Namdo Volunteer Army History Museum Opens After 7 Years... Capturing the Spirit of Namdo Volunteers

42.2 Billion Won Invested, Total Floor Area of 7,321 Square Meters
A Stay-Type Museum Featuring a One-Night, Two-Day "Museum Stay" Program

Jeollanam-do Governor Youngrok Kim is holding a plaque ceremony with key guests at the opening ceremony of the Namdo Uibyung History Museum held on the 5th in Gongsan-myeon, Naju. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On March 5, Jeollanam-do held the opening ceremony for the Namdo Volunteer Army History Museum in the Gongsan-myeon area of Naju to honor the noble spirit of the Namdo Volunteer Army.

The event, which took place at the museum's outdoor "Terrace of Wind," was attended by more than 300 people, including Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, key dignitaries, descendants and organizations of volunteer soldiers, and local residents.

The ceremony proceeded in the following order: a progress report, screening of a promotional video, commemorative remarks, a donation ceremony for the "Bulwonbok" Taegeukgi by Volunteer Army Commander Go Gwangsun, commendations for distinguished contributors, and the unveiling of the plaque.

Notably, the event served as a meaningful occasion to reflect on the unique "Daedong spirit" of Jeonnam and Gwangju, which is rooted in sharing and overcoming hardships together without turning away from the suffering of neighbors.

The museum was established in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Movement in 2019, and after seven years of aspiration, it has finally been completed as a dedicated space for local residents.

With a total project cost of 42.2 billion won, the museum was built with a total floor area of 7,321 square meters. Its exterior wall features more than 33,000 kinetic facade panels, which reproduce the resounding metallic roar of the 33,000 Namdo volunteer soldiers who once charged across the battlefields.

Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can find 3,085 artifacts collected with the support of local residents, along with the "Bulwonbok" Taegeukgi, which has returned to its hometown from the Independence Hall for the first time in 40 years, providing a moving experience.

Jeollanam-do plans to operate the museum with three key focus areas.

They intend to establish the nation’s first "stay-type museum" model by introducing a "museum stay" program lasting one night and two days. The museum will also be developed as Korea's leading "hub for education on righteousness," passing down the spirit of national defense to future generations, and as an open cultural space where residents actively participate and cultivate pride.

An official from Jeollanam-do stated, "The noble sacrifice and Daedong spirit of the Namdo Volunteer Army, who defended the nation with unwavering courage during its darkest times, will become the strongest historical roots of the soon-to-be-established Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City." "After seven years of earnest hope, as the Namdo Volunteer Army History Museum is now in the hands of the people, we will do our utmost to ensure that it becomes Korea’s representative 'hub for education on righteousness' that instills pride in the Namdo Volunteer Army’s spirit in future generations, and a truly inspiring landmark that elevates the pride of all residents."

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