Targeting Purchased Buildings for Public Use
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, will inspect the operation status of public properties under the ‘Modern Historical and Cultural Space Regeneration Activation Project’ being promoted in the old downtown area by the 24th of this month.
According to the city on the 22nd, the inspection targets are a total of eight locations, including the former Honam Bank Mokpo branch, which are currently in operation or preparing for use.
Recently, due to criticism that the modern buildings purchased for their cultural heritage value and public purpose have been poorly operated and utilized, the city aims to identify and resolve problems by actively inspecting the operation status and future plans to achieve the original goal of revitalizing the old downtown area.
The old downtown of Mokpo is a “roofless museum” that contains layers of time from the Joseon Dynasty’s Mokpojin to the history of the modern independent opening of the port and its development into a bustling port city during the industrialization period.
Among the modern buildings purchased by the city to revitalize this old downtown, the most representative is the former Honam Bank Mokpo branch. This place is currently operated as the Mokpo Popular Music Hall through remodeling.
In addition, in line with the status of Mokpo as a cultural city, the city has operated the Komjirak Laboratory (studio, maker space) to allow citizens to participate directly.
Furthermore, the public properties purchased by Mokpo City are also being utilized as private startup spaces.
The magic cafe near Yudal Elementary School offers magic and performance programs for elementary, middle, and high school students, operating as a space where visitors can relax and have special experiences.
Together with the former Gapjaok Hat Shop, the adjacent Yamaha outboard motor building, which holds historical significance as a Korean hat store, is planned to be developed into the Mokpo Hat Art Gallery reflecting modern trends, with preparations for its opening this year.
The city plans to promote the revitalization of related facilities based on this inspection.
In order to attract more visitors to the Popular Music Hall, the city will not only promote it but also organize interesting programs, and the Komjirak Laboratory is discussing activation plans that can be shared with residents together with the Mokpo Cultural City Center.
For the snack shop that has closed, the city is considering measures such as recruiting new consignees.
Mokpo City intends to wisely solve the problems faced for the revitalization of the old downtown, communicating with residents and creating a premium space that can be shared together.
A city official said, “Although cultural and startup spaces utilizing the purchased buildings in the old downtown are experiencing operational difficulties, we will cooperate with related parties to devise alternatives so that they can regain vitality.”
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