Cooperation on preserving historical and cultural heritage and revitalizing the region
Yeosu City announced Wednesday that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Embassy in Seoul, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the South Jeolla-Gwangju integrated special city on the preservation and use of Geomundo's modern historical and cultural space.
Yeosu Mayor Seo Yeong-hak, Cultural Heritage Administration chief Heo Min, British Ambassador to South Korea Colin Crooks and South Jeolla-Gwangju integrated special city culture director Lee Gil-yong attended the signing ceremony.
The agreement aims to systematically preserve the historical and cultural value of Geomundo and develop sustainable ways to use the site in connection with the local community, reflecting the spirit of Korea-UK historical and cultural cooperation and regional coexistence.
Under the MOU, Yeosu City will engage with local residents to identify cooperative projects that preserve and promote Geomundo's historical value, and will pursue the sustainable use of local cultural heritage through festivals and exhibitions.
The Cultural Heritage Administration will provide budget and technology support for project implementation and assist with investigations, research and public outreach.
The British Embassy will supply historical records and documentary evidence related to the Geomundo Incident and provide public diplomacy support, while the South Jeolla-Gwangju integrated special city will handle promotional activities and budget support to boost local tourism.
Ahead of the signing, cooperation from the British government helped confirm the exact locations of Korea's first tennis court and an undersea communications facility. New documentary evidence was also secured, including land lease contracts between Geomundo residents and British forces. The city plans to incorporate these findings into its comprehensive development plan.
Geomundo's modern historical and cultural space preserves the everyday history of a fishing village, including traces of modern-era houses and the introduction of outside goods and culture. It was registered as a national registered cultural heritage site in 2024.
The former Samsan-myeon council hall and the undersea communications facility were also registered as national registered cultural heritage sites, recognized respectively for their value as examples of local self-governance on island communities and as modern industrial heritage.
"Through this agreement, we will ensure that Geomundo's precious history becomes a force that nurtures the lives of its residents and the future of the region," Mayor Seo said.
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