Illuminated Media Art in Gunsan's Modern Heritage
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- blog.naver.com

2026 Gunsan National Heritage Media Art
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◆ Event Period: August 20, 2026 - September 20, 2026
◆ Venue: Former Gunsan Customs Headquarters, Gunsan Inner Port Historical and Cultural Space
◆ Theme: Illuminated Tour of Gunsan
Experience the illuminated tour of Gunsan, walking through its past, present, and future.
As night fell, a new landscape unfolded over the old buildings of Gunsan. The former Gunsan Customs Headquarters, with its red bricks and vintage windows, transformed into a stage that narrated the stories of Gunsan through light. Even though it was a familiar place, I found it hard to take my eyes off the scene.
This is the second year of the Gunsan National Heritage Media Art event. This year, under the theme 'Illuminated Tour of Gunsan,' the night is being lit up in a spectacular fashion. While I remembered the grandeur of last year, this year's experience left me with a different kind of emotional resonance.
As light touched the old buildings, the night in Gunsan transformed. The light that changed with the building's shape caught my attention first. The outlines of windows, doors, and roofs became distinct, only to be filled with entirely different colors and patterns in the next scene.
Even while looking at the same building from the same spot, the atmosphere shifted with each changing scene. Observing the warm light and vibrant colors illuminating the entire structure made me notice the architectural details I usually overlooked.
It was impressive to see the walls and windows of the old buildings become part of the narrative. I thought about how we could encounter Gunsan's modern heritage in such a fresh way.
The stories of ships, trains, and people who have shaped this city flowed through the exhibition. It felt as if time was accumulating in the spaces where boats came and trains ran, gradually forming a city seen through light.
What resonated with me, as much as the brilliant colors, was the presence of the people contained within. The paths we walk and the buildings we gaze upon carry the memories and lives of others.
With the added narrative to the familiar landscape of Gunsan, the place felt closer to me. For me, this visit was a chance to see my neighborhood from a new perspective. For those visiting, it would offer another scene to remember the city of Gunsan.
This year's deep emotional echoes followed the overwhelming impressions from last year. Last year, the pain of the Japanese colonial period and the stories of overcoming it were at the core of my experience. The weight of history was conveyed through grand presentations, and I remember feeling overwhelmed during the viewing.
This year, a different emotion approached me. It felt like watching the past, present, and future of Gunsan all at once from the same place. Standing in front of the old buildings, I felt a deep connection to the city's timeline.
Especially, the narration by actress Yang Hee-kyung at the end enhanced this lingering emotion. As I listened to her voice, the light and time of Gunsan felt even closer. While photographs capture moments, the emotions experienced through the combination of visuals and voice will linger longer in memory.
The Gunsan illuminated tour is not limited to just one building. You can explore the night of Gunsan along nine scenic spots, from the former Customs Headquarters to the historical and cultural spaces of the inner port.
As you walk away from the impressions of light experienced at the Customs, you will encounter different atmospheres in the buildings and streets. The videos that fill the walls and the lights illuminating the trees and paths provide sights to enjoy even while moving.
If you visit, I recommend checking the guide map first and exploring the nine scenes at your own pace. Take a moment to pause at scenes you like and listen to the stories conveyed in the visuals. I hope you take the time to appreciate Gunsan's spaces alongside the joy of photography.
The Gunsan National Heritage Media Art event continues until September 20, 2026. If you're planning a night outing in Jeonbuk during the late summer to early autumn, consider walking through the streets of Gunsan's modern heritage.
This encounter with the night of Gunsan was filled with both brilliance and emotional depth. The buildings adorned with light felt new, yet the stories they told resonated with the Gunsan we live in. It was a time to reflect on the overlapping past, present, and future in the same location.
Experience how the familiar sights of Gunsan transform at night through the nine scenic spots. After listening to the final narration, the night of Gunsan will likely linger in your heart a little longer.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224403332764
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