A Neighborhood Where the Past Meets the Future: Gunsan Seorae Port Village
Gunsan's 'Gyeongam-dong Railway Village' is one of the city's representative tourist attractions. Since the train service ceased in 2008, the area has been filled with charming shops and old snack stores that evoke the nostalgia of the 70s and 80s, attracting many tourists even today.
Just a short walk towards the Gyeongpo Stream from here leads you to the old charm of Gunsan and a small neighborhood that symbolizes the city.
Seorae Port, which used to be one of the busiest ports in the country, refers to the port area encompassing Gyeongam-dong, Geumam-dong, and Jung-dong.
Historically known as 'Jukseongpo' during the Joseon Dynasty, Seorae Port was one of the critical ports that connected to 'Gunsan Warehouse,' which collected rice taxes from Jeollabuk-do to send to Hanyang. It was also referred to as 'Seoraepo' among the locals.
About 120 years ago, Gunsan Seorae Port became the representative area of Gunsan, especially after the opening of Gunsan Port in 1899, when the Japanese used it as a base for rice exploitation.
In terms of appearance, Gunsan Seorae Port was one of the busiest ports in the country, filled with fishing boats and vessels transporting rice, leading to the establishment of a large village and marketplace. Records from that time even referred to it as the neighborhood with the most money circulating in Gunsan.
By 1944, the arrival of the railway made Seorae Port the most dynamic and bustling area in Gunsan. This railway is the one located in Gyeongam-dong Railway Village.
However, beneath its glamorous surface lies a painful history. The prosperity of that time belonged not to our people but to the Japanese, and all the rice and meat in the marketplace were meant for export to Japan. In Choi Man-sik's novel 'Taryu,' set against the backdrop of Seorae Port, we see villagers enduring the noise and vibrations of the trains while living hard lives in cramped homes.
Seorae Port Village also became the center of a surprising historical event. On March 5, 1919, it was the site of the first 'Mansaemovement' (protest) south of the Han River, known as the Gunsan 3.5 Movement.
The Seorae Market (now the area around Jjeboseonchang and Gyeongam-dong) was the old market of Seorae Port Village, serving as an economic hub where many workers and merchants gathered. Students from Gunsan Youngmyung School (now Jeil High School) and Christian figures led the march through Seorae Market, attracting numerous participants.
The remnants of the alleys in Seorae Village bear the traces of the citizens who shouted for independence over a century ago. The protests at Seorae Market became a catalyst for the spread of the movement throughout Honam.
After losing its port function due to the construction of the Geumgang Estuary Dam in the mid-1980s, Gunsan Seorae Port gradually lost its vitality. The completion of the dam in 1990 blocked sea routes, making it difficult for boats to dock. With the relocation of Gunsan's inner harbor, new city development, and the cessation of train operations, Seorae Port Village faced the risk of fading into obscurity.
However, the revival of Gunsan Seorae Port Village began with a large-scale urban regeneration project initiated in 2018. This project aimed to restore the vitality of Gunsan's forgotten harbor and included the renovation of aging alleys under the brand 'Jinpo Seorae,' along with murals and rest areas that reflect the history of Seorae Port.
The Seorae Life Culture Center, built during this time, serves as a community hub for resident education and cultural activities. This space hosts a neighborhood cultural café, community meetings, and various activities. Inside the center, visitors can see old photos and landscapes of Seorae Port as well as artwork and crafts made by local residents.
Gunsan Seorae Port Village embodies the city's identity, showcasing its rich yet painful history, the Mansaemovement, the loss of its port function, and its recovery through urban regeneration. As March approaches, interest in Gunsan is growing. If you visit the city, consider walking from Gyeongam-dong Railway Village through Seorae Village to Jjebostory 1899, Gunsan Beer Port, Gunsan Port Passenger Terminal 1981, and Jinpo Marine Park to experience the diverse charm of Gunsan's past and present.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224220725704
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