Yongin City Holds Academic Conference on the Statue of Father Kim Daegeon at Yangji Catholic Church

Yongin Special City (Mayor Lee Sang-il) announced on the 23rd that it held an academic conference on the 22nd at the International Conference Room of the Yongin Culture and Arts Center, under the theme "The Complex Value and Cultural Heritage Potential of the Statue of Father Kim Daegeon at Yangji Catholic Church in Yongin."

Yongin Special City held an academic conference on the 22nd at the international conference room of Yongin Culture and Arts Center under the theme "The Complex Value and Cultural Heritage Potential of the Kim Daegeon Father Statue at Yongin Yangji Catholic Church." Provided by Yongin City

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The city organized the academic conference to discuss the historical significance and preservation value of Catholic cultural heritage sites in Yongin-including the statue of Father Kim Daegeon at Yangji Catholic Church, created in 1962, as well as Euni Holy Site, Golbaemasill, Songol Holy Site, and Gochogol Chapel-and to explore systematic management strategies.

The statue of Father Kim Daegeon at Yangji Catholic Church is believed to be the first standalone stone statue in Korea. It was originally erected at Golbaemasill and relocated to the garden of Yangji Catholic Church during the sanctuary's renovation in 1997. The statue still largely retains its original form, and is highly regarded for its cultural heritage value.

The academic conference featured three expert presentations by Cha Kijin, Honorary Director of the Yang-eop Church History Research Institute; Song Ranhee, Academic Director of the Korean Church History Research Institute; and Shin Jicheol, Vice Chairman of the Committee for Culture and Arts of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea. A comprehensive discussion followed, with participation from scholars and experts from related organizations.

The first presentation provided a historical account of the formation of Catholic history in the Yongin region and the activities of Father Kim Daegeon, based on historical records. The second presentation explored the sculptural, art historical, and faith-related value of the 1962 Yangji Catholic Church statue of Father Kim Daegeon, as well as its potential for designation as a nationally registered cultural heritage. The third presentation discussed policy directions for the preservation and utilization of Catholic sites in the Yongin area, and the establishment of a network among these holy sites.

During the panel discussion that followed, Kwon Haengga, Director of the Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art History under the Korean Society of Modern and Contemporary Art History, served as moderator. Experts including Lee Minseok, Senior Researcher at the Korean Church History Research Institute; Kim Youngho, Professor Emeritus of Fine Arts at Chung-Ang University; and Lee Gwanho, Member of the Cultural Heritage Committee of Chungcheongnam-do, shared their insights in an open discussion.

A Yongin City official stated, "Taking this academic conference as an opportunity, we plan to further develop preservation strategies for the statue of Father Kim Daegeon and related sites, and will actively pursue the application process for designation as registered cultural heritage in the future."

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