Held a Meeting with Officials from the National Folk Museum and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Introduced Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage such as Nakan Eupseong and Gayageum Byeongchang
So Byeong-cheol, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Suncheon·Gwangyang·Gokseong·Gurye (Gap), announced that he has begun full-scale efforts to secure the establishment of the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch in the 2024 budget by holding a meeting with officials from the National Folk Museum and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as meeting with Governor Kim Young-rok.
On the 24th (Friday), Representative So visited the National Folk Museum located in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, and held a meeting with Kim Jong-dae, Director of the National Folk Museum, the head of the department, curators, and officials from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to gather opinions on the necessity and direction of establishing the Suncheon Branch.
Director Kim stated, “If the Suncheon Branch is established, it should serve as a foundation to revitalize the regions by encompassing the culture of the Honam area,” and mentioned, “Suncheon has a good location as the center of folk culture in the eastern Honam region,” showing deep agreement on the necessity of establishing the Suncheon Branch.
Representative So Byeong-cheol expressed gratitude, saying, “I appreciate the National Folk Museum’s active support and shared intentions,” and emphasized, “Suncheon has historically been a geographical key point where culture converges, serving as a gateway to Beolgyo and Boseong, and it has the advantage of preserving Nagan Eupseong Fortress and being a cradle of intangible cultural assets such as Gayageum Byeongchang and Pansori.” He shared the view that Suncheon should become the Culture Post of Honam.
In particular, regarding Nagan Eupseong Fortress, Representative So explained that it not only preserves its form close to the original over 600 years of history but also remains a living folk village where residents still live. Therefore, if the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch is located in Nagan, it would have the advantage of functioning as an “Ecomuseum.”
An Ecomuseum is a type of museum that goes beyond displaying and exhibiting collections to preserve, inherit, and promote the unique culture and lifestyle of the region, often referred to as a “living museum.”
Representative So stated, “Once the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch is established, it will contribute to the balanced inheritance and development of Honam folk culture through exhibitions encompassing both tangible and intangible cultural assets,” highlighting the necessity and significance of establishing the Suncheon Branch.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were also held regarding the future direction of traditional culture exhibitions to be featured at the Suncheon Branch.
Prior to this, Representative So visited Ven. Hyeonbong, the head monk of Songgwangsa Temple, to request active support, and it is known that Songgwangsa Temple agreed to share this intention.
On the 26th, it was reported that an agreement was reached to actively cooperate with Governor Kim Young-rok of Jeollanam-do to attract the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch.
Meanwhile, since holding the “Academic Forum on the Establishment of the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch” at the National Assembly in November last year, Representative So has made step-by-step and continuous efforts, including meetings with Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officials, stating, “I will ensure that the 2024 budget includes the establishment of the National Folk Museum Suncheon Branch and develop Suncheon as the center of Honam folk culture.”
Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr
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