Being one of the three existing Western classical buildings in Korea ใ ก aside the Bank of Korea headquarters and Seoul district office ใ ก, the old Gunsan customs office is considered a cultural heritage of Jeollabuk-do. Which was designed as the monument no. 87. And now, it has become one of the major attractions of this city. Due to its architecture that reflects on the past. And invites anyone to take pictures as how visually outstanding it is.
Since Gunsan is a historical city, it is no surprise that you can some find buildings like this. In fact, there are a lot of constructions that maintain their original architecture. Probably the main reason to why the area is called โGunsan Time Travelโ. Because you get to feel as if you were traveling back to the past.
But among all these buildings, the old Gunsan customs office is indeed one of the most popular. Since it is the perfect spot to take pictures. Plus it is next to Modern History Museum.
Now, get your camera ready! Since you might want to visit as soon as you see how beautiful it is from the outside.
Origin
This single-story building was built in June 1908 ใ ก during the 2nd year of King Sunjongโs reign ใ ก. As a place to oversee the import and export of goods at Gunsan port. Which was established in 1899.
According to the report at the time, it was designed by either the French or German. Who imported materials from Belgium. It is worth to mention that there were auxiliary buildings. Such as watchtowers. However, all of them were demolished. And only the main building and the warehouse remain.
It was used as a Customs office for about 85 years. Till October 1993. And until the 70s and 80s, it was prohibited the entrance to anyone who did not identify him or herself first.
As we mentioned before, it is the monument no. 87 of Jeollabuk-do. It received that title on August 10, 1994. And now, it is an exhibition hall. Where general public can go and learn about the past. So as see photos of the Japanese colonial era in Gunsan city. And it in fact remains as one of the three existing Western classical buildings in Korea.
Walkthrough
Exterior
As soon as you arrive, you will be mesmerized on how beautiful the building it is. And I can assure you, that it looks ten times better in real life.
Since as we mentioned before, who designed it were the German and French. Who imported red bricks and materials from Belgium. The reason to why it looks unique among other structures.
But what makes it even more special, it is the fact that it has characteristics of modern Japanese architecture. Combined with the European style. Which makes it into a western classical building.
The roof of the building is Gothic. While the windows are Romanesque. And the porch has British details. Plus there is a chimney in the center of the roof. So as a needle tower. One of the details that you can pay attention to realize that it has Japanese style inspiration. As in their architecture, they use it to express the meaning of the sky.
Overall, this place has a beautiful symmetrical appearance.
It is worth to mention that this place is in fact big. Which means that you can go to the back and still see the structure. However, it is just the front side what remains iconic.
Needless to say, you can find the stamp tour of Gunsan at the front. Where you can get a stamp to remember your trip.
Interior
As we mentioned before, now it has become an exhibition hall. Where you can learn about the past. And see pictures of the Japanese colonial era in Gunsan. Therefore, becoming the perfect spot for everyone who loves to know about history.
The perfect photo spot
And it is the perfect photo spot because you can capture the essence of Gunsan in just one picture. In other words, through your photo you will be able to see that it is in fact a historical city. Where the past and present coexist.
Even after their projects to turn the city into a modern area, the past remains untouched. And we can come to realize that as how they did not modify any of the original structures of their buildings. Which is the reason to why you will feel as if you were back in the time.
In fact, you just need to edit your pictures with sepia filter. To not identify if you are in the modern times or in the past. That is how classic everything looks.
Location
This place is located in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province.
Address: 244-7 Haemang-ro, Jangmi-dong, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do
How to get there:
From Gunsan station, you can take bus no. 17, 18 or 19. And wait for 26 stops. You must get off in the bus stop โ๊ทผ๋์ญ์ฌ๋ฐ๋ฌผ๊ดโ. Where you need to walk straight until the next street.
Schedule:
Monday to Friday 10:00 ~ 18:00
Saturday to Sunday 10:00 ~ 13:00
Conclusion
The Old Gunsan customs office is a place that you must visit in Gunsan, as it is a cultural heritage of Jeollabuk-do. Which features a Western style architecture. And it is the perfect photo spot for your trip.
If you have already gone, what are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments!
Also, donโt forget to visit my profile to continue reading interesting posts about South Korea! Click here
