproofing work, and further repairs are underway this year. We will continue to address the issues with greater attention." However, no specific improvement measures or plans for securing additional funding have been presented yet.

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