The attraction of the heritage land of Gochang

Located in Jeollabuk-do province (South Korea), Gochang is not only a land of beautiful and attractive nature, but also a symbol of sustainable cultural preservation and development with 7 heritages recognized by UNESCO.

Gochang is a symbol of sustainable cultural preservation and development with 7 heritages recognized by UNESCO. Photo: VGP/DA

If you have the opportunity to visit Korea to explore and experience the diverse life and rich culture, you certainly cannot miss Gochang. This special place is located in Jeollabuk-do province - the cradle of many traditional Korean cultures, blessed with beautiful natural scenery.

Gochang County has a population of more than 51,000, mainly working in agriculture, forestry and fishery (accounting for 35.8% of the population); 18.5% of the population works in mining, manufacturing and construction; other occupations account for 45.7%. In the cultural field alone, this locality has 111 heritage sites, 15 libraries, 9 cultural centers, and 60 public sports centers.

Promoting tourism cooperation between Gochang and Vietnam

Gochang is an extremely special place because when coming here, visitors will probably be impressed and surprised with this place, although it is only over 600km2 wide, Gochang district has up to 7 heritages recognized by UNESCO including: Ancient stone tomb heritage (cultural heritage), Pansori traditional music (intangible cultural heritage), Nongak traditional music (intangible cultural heritage), World Biosphere Reserve (natural heritage), Gochang mudflats (natural heritage), Global Geopark (including Seonunsan, Byeongbawi, Ungok Ramsar Wetland areas, Dolmen stone tomb sites, Myeongsasimni, Gochang mudflats), Donghak peasant revolution notebook (documentary heritage).

Mr. Shim Deok-seop, Governor of Gochang County. Photo: VGP/DA

Mr. Shim Deok-seop, Governor of Gochang County, said: His locality plans to connect 7 natural and cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO into a heritage tourism route that attracts tourists.

"I know that Vietnam also has many UNESCO-recognized heritage sites. Therefore, we want to learn more about possible areas of cooperation between Gochang and Vietnam," said Mr. Shim Deok-seop.

Mr. Shim Deok-seop informed that he plans to visit Vietnam as soon as possible to learn about and promote tourism cooperation between the two sides in the future. This plan is part of the plan to create an open cooperation direction with countries, localities and relevant agencies in the region and the world.

Let's explore 7 precious UNESCO-recognized heritages of Gochang County:

Gochang Ancient Stone Tomb

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2000, the stone tombs are arranged by large stone slabs stacked on top of each other, and are one of the popular types of stone tombs of the prehistoric period, around the 4th to 5th century BC.

The tombstones here come in a variety of styles: table-style, checkerboard-style, above-ground stone chamber-style, and open-type; covering a burial chamber above ground or underground. In the world, it is difficult to find areas with such a dense concentration of stone tombs with solid structures and rich designs as the stone tomb relic cluster in Korea.

In addition to Gochang, dolmen sites are also distributed in Hwasun County (South Jeolla Province) and Ganghwa County (Incheon City); however, the dolmens distributed in Gochang are the most dense with 447 dolmens. This is one of the important heritages, meaningful for the research of social structure in the Bronze Age and the cultural exchange process of prehistoric people in Northeast Asia.

Jeonbuk Global Geopark

In 2023, Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark (Jeollabuk-do Province) was recognized as a global geopark by UNESCO.

Waterfall in Jiksofall site, Jeonbuk West Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, South Korea.

Jeonbuk Global Geopark stretches 1,892 km² from Buan-gun to Gochang-gun; located between the vast Yellow Sea and the vast mudflats. It includes 32 beautiful geological sites, such as Seonunsan Mountain, Chaeseokgang River, and Solseom Island; including Seonunsan, Byeongbawi, Ungok Ramsar Wetland, Dolmen sites, Myeongsasimni, Gochang mudflats, etc.

Jeonbuk Global Geopark is the fifth geopark in Korea to be listed as a UNESCO global geopark and the first coastal geopark in Korea to be recognized by UNESCO. It is considered an optimal natural site for observing geological development, as it has volcanic rocks from the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era as well as rocks and sediments from the Proterozoic to Quaternary Eras.

Gochang World Biosphere Reserve

The entire Gochang-gun area was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2013. The core protected area of the reserve includes the Gochang Buan Ramsar Wetland, Ungok Ramsar Wetland, Seonunsan Provincial Park, Dolmen World Heritage Site, Dongnim Reservoir Wildlife Sanctuary; the surrounding forests, rivers, salt marshes, and sand dunes in this area serve as a buffer zone; other agricultural lands and residential areas are considered transitional areas.

By joining the global biosphere reserve network, Gochang's international status is enhanced. UNESCO plans to restore cultural and ecological tourism; prepare support measures and accompany people's participation. Through this, there is a plan to encourage local people through branding local specialties (watermelon, Pungcheon eel, bokbunja, mulberry, peanuts, bamboo salt, etc.), contributing to economic development and generating revenue.

Gochang Mudflats

Gochang Mudflats was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage in 2021 for its outstanding universal value from the points of view of science, conservation and natural beauty through the protection of nature as a habitat for endangered species of flora and fauna.

The mudflats, before being recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, were designated as wetland conservation areas by local governments in Korea.

The Art of Pansori Musical Storytelling

Pansori is a musical storytelling genre performed by a singer and a drummer; recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2003.

Pansori is popular because it is characterized by expressive singing, stylized speech, a narrative repertoire and gestures, and includes both elite and folk culture. Pansori originated in southwestern Korea in the 17th century, perhaps as a new interpretation of shamanic narrative songs. By the late 19th century, Pansori had acquired more sophisticated literary content and was significantly popular among the urban elite. The settings, characters, and situations that make up Pansori originate from Joseon-era Korea (1392-1910).

Pansori singers undergo long and rigorous training to master a variety of vocal timbres and memorize complex repertoire. Many virtuosos develop individual interpretive styles and are renowned for their distinctive way of performing particular sets.

Nongak Traditional Music

Nongak traditional Korean music is a form of peasant troupe or music performance art; recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.

Nongak is often played on holidays to increase interest in farming work, thereby increasing labor productivity, dispelling hardships and strengthening solidarity in the farming community.

Nongak combines many types of musical instruments such as Samulnori percussion with Buk drum, Kkwaenggwari gong, Janggu wind drum and Jing gong, always creating a vibrant atmosphere, making the surrounding spectators clap and dance.

Nongak carries the sound and breath of the nation throughout thousands of years of Korean history; UNESCO has highly appreciated its community connection and ability to evoke an optimistic, positive atmosphere.

The notebook records the Donghak peasant revolution

The Donghak Peasant Uprising Documents of Korea are important documents that show the transition period to modernity of Korean society. The documents include 185 documents recording the participation of ordinary people and the Japanese Embassy in suppressing the Donghak Peasant Army and the Government during the period of 1894-1895.

In 2023, this document was recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage. At the same time, the document on the April 19, 1960 Revolution of Korea was also recognized by UNESCO as a World Documentary Heritage.

Besides the world heritages, Gochang also attracts tourists with interesting experience programs such as mountain climbing; firefly eco-tourism in Ungok Ramsar wetland; embroidery and knot-tying experiences at traditional houses in Gochang ancient city or experiencing Prehistoric Village at the Ancient Stone Tomb Museum...

Source: https://baolangson.vn/suc-hap-dan-tu-vung-dat-di-san-gochang-5028705.html