Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province and Namwon City held a ceremony at the special stage in Gwanghanruwon Garden on the 10th, with some 300 citizens and guests in attendance, to celebrate the elevation of Gwanghanru to a National Treasure.

This ceremony was arranged to celebrate together with citizens the elevation of Gwanghanru from a Treasure to a National Treasure on July 1st, and to widely promote the historical and cultural significance of Gwanghanru as a representative pavilion of the Joseon Dynasty.

The event was attended by about 300 people, including Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Lee Won-taek, National Heritage Administration Administrator Heo Min, Namwon Mayor Yang Choong-mo, National Assembly Member Park Hee-seung, provincial and municipal council members, and local citizens, who shared the joy of the National Treasure designation.

The event began with a pre-ceremony Namwon pungmul (farmer's music) performance, followed by a progress report on the National Treasure designation, a screening of an introductory video about Gwanghanru, a commemorative performance for the elevation, the presentation ceremony of the designation certificate, and commemorative and congratulatory remarks. Afterward, the Namwon City Traditional Arts Troupe added to the meaning of the ceremony with celebratory performances featuring pansori (traditional narrative singing), instrumental music, and traditional dance.

Namwon Gwanghanru is a pavilion originating from "Gwangtongnu," which was built by Hwang Hui in the early Joseon Dynasty, and has served as a representative national heritage symbolizing the history and culture of Namwon for over 400 years.

It features a harmonious blend of the outstanding architectural beauty of traditional wooden architecture and natural scenery, and is also widely known as the setting for the classical novel The Tale of Chunhyang. Recognizing these architectural, historical, and cultural values, it was elevated to a National Treasure on July 1st.

With Gwanghanru's elevation to a National Treasure, the total number of National Treasures in Jeonbuk has increased to 11, including the Stone Pagoda of Mireuksa Temple Site in Iksan and the Bronze Bell of Naesosa Temple in Buan.

Building on this elevation to a National Treasure, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province plans to cooperate with the National Heritage Administration and Namwon City to systematically preserve and manage the historical value of Gwanghanru, while also striving to vitalize tourism by linking it with regional cultural and tourism resources, including Gwanghanruwon Garden.

"The elevation of Gwanghanru to a National Treasure, maintaining its legacy over 400 years, is a meaningful achievement accomplished together by all the citizens of Namwon and Jeonbuk," said Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Lee Won-taek. "We will faithfully pass down the precious historical and cultural value of Gwanghanru to future generations, and work closely with the National Heritage Administration and Namwon City to ensure that this National Treasure designation leads to regional cultural pride and the revitalization of tourism."

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