Seoul's Jongno-gu is set to immerse residents and visitors in its rich cultural heritage through a series of engaging programs starting this April 2025. These initiatives, named ‘Nuhadongcheon Alley Time, Memories, and Recollections’ and ‘New Daily Life in Seochuru (Our Cultural Heritage Exploration),’ have been selected as part of the National Heritage Administration's public offering project.
The first program, ‘Nuhadongcheon Alley Time, Memories, and Recollections,’ will be hosted at the historic Lee Sangbeom's House located at Pildong-daero 31-7, a recognized national cultural heritage site. This program will run until November 2025 and is organized by the Kim Daljin Art Data Museum. It features a variety of activities that highlight the artistic legacy of Lee Sangbeom, including an exhibition showcasing his works alongside modern Korean paintings.
Participants can engage in hands-on experiences such as painting buchaegreem (fan painting), crafting Hanok terrariums, and enjoying a captivating Korean music performance titled 'Seocheoak (樂)haeng.' Additionally, an academic seminar focusing on modern art history, aptly named the ‘Korean Modern Art Seminar,’ will be conducted, making it a comprehensive exploration of both art and culture.
The second initiative, ‘New Daily Life in Seochuru (Our Cultural Heritage Exploration),’ takes place at Geumsunsa, a traditional temple located at Bibong-gil 137. This program runs until September 2025 and offers a unique blend of educational and experiential activities. Participants can learn about the National Treasure Sinjung Pagoda through a drawing experience, attend lectures on Buddhist art, and take part in an environmental movement program called ‘Geumsunsa and Bibong Story,’ which involves cleaning up trash along the path leading to the Jingheung King's pilgrimage site in Bukhansan.
Moreover, the program will feature a cultural performance titled ‘A Place Where Our Cultural Heritage Exists,’ set against the beautiful backdrop of Geumsunsa. This initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Korea's rich cultural heritage while promoting environmental stewardship.
Jeong Mun-heon, the head of Jongno-gu, expressed enthusiasm about these programs, stating, “I am pleased to have the opportunity to promote and utilize meaningful places in Jongno, such as Lee Sangbeom's House and Geumsunsa, thanks to the National Heritage Administration's public offering project. We will continue to support opportunities for residents and tourists to enjoy our cultural heritage and establish it as a representative tourism content for the region.”
As these programs kick off, they promise to provide a platform for community engagement and cultural education, ensuring that the rich history of Jongno is not only preserved but celebrated. With hands-on activities and educational seminars, the local government is making strides to connect the past with the present, inviting everyone to experience the beauty and significance of Korea's cultural heritage.
