The Shanghai Provisional Government Building Revived by Samsung's 'Songshan Project'

Restored in 1993 Thanks to a Proposal by Samsung C&T Employees
Severely Damaged After Years as a Private Residence
1920s Appearance Recreated Through Restoration Efforts
Descendants of Kim Koo, Ahn Joong-geun, and Yoon Bong-gil Invited to Completion Ceremony
Samsung C&T Also Uncovers Korean Cultural Assets in China

The Shanghai Provisional Government building, which President Lee Jaemyung, currently on a state visit to China, will visit on January 7, was nearly lost to history. However, the fact that it was restored in 1993 thanks to a voluntary proposal from employees of Samsung C&T is now receiving belated attention.

Exterior of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea building in Shanghai. From left ▲Before restoration ▲Immediately after restoration (1993) ▲Recent appearance. Samsung Electronics

According to Samsung Electronics on January 6, Samsung C&T embarked on the restoration of the Shanghai Provisional Government building following an internal contest.

In December 1990, Samsung C&T published a booklet titled "Our History Misrepresented" and, aiming to further expand its cultural initiatives as a national enterprise, held an "event idea contest" within the company. At that time, Lee Jaecheong, then head of sales at the Distribution Division, had just returned from a business trip to Shanghai and proposed the "Restoration of the Shanghai Provisional Government Building" project, winning the grand prize. Samsung C&T had already been preparing to enter the Chinese market since 1990, even before the official establishment of diplomatic relations with China in August 1992. The internal contest revealed that the Shanghai Provisional Government building was at risk of disappearing without a trace, which prompted the company to swiftly decide to pursue the restoration project.

The project was approved at a management meeting and was named the "Songshan Project." The purpose was to enhance Korea's legitimacy, carry on the patriotic spirit of our predecessors, and inspire national consciousness and pride. The building that was restored had served as the heart of the Provisional Government for about six years, from July 1926 until the government relocated to Hangzhou in April 1932. However, after that period, it was left neglected as a private residence for many years and became so severely damaged that its original form was barely recognizable.

Samsung C&T first conducted a preliminary investigation and concluded that restoration was possible. With the cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and the Independence Hall of Korea, the company signed a restoration agreement with the Shanghai municipal authorities in 1991 and even provided relocation costs to the residents living in the building, thereby creating the necessary conditions for the challenging restoration project.

Samsung C&T meticulously repaired details such as the stairs and window frames, and after extensive inquiries, collected tables, chairs, beds, and other items from the 1920s. The company worked to faithfully recreate the meeting room, kitchen, reception room, office, and accommodation for key figures to match the appearance during the Provisional Government era.

Interior of the restored Shanghai Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea building. The upper left and lower left images show just after restoration (1993), and the upper right and lower right images show the recent appearance. Samsung Electronics

The completion ceremony was held on April 13, 1993, to coincide with the anniversary of the founding of the Provisional Government. More than 100 people attended the event, including Kim Shin, former Minister of Transportation and son of President Kim Koo; Ahn Chun-saeng, former President of the Liberation Association and nephew of Ahn Joong-geun; Yoon Joo-woong, grandson of Yoon Bong-gil; Choi Chang-kyu, Director of the Independence Hall of Korea; and Shin Se-gil, President of Samsung C&T.

In a letter of appreciation sent to Samsung C&T at the time, Yoon Joo-woong wrote, "I cannot fully express in words the overwhelming excitement I feel seeing the Provisional Government building, which my grandfather frequented with such heavy feelings, being restored. I am truly grateful to Samsung C&T, the Independence Hall of Korea, and the government officials who worked so hard to preserve this building."

In addition, Samsung C&T conducted a survey of Korean cultural assets scattered throughout China in conjunction with the restoration project of the Shanghai Provisional Government building, uncovering more than 1,400 relics, books, and historical sites. The findings were compiled and published in related booklets both in China and Korea.