Yongbong-gwan of Chonnam National University (CNU) was designated as a national registered cultural heritage on December 31, 2020. This is the third time CNU’s building has been registered as a national cultural heritage following the College of Humanities 1 Building and the College of Medicine Building, registered in 2004 and 2018 respectively. The Cultural Heritage Administration acknowledged Yongbong-gwan’s cultural value of modern architectural features that represent the distinct characteristics of public buildings in the 1950s and 1960s. Since it has been used as the University Headquarters Building from December 1957 to May 1996, it has historical meaning as the place which represents the seventy-year history of CNU including the May 18 Democratization Movement. Now, it is the CNU History Museum that introduces the footprints of the university to visitors and promotes the university. It is also a memorial space to reminisce about the school days for CNU’s alumni and teaching staff as well. Since the buildings designated as national cultural assets can be supported by the government for maintenance costs, Yongbong-gwan will be more systematically administered.

By Jo Ye-rin, Student Editor