Sejong City has taken a significant step in preserving its cultural heritage by attaching "Excellent Architectural Asset" plaques to the Jochiwon Cultural Garden and the Jochiwon 1927 Art Center. This initiative, announced on the 16th, aims to protect and promote buildings of high socio-cultural value within the city.
According to a Sejong City official, the plaques were created to establish these historically and culturally rich assets as prominent landmarks within the region. The 30cm square plaques bear the inscription "Excellent Architectural Asset," signifying their importance.
Prior to this initiative, Sejong City had designated three sites as Excellent Architectural Assets: the Jochiwon Cultural Garden, the Jochiwon 1927 Art Center, and the birthplace of renowned artist Jang Uk-jin. These designations recognize buildings that contribute to the city's architectural culture and regional identity through their socio-economic, historical-cultural, and scenic significance.
The Jochiwon Cultural Garden, originally built as a water purification plant in 1935, had been abandoned since its closure in 2013. In 2019, it was transformed into a multi-cultural space while preserving its original exterior. The former underground reservoir now serves as an exhibition area, showcasing artwork against the backdrop of the reservoir's concrete walls, still bearing the marks of its past use.
Similarly, the Jochiwon 1927 Art Center, established as a textile factory in 1927 and later used as a paper mill, had been closed since 2003. Sejong City acquired the neglected site in 2017 and reopened it in 2022 as a vibrant cultural hub featuring a performance hall, exhibition space, and cafe.
The birthplace of Jang Uk-jin, a master of modern and contemporary Korean art, is a 120-year-old traditional Korean house located in Songyong-ri, Yeondong-myeon. The house's well-preserved inner quarters have earned it recognition for its high cultural and historical value. Restoration efforts are currently underway, along with the construction of a Jang Uk-jin Memorial Hall.
Sejong City has announced plans to affix an "Excellent Architectural Asset" plaque to the Jang Uk-jin birthplace upon completion of the restoration project, further solidifying its commitment to preserving its architectural heritage.
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