JB Life March 2017

JEONBUK TOUR
By RENEE MCMILLAN
JB Life Contributing Writer
Gunsan, a port city located approximately
forty minutes north of Jeonju,
is probably best known for the Gunsan
Air Base located there, and as a departure
point for exploring the nearby islands. However,
Gunsan has a long and vibrant history
which includes pirates, heroic battles at sea,
and the struggle against Japanese colonial rule.
Gunsan’s rich history may be explored along
the seaside in two locations: the Gunsan Modern
History Museum, and the Jinpo Maritime
Theme Park.
The first stop in discovering the history of
Gunsan should be the Gunsan Modern History
Museum. The museum was completed and
opened in 2011, and offers three floors of exhibitions
in a modern and well-designed open
space. When first entering the building, you
will find a huge and impressive replica of Eocheongdo
Lighthouse, which also serves as a
photo stop for most visitors. The first floor contains
the Ocean Distribution History Hall and
the Theme Park for Children. The Ocean Distribution
History Hall exhibits and explains the
history of sea trade and its importance to the
region. The Theme Park for Children provides
an opportunity for children to experience the
life of a sea trade worker through games and
interactive displays. There is also a large wooden
sailing ship in the main hall that visitors are
allowed to board and “man.”
The second floor of the museum is dedicated
to the history of the Okgu Farmers, and details
their struggles during the colonization by the
Japanese. Gunsan opened its ports in 1899 and
established a settlement where foreigners could
live and trade freely. This area was designated
a joint settlement in hopes of preventing Japan
from occupying the lands, however the area
soon fell under Japanese control. The second
level provides a great deal of history surround-
g
LEFT: The outside of the historic Wibong Warship at Jinpo Maritine Theme Park. RIGHT [from top]:
A simulated scene inside the Maritime museum; the inside of a larger plane in the Maritime Park; the
outside of the plane on display. [Shots [Photos courtesy by RENEE of Gimje MCMILLAN] Public Relations]
Jeonbuk Life 15
Jeonbuk Life 15
g