Chonnam National University to Build Immersive Digital Archive Connecting Gwangju's History and Culture

Chonnam National University Library is embarking on the construction of an immersive digital archive that connects the history and culture of Gwangju based on ancient documents. Provided by Chonnam National University

Chonnam National University Library is embarking on the creation of an immersive digital archive that connects the history and culture of Gwangju based on ancient texts.

According to Chonnam National University on March 16, the university's library, led by Director Park Kyunghwan, has been selected as an operating institution for the "2026 University Library Specialization Support Project," which is promoted by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Education and Research Information Service (KERIS). As a result, the library will proceed with the "Immersive Digital Archive Project Based on Ancient Texts."

This project is significant in that it offers a new model for utilizing ancient texts by lowering both the psychological and physical barriers to access, making the region's historical and cultural assets more approachable and familiar to everyone.

The "University Library Specialization Support Project" is being implemented as part of the third Comprehensive University Library Promotion Plan (2024–2028) to support the discovery of outstanding specialized programs at universities and to promote the autonomous development of university libraries. In 2026, Chonnam National University Library, along with libraries from eight other universities nationwide, was selected as an operating institution.

Building on its experience with last year's successful special exhibition on ancient texts, "Great Figures on the Road—Origins of Gwangju's Street Names," Chonnam National University Library plans to develop a digital interactive map that connects people, history, and culture content related to Gwangju's street names with ancient texts. In addition, the library will hold a video content contest encouraging user participation to foster greater interest in ancient texts and regional history while securing a diverse range of content.

The interactive map produced will be operated in an experience zone within the library, allowing users to freely explore it. Furthermore, by linking this with the library's tour program, the library also plans to provide field learning opportunities for middle and high school students, enabling them to better understand ancient texts and directly experience the region's history and culture.

Chonnam National University Library also plans to collaborate with related institutions such as local museums to jointly develop exhibitions and programs related to regional history, culture, and tourism. Through these efforts, the library aims to further strengthen its role as a hub for sharing knowledge and cultural assets with the local community and to serve as a platform for promoting regional culture.

Park Kyunghwan, Director of Chonnam National University Library, stated, "Chonnam National University Library holds the largest collection of ancient books in the Honam region. We will transform ancient texts, which have thus far focused mainly on preservation and exhibition, into immersive digital content, making them more accessible and usable for our users."

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