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Bucheon_Finding the Identity of a Young City (2)

the industrial heritage and memorial monuments

As a province adjacent to Seoul, the country's capital city, Gyeonggi-do has inherited a vast amount of Korea's modern cultural heritage as the country has undergone a turbulent modern history, ranging from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty to the Japanese Occupation Period followed by the national liberation and division, the Korean War, and the impressive industrialization and democratization processes. “Modern Cultural Heritage of Gyeonggi” will feature an introduction to the modern culture of Gyeonggi-do together with a discussion about the history, identity and values of the Province in terms of cultural heritage.


Writer | Ye-seon Choi



Samjeong-dong Incineration Plant,

Turning into a Cultural Space for Citizens


With the industrial facilities revalued, one of the most interesting projects carried out by Bucheon is the Art Bunker 39, the remodeling of the old incineration plant. The incineration plant in Samjeong-dong was established in 1995 and stopped operation in 2010, after 15 years of fulfilling its duty as an incineration plant of household wastes. Bucheon decided not to demolish, but rather to recycle the structure. The place is turning into a complex cultural space along with the forest, after the 24 pre-programs including discourse with the residents, historical archiving, events for culture and arts, and a joint study with the local university.


Samjeong-dong incineration plant Archive Platform>


The Samjeong-dong incineration plant is under renovation. The structure consists of three parts—the building for receiving wastes, the building for burning them, and the administrative building. The first building has no columns, so that it can accommodate a large number of people at once. The second has many types of equipment inside for burning, which are not to be demolished, and will house a cafe, exhibition halls, and offices after appropriate remodeling. The high chimney will be left intact, marking the incineration site, and the waste entrance zone, ranging deeply underground and 37 meters high, will remain to be open to the public. The official I met at the construction site repeatedly emphasized that “The guideline is to leave as many things intact as possible.” Once you remove it, it cannot be restored. I could feel the planner's careful attitude towards the historic monuments, which allows the display of history at any time from different perspectives.




Simgokcheon Stream and Sosa Catholic Church,

A Healing Way Made by Memorial Heritages


The landscapes in People of Wonmi-dong, a novel that shows the 1980s of Bucheon, are now hard to find. Wonmi-dong was once a place for the dwellings of those who couldn’t afford the houses in Seoul. People searched for hope in Wonmi-dong, maybe due to the name ‘Wonmi’, with the dreamy meaning of ‘far and beautiful’. The novel started to question on the sense of acceptance of the citizens in the city of Bucheon. Is Bucheon only the gateway to Seoul? What means will be needed to make people want to stay?



<Simgokcheon Stream>


In fact, the road connecting Seoul and Incheon passes through the city of Bucheon. Thus, there is high and rapid traffic in the city, and a physical disconnection from neighboring areas. Simgokcheon Stream, which was restored in 2017, can be said to be the city’s first attempt to control its pace. Simgokcheon Stream flows across Bucheon, joining Gulpocheon River, then runs to the Hangang River. The stream was covered with concrete in 1986 and used as a road, then restored into a waterway after 30 years. The narrow waterway of Simgokcheon Stream links the old and the new downtowns of Bucheon, which are divided by high-rise apartment buildings that stand like columns with shops on the ground floor. With the slowed water, couldn't the memories be revealed and the stories accumulated?


<Simgokcheon Stream>


Simgokcheon Stream is a restoration of the way to our memories. From the starting point of the stream to Sosa-dong, there remains a village with old alleys and a charming atmosphere. The region of Sosa was formed when the Gyeongin Railroad passed through the area, but the railway, once the symbol of development, became the factor that divides the city and hinders its advancement. Thus, the alleys of the old downtown have been kept intact. Following the narrow alleys, you will find a Catholic church by the railroad—Sosa Catholic Church, the first Catholic church in Bucheon. In 1946, the church was established at the villa of a wealthy Japanese person, and in 1960 its new chapel was founded at the current site and is an important unregistered modern architectural heritage in Bucheon. Made of wood, its interior is simple and warm. Carved on the church is the prayer of the poet Jeong Ji-yong. The healing way of restoration gives the visitors a chance to recall the history and figures of the past.



세부정보

  • Modern Cultural Heritage in Gyeonggi-do

    Article and Pictures/ Ye-seon Choi (Cultural heritage columnist)

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