[Editorial] 'Historical Seoul' Needs Public Support

The Hanbuk Range protrudes from Baekdu Daegan and turns like a dragon at Mount Bukhan before stopping at Bugak. The Han River flows a thousand ri before forming a water taegeuk whirling downriver. The mountains' vigor goes to the right of Bugak and forms Mount Inwang and to the left to form Naksan. Namsan stands between Bugak and the Han River and blocks any undesirable energy. How would even someone ignorant of the ways of pungsu not want to settle there?

Gyeongbok Palace was built at the foot of Bugak; Jongmyo Shrine was built to the southeast; and the four mountains were joined by a fortress wall with the Four Gates built among them. Thus Hanyang [Seoul] became Joseon's capital. Thereafter and for more than 600 years it has been the political, economic, and cultural center of the Korean peninsula, and the land within the traditional Four Gates is full of ruins and relics. Seoul's history goes farther back than the start of Joseon. It goes all the way back to the ancient states. It was the site of the capital of Early Baekje was one of Goryeo's four capitals, so was always seen as a prime spot for the seat of government. However, Seoul's history was destroyed by Japan's annexation, the Korean War, and indiscriminate development.

On Tuesday the government announced plans to restore Seoul as a city of history. The city walls, Doui and Soui gates, and Gwanghwamun – all of which are said to be as advanced as the Great Wall of China in terms of construction technology – are to be rebuilt in their original locations. Bugak, a "guardian mountain" that is like a protective spirit, will be returned to the citizens of the city and there will be a major plaza area built in front of Gwanghwamun. All that will be possible because Korea has grown in cultural strength.

It is good news but one also worries. Restoring and preserving cultural properties conflicts with development and gets pushed to the backburner when budget time comes around. The plan will not succeed without sustained support from the public. One dreams about the day Seoul is brought back to life as a model city of history with pan-governmental support and public encouragement and that it becomes the prime spot of world culture by being registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The Hankyoreh, 25 January 2006.

[Translations by Seoul Selection]