Namyangju Gungjip Reborn as a Complex Arts and Cultural Space

A New Urban Retreat Unveiled... Parking Lot Now Complete
Open to the Public Every Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Gwangdeok) announced on the 21st that it held the 'Namyangju Gungjip Viewing Environment Improvement Project Parking Lot Completion Ceremony' on the 20th, marking a new beginning for Gungjip together with local residents.

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju, is giving a greeting at the 'Namyangju Gungjip Viewing Environment Improvement Project Parking Lot Completion Ceremony' held on the 20th. Provided by Namyangju City

The parking lot construction project was carried out to alleviate the local parking shortage and to enable visitors to conveniently access Gungjip.

The event on this day was attended by various dignitaries and citizens, including Namyangju Mayor Joo Gwangdeok and Namyangju City Council Chair Cho Seongdae. The program included a performance by the Cheonmasan Pungmulpae traditional music troupe, a calligraphy performance by artist Kim Soyoung, the traditional 'gourd breaking' ceremony, and a facility tour, in that order.

The atmosphere of the Hanok was further enriched by traditional Korean refreshments provided by the Dasan Tea Association of Namyangju and a gayageum performance by young musician Kim Chaeun. A promotional booth was also operated to raise awareness of Namyangju Gungjip, receiving a positive response from citizens.

Mayor Joo Gwangdeok stated, "It is meaningful to share this moment when Gungjip, a precious cultural heritage of Namyangju, is opened to the public," and added, "I would like to express my gratitude to the family of the late Kwon Okyeon and the late Lee Byeongbok, who donated Gungjip to the city, as well as to everyone who contributed to improving the viewing environment. I hope that Gungjip will serve as a focal point for the history, culture, and arts of Namyangju City in the future."

Joo Gwangdeok, mayor of Namyangju City (seventh from the left in the front row), attended the 'Namyangju Gungjip Viewing Environment Improvement Project Parking Lot Completion Ceremony' on the 20th and is taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Namyangju City

Namyangju Gungjip is a house built for Princess Hwagyil, the youngest daughter of King Yeongjo, the 21st monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, with master carpenters and timber sent from the palace. It was designated a National Folk Cultural Heritage in 1984 and was donated to Namyangju City in 2019, after which the surrounding area was improved and the parking lot construction was completed this year.

Gungjip is open to the public free of charge from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday through Saturday until the end of this year.

Meanwhile, Namyangju City is running the 'Old Houses and Jongga Houses Utilization Project,' a program sponsored by the National Heritage Administration, and plans to hold a nighttime event in the second half of the year where visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of an autumn evening.