Cultural Heritage Along with Jinju Fortress and Tourist Resource: "Expectations for Revitalizing the Original Downtown"
Jinju City, South Gyeongsang Province, announced on the 30th that it held the completion ceremony for the Jinju Great Battle Historical Park, attended by Mayor Cho Kyu-il, key guests, and around 900 Jinju citizens.
The Jinju Great Battle Historical Park was constructed with a total project cost of 94.7 billion KRW, covering a land area of 19,870 square meters, with a total floor area of 7,081 square meters and a building area of 699 square meters. The basement floor is a parking lot, while the ground floors consist of park support facilities and the historical park itself.
The event began with a traditional percussion performance by the Seongbuk and Jungang-dong folk music groups, followed by a classical popera performance by a team of vocal majors and a children's choir. Their clear voices commemorated the victory at the Jinju Great Battle and honored the spirits of the 70,000 fallen patriots.
The main ceremony featured a video presentation and progress report detailing the project's development. Afterward, the mayor of Jinju presented commendations to the representative of the construction company (Jaehyeon General Construction) and the head of the supervising team (Yeonghwa Keystone Architects). A video message from the winner of the park support facility naming contest, who submitted "Jinjuseong Hoguk Maru," was also shown.
Through a statement on the purpose of establishing the Jinju Great Battle Historical Park, Mayor Cho reflected on the historical significance of the park's site and the victory at the Battle of Jinjuseong against Japanese invaders in October 1592. He also honored the patriotic spirit of the volunteers who sacrificed their lives in the second Battle of Jinjuseong, emphasizing the Jinju spirit rooted in patriotism, equality, and sharing that continues to this day.
He further explained that the Jinju History Museum, Namseongdang Education Center, and Multipurpose Cultural Center?facilities located within the Namgaram Cultural and Arts Special Zone along Jinjuseong Fortress and the Nam River?will be interconnected to form the cultural hub of Jinju, with the Jinju Great Battle Historical Park playing a central role.
After the completion ceremony, the cultural arts group Onter performed the "Jinju Great Battle Musical Chokseoksanseong Aria." This musical, inspired by the first Battle of Jinjuseong in October 1592, reenacts the day when ordinary Jinju citizens became volunteer soldiers, joined forces with the government troops, and achieved victory.
"Jinjuseong Hoguk Maru" is the work of architect Seung Hyo-sang. Architect Seung stated that he was deeply moved by the patriotic spirit of Jinju citizens who, regardless of poverty or status, risked their lives to defend the nation during the two Jinju Great Battles, which inspired him to participate in the park's creation.
With this, Jinju City has become home to works by leading architects in modern Korean architecture, including the "National Jinju Museum" by architect Kim Swoo-geun, the "Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center" by architect Kim Joong-up, and now "Jinjuseong Hoguk Maru" by architect Seung Hyo-sang.
A Jinju City official stated, "Due to the significance of the location, the Jinju Great Battle Historical Park is receiving much attention and support from citizens. We will continue to gather and reflect citizens' suggestions and create diverse ways to utilize the park, ensuring it fulfills its intended role after 17 years of dedicated development."
Mayor Cho Kyu-il said, "As the centerpiece of the Namgaran Cultural and Arts Special Zone, the Jinju Great Battle Historical Park will play a pivotal role in revitalizing the old downtown, not only during the October festival but also as a place visited by many citizens throughout the year. I hope that citizens and tourists who visit this site will remember the history engraved here and envision the new future of Jinju that lies ahead."
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