Gochang-gun Publishes 'Koreas First Capital Gochang Guinness'

Yoo Gi-sang, the mayor of Gochang County, is presenting the Guinness book to Grandpa Kim Ha-young (the longest-living barber) on the 24th. Photo by Gochang County, Jeonbuk

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, announced on the 24th that it published 'Gochang Guinness 2020, the First Capital of the Korean Peninsula,' and Mayor Yu Gi-sang personally visited Mr. Kim Ha-young (who has operated a barbershop for 64 years), the longest-serving barber in the region, to deliver a signed copy of the book.

The Guinness book is divided into eight categories: World Heritage, Natural Environment, People, Culture·Arts·Sports, Industry and Economy, Construction and Architecture, Education·Welfare·Administration, and Unique Collections·Record Holders, containing a total of 129 entries presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

Gochang Guinness focuses on monumental and symbolic items that Gochang can be proud of, those that align with the region's characteristics and enhance Gochang's image, talents or prides of the residents, hidden skills, and other unique and eccentric things, all interestingly compiled with photos.

Notable entries in the Gochang Guinness include ▲a stamp collector who has collected stamps for half a century (Jo Gi-dam) ▲the collector with the most diverse collection of nails (Jin Yoon-sik) ▲a Grandeur car running through the city for 29 years (Jo Hee-man) ▲a 33-year-old annual Chuseok event for residents (Mujang residents' singing contest) ▲an organic grapevine bearing 4,500 grapes (Do Deok-hyun) ▲the house most visited by foreigners (about 50 visitors annually, the home of Choi Eun-seop and Lee Kyung-hee), among others.

Mayor Yu Gi-sang of Gochang said, “Gochang Guinness was published as a book to discover and widely share the hidden prides, unique people, and unusual stories of Gochang with residents and to utilize them as tourism resources for Gochang,” adding, “We expect it to play a significant role as a promotional ambassador, enhancing Gochang’s brand value.”

Meanwhile, the published Gochang Guinness will be placed and distributed to various institutions, town and township offices, libraries, and Guinness selectees, serialized in the monthly Gochang newsletter, and actively promoted by posting on the county’s website.