Uijeongbu City Proposes Construction of Exclusive Lee Kun-hee Collection Exhibition Hall

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Uijeongbu City in Gyeonggi Province proposed on the 18th to the Blue House, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and related agencies the establishment of a dedicated 'Lee Kun-hee Collection Hall' in the Uijeongbu area.

In the proposal, Uijeongbu City stated, "Camp Jackson is reflected in the urban plan as the site for an artists' village and a cultural and arts complex," adding, "With a nature-friendly environment including Dobongsan Mountain, as well as excellent accessibility via the Seoul Ring Expressway, metropolitan subway, and Incheon and Gimpo Airports, it is the optimal location for the construction of the Lee Kun-hee Collection Hall."

Uijeongbu City has set a plan to create a cultural and arts park on 92,000㎡ of Camp Jackson, aiming for completion in 2025. It is a complex including an international art center and a cultural and arts village.

In 2016, the city requested Gyeonggi Province to reflect this in the comprehensive development plan, which was also approved by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

Currently, discussions are underway with related agencies regarding the lifting of development restrictions, and after administrative procedures, construction is planned to begin as early as 2023.

Mayor Ahn Byung-yong of Uijeongbu expressed that the construction of the Lee Kun-hee Collection Hall will not only serve as special compensation for the long-standing sacrifices of over half a century but also become a stepping stone for the cultural convergence growth engine in northern Gyeonggi.