20 years after closing, an elementary school in Naju has transformed into a cultural tourism site.
The former Namgyeongbuk Elementary School in Namgyeong-eup, Naju, has been renamed 'Namgyeong507' as a multi-cultural space.
Namgyeongbuk Elementary School closed in 2007 and had been left unused for a long time.
Naju City invested 2.45 billion won to remodel the site, aiming to revitalize tourism in the Namgyeong area, and opened 'Namgyeong507' in March.
This project is part of the Namgyeong Station Theme Park development.
The main appeal of Namgyeong507 lies in its ability to preserve the memories and essence of the old school while adding new cultural functions.
The trees on the school grounds and the unique atmosphere of the school have been maintained, while the existing buildings have been reconfigured into a café, gallery, experiential learning room, and seminar room.
It offers nostalgic memories for older generations and a unique cultural experience for children.
The former cafeteria has been transformed into the 'Namgyeong Gallery,' hosting various exhibitions and special shows featuring local artists and works by young artists with developmental disabilities, creating an open cultural space accessible to everyone.
It serves as a space for families to enjoy experiences and relaxation together.
The experiential learning room offers art programs for children, while the spacious lawn and outdoor areas serve as a playground for kids.
Parents can relax in the café and appreciate the artwork in the gallery, enjoying culture, art, experiences, and leisure all in one place.
Since its opening, visitor traffic has continued even on weekdays.
It has become a new outing destination for families from nearby areas, including Gwangju and the Bitgaram Innovation City in Naju.
Naju City plans to use the opening of 'Namgyeong507' as a catalyst to boost tourism in the Namgyeong area.
The city aims to connect historical, cultural, and natural resources around Namgyeong Station and Jiseokcheon with 'Namgyeong507' to develop a tourism zone focused on 'seeing, resting, experiencing, and staying.'
Local residents have responded positively.
During a community meeting on the 'Namgyeong Station Theme Park Development Project' held on August 31, residents expressed their delight, stating, "The closed school has been beautifully renovated into a cultural tourism space that attracts many users and visitors, revitalizing the area."
They also hoped that Naju City would promote the site widely and support the sale of local agricultural products to increase residents' income.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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