Seogu in Gwangju Creates Complex Cultural Space 'Nanumnuri Forest'

Composed of 'History Maru' and 'Sunset Maru'

Seogu in Gwangju (headed by Mayor Kim Ikang) announced on May 20 that it has transformed the stream area in Seochangdong, which had been left abandoned with illegal facilities, into a complex cultural space called 'Nanumnuri Forest.'

This area, which had previously damaged the city's aesthetics and safety due to unauthorized facilities and stored materials, has been reborn through this project as a resting place and cultural space for residents.

Seogu transformed the stream area in Seochangdong, which had been left abandoned with illegal facilities, into a complex cultural space called 'Nanumnuri Forest.' Provided by Seogu

'Nanumnuri Forest' was inspired by the spirit of sharing of Park Horyeon, who was the last boatman at Seochang Ferry during the Japanese colonial period. He practiced sharing by distributing rice to help residents in need. In honor of his virtue, two commemorative monuments, built by Seochang residents over four years, have been relocated and refurbished in this space, which has been reinterpreted as a place embodying the value of sharing in the community.

The district organized the forest into two sections: 'History Maru,' themed on the life and sharing of Park Horyeon, and 'Sunset Maru,' which captures the scenery and sentiment of sunsets. The two areas are connected by stairs, symbolically representing the transition from the noblesse oblige of the past to the civic oblige of the future.

'History Maru' features a ferry square, a sharing garden, and the 'Good Stairs,' while 'Sunset Maru' has been created as a cultural resting area with an outdoor stage, a picnic zone, and a walking trail shaped like the English initial 'S' of Seogu.

Going forward, the district plans to operate a variety of cultural programs centered around Nanumnuri Forest and to develop it into a healing spot in the city by linking it with the Yeongsangang riverside deck path and the sunset observatory currently being promoted by Gwangju City.

Lee Jeongkyung, head of the Parks and Greenery Division, said, "We expect Nanumnuri Forest to become a space that carries on the warm footsteps of our predecessors and fosters a culture of sharing for all citizens," adding, "We hope everyone can find peace of mind and relaxation here with the sunsets."