The Yehyang Mokpo Research Group of the Mokpo City Council has commenced its research activities by visiting local cultural arts sites to assess facility operations and identify areas for improvement.
On August 28, the group conducted its first field activity at the Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum, where they viewed exhibitions and gathered feedback from museum officials.
Formed after a launch ceremony on August 13, the research group aims to re-evaluate Mokpo's cultural arts assets and explore sustainable development strategies for local cultural arts. The Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum, which is directly operated and managed by the city, was chosen as the first site for their visit.
Members of the research group viewed the 2026 Youth Artist Invitational Exhibition titled 'Gestures of Loving Life' in the museum's first-floor exhibition hall.
Through the works of young artists, they examined the contemporary perspectives and diverse expressions of young creators, discussing the importance of fostering a cultural arts environment that expands opportunities for local youth artists.
The group then visited the second floor to view works by the late artist Kim Am-ki. They reflected on the historical depictions of Mokpo's past, including the old Mokpo ferry terminal and Yudal Mountain, and discussed strategies for preserving and utilizing local artistic assets.
In addition to viewing the exhibitions, the group also addressed current issues in museum operations. They received explanations from museum officials regarding problems related to facility aging and the need for repairs, exploring ways to enhance convenience for cultural facility users.
All seven members of the research group, including Chairperson Park Soo-kyung, participated in the day's activities.
Chairperson Park stated, "It is significant that all members attended the first field activity together," adding, "The Nohjeokbong Art Park Museum has been a cultural space in Mokpo that attracts both locals and tourists since its opening in 2009."
Park specifically highlighted the need for facility improvements to enhance accessibility for disabled visitors and the installation of sunshades at the outdoor performance area.
She emphasized, "We will continue to visit local cultural arts sites, listen to stakeholders' opinions, and discuss development directions with our members."
Meanwhile, the Yehyang Mokpo Research Group was established as a council research group to re-evaluate the value of Mokpo's cultural arts resources and seek policy directions that can connect these resources to the region's cultural and tourism competitiveness. The group plans to visit various cultural arts facilities in the area to assess operational conditions and improvement tasks, aiming to develop policy alternatives to promote cultural arts in Mokpo based on feedback from these visits.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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