Gochang County Renames Museum as 'Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum'

Reflecting the Value of UNESCO World Heritage Inscription

Gochang County in North Jeolla Province has officially changed the name of the 'Gochang Dolmen Museum' to the 'Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum' and will operate under the new title.

Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum exterior view. Provided by Gochang County

According to the county on July 16, the name change was implemented to widely promote the international significance of the Gochang Dolmen Sites, which were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, and to strengthen the museum's identity and status.

The Gochang Dolmen Sites, together with Ganghwa and Hwasun, are inscribed as the 'Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites' on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These sites are recognized as representative relics of megalithic culture from the Bronze Age and are considered a universal cultural heritage of humanity.

Since its opening in 2008 under the name Gochang Dolmen Museum, the county has provided a familiar space for local residents and visitors, hosting various exhibitions as well as hands-on and educational programs.

With this name change, the county aims to reflect the international status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the museum's title, thereby delivering a clear cultural message to both domestic and international visitors.

Choi Soonpil, head of the county's World Heritage Division, stated, "We expect this to be an opportunity to further highlight the historical and academic significance of the Gochang Dolmen Sites as a World Heritage Site," adding, "We will continue to do our best to ensure that the Gochang World Heritage Dolmen Museum becomes a center for education, hands-on experiences, and tourism based on the region's heritage."