Korea's Ancient Capital Gongju Tests Regional Growth Strategy

Gongju, an ancient capital of the Baekje Kingdom, has emerged as a critical test case for the Lee Jae-myung administration's regional balanced growth initiative, as the city struggles with population decline despite its proximity to the administrative city of Sejong.

According to Gongju city data released on January 8, the city's population fell from 116,365 at the end of 2013 to 102,097 by the end of 2023. The most recent figure from the end of 2024 shows 99,979 residents, breaking below the 100,000 threshold. That Gongju, a neighbor of Sejong, faces such circumstances demonstrates the difficulty of achieving regional balanced growth.

The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) has taken particular interest in Gongju as a historic Baekje capital. KHS Commissioner Heo Min conducted a field inspection of the "Ancient Capital Image Restoration Project" on January 5-6.

"Since 2015, we have been restoring ancient capital images and creating vibrant historical-cultural cities through improvements to residential environments, streetscapes, and historical-cultural settings," the KHS stated. "In Gongju, 16.7 billion won has been invested in 307 projects, including historical-cultural environment development around Jemincheon Stream and hanok-style residential improvements in Songsan Village."

The project aims to integrate historical context into everyday spaces beyond simple landscape maintenance. The plan seeks to replicate the success of Gyeongju's Hwangnidan-gil district in other ancient capitals, including revitalizing areas around Gongju's Jemincheon Stream.

A flagship project site is Songsan Village below the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong and the Royal Tombs. Residents wishing to build new hanok traditional houses or renovate existing ones can receive subsidies covering 50% of construction costs, up to 150 million won.

"This area was previously restricted from development due to cultural heritage protection regulations, but since the hanok support project launched, it has become the village with the most hanok construction," the KHS explained.

The most significant transformation is occurring around Banjuk-dong Flagpole Supports Park. Historical records indicate this was the site of Daetongsa Temple, believed founded in 527 during King Seong's reign when Gongju served as Baekje's capital. The remaining flagpole supports, designated as a National Treasure, date from the Unified Silla period.

The area has been converted into a public park through demolition of dilapidated housing. Scattered stone artifacts have been collected for display, and pathways have been reorganized to bring cultural heritage closer to citizens. The park officially opens in March.

Ongoing excavations in surrounding areas have uncovered substantial quantities of discarded roof tiles believed to be from Daetongsa Temple, with excavation sites being converted into additional parkland.

At Gomanaru (Bear Ferry) in western Gongju, the project extends to landscape development. Gomanaru is where the name "Ungjin" originated and served as a waterway transportation gateway during the Ungjin Baekje period. A Joseon-era state altar for national peace remains at the site, along with relics introducing local bear legends. A forest path lined with approximately 500 pine trees stretches along the riverbank.

Jemincheon Stream, flowing from Geumhak-dong to join the Geum River at Geumseong-dong, serves as Gongju's spine. The KHS and Gongju city are conducting parallel ecological stream restoration and ancient capital image projects, transforming the streamside into a space where residents and visitors naturally encounter historical-cultural heritage.

"The Jemincheon area in Gongju is being reborn through renovation of aging buildings and landscape improvements, with these changes leading to an influx of tea houses and restaurants, creating new vitality for the local economy," Commissioner Heo said. "The KHS will expand these achievements through the Ancient Capital Image Restoration Project so that cultural heritage is not disconnected from citizens' daily lives but exists alongside them."

"Furthermore, we will actively support the continuous spread of Jemincheon's achievements not only to each ancient capital but throughout historical-cultural zones," Heo added.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has also expanded its role. Former Culture Minister Yoo In-chon conducted a two-day field inspection of Gongju's cultural heritage and Western Inland Regional Tourism Development Project sites on March 20-21, 2024. The Western Inland Regional Tourism Development Project (2024-2026) combines religious culture and healing elements across South Chungcheong, Sejong, and North Jeolla provinces, with planned initiatives including healing pilgrimage product development, the Bidangaram Bicycle Path, and healing trail lunch box development.

During his visit, former Minister Yoo toured the Gongju National Museum, Art Center Goma, Gongju Culture and Arts Center, and Gongsanseong Fortress on the first day, experienced a temple stay at Magoksa Temple, then walked the "Religious Cultural Heritage Trail" on the second day via Gongju's Wind Path and Hwangsaebawi Martyrdom Site, expressing expectations for regional balanced growth.

Gongju's "Religious Cultural Heritage Trail" is a walking route connecting Hwangsaebawi Catholic Martyrdom Site; Gongju Hyanggyo, where Confucian scholar Oh Gang-pyo took his own life in 1910 to protest Japanese annexation; Youngmyeong Middle and High School, founded in 1906 and Yu Gwan-sun's alma mater; Gongju First Church, the region's first Methodist church now serving as the Gongju Christian Museum; and Daetongsa Temple Site Flagpole Supports Park.

The entire "Gongju Cultural Heritage Trail" spans 5 kilometers and takes approximately two hours to walk. The path passes through old downtown residential areas and Gongju Sanseong Traditional Market. The ministry noted that such concentration of major religious and historical sites in a limited area is extremely rare in Korea.

Gongju marked the first location where heads of both the Culture Ministry and the Korea Heritage Service conducted visits on similar themes within a close timeframe, drawing particular attention.