Yongin City to Develop Simgokseowon Area into a Historical Park

Resident Briefing Session Held... Target Completion in 2026
Equipped with Green Spaces, Trails, and Educational Facilities

Yongin City in Gyeonggi Province will develop the area around Simgokseowon in Sanghyeon-dong, Suji-gu, into a historical park by 2026. On the 19th, Yongin City held a 'Simgokseowon Historical Park Development Resident Briefing' at Simgokseowon Sanangjae and announced this plan.

Aerial view of the education center within Simgok Seowon Historical Park. [Image source=Yongin City]

Simgokseowon is National Historic Site No. 530, enshrining the spirit tablets of Jeongam Jo Gwangjo and Hakpo Yang Paengson, leading figures of the Sarim faction during King Jungjong's reign in the Joseon Dynasty. It was established in 1650 to commemorate Jo Gwangjo's scholarship and virtue.

According to the plan, the city will invest a total budget of 16.58 billion KRW, including 3.58 billion KRW from the central government, 6.5 billion KRW from the provincial government, and 6.5 billion KRW from the city government, to develop the Seowon area into a historical park by 2026.

First, a 3,978㎡ green space and walking trails will be created above the cultural heritage protection zone. Below the Seowon, an education center with a total floor area of 2,245㎡ spanning from one basement floor to two above-ground floors will be constructed.

The education center will include a Seowon classroom, auditorium, and management office, as well as a 'Larchiveum.' The term Larchiveum is a neologism combining Library, Archives, and Museum. This facility will offer permanent exhibitions and history education utilizing immersive content. The park will also provide 67 parking spaces. The city plans to start construction of the Simgokseowon Historical Park in March next year and complete it by 2026.

Previously, in 2021, the city prepared a comprehensive maintenance plan for the area and has been actively promoting the development of the Simgokseowon Historical Park since the end of the following year. At the end of last year, the detailed design service began, and it is expected to be completed by the end of this year at the earliest.

A city official stated, "Through the creation of the historical park, we aim to widely promote the cultural heritage value of Simgokseowon to citizens and provide a space for exchange that functions as a resting area and cultural enjoyment spot within the urban area."