Final Design Decision for Gubongsan Sculpture in Gwangyang

The Choice of Experts and Citizens: "Yeongwonui Bongsudae"

Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do announced that the design for the ‘Gubongsan Landmark Project’ (an experiential sculpture installation project), being promoted together with POSCO, has been finally selected as Plan A (out of the original three plans) with the theme “Eternal Beacon Tower.”

The process for selecting the design began in May. To discuss the five candidate works designed by Spanish artist Manuel Monteser?n, expert advisory meetings, citizen briefings, and citizen committees were held, and both online and offline preference surveys were conducted. As a result, two works, “Eternal Beacon Tower” and “Ongoing Dialogue,” were shortlisted as finalists.

Design of Experiential Sculptures at Gubongsan, Gwangyang [Image provided by Gwangyang City]

The artist further developed the finalist works and resubmitted them, and through voting by citizens, citizen representatives, and experts, the “Eternal Beacon Tower” design was ultimately selected.

The final selected work features a dynamic inverted triangular structure, approximately 25 meters in height and ranging from a minimum width of 10 meters to a maximum of 19 meters. Its key feature is a 230-meter-long spiral ramp that allows anyone to easily ascend to the summit and enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Gwangyang Bay.

To add excitement to the viewing experience, intense physical thrill elements such as a glass floor and an aerial bridge are included, along with components like a kaleidoscope, art wall, glass pillars, and sound railings to enhance the enjoyment of visitors.

Spanish artist Manuel Monteser?n, who designed this work, explained, “The Eternal Beacon Tower is a symbol that remembers the history and spirit of Gwangyang while always offering new news and messages of hope,” and added, “I hope it becomes a place where people can create joyful and surprising memories through diverse experiences.”

Meanwhile, Gwangyang City and POSCO plan to complete the detailed design by September 2024 through I&Architects Architectural Office based on the selected work, and aim to complete the project by 2025.

Kim Seongsu, Director of Tourism, said, “The final design was selected with the participation and help of many citizens,” and added, “We will make Gwangyang and Gubongsan a world-class landmark with this symbolic sculpture expressing a unique and distinctive history.”