The Dongwon Coal Sabuk Mining Office, which operated from 1963 to 2004, has reopened as a cultural space documenting the history of coal mining and the lives of miners.
On October 7, Kangwon Land announced the official opening ceremony of the 'M650 Museum' in Sabuk-eup, Jeongseon County, attended by over 600 guests, including CEO Kim Do-kyun.
The M650 Museum has been developed as an exhibition and experience space, preserving the facilities and remnants of the former Sabuk Mining Office. The site covers a total area of 66,755 square meters. It began welcoming visitors on October 1.
The opening ceremony included a memorial exhibition honoring miners who lost their lives in the industry, followed by speeches, the presentation of gratitude plaques, performances, and a tour of the museum.
Exhibits include the safety lamp charging room and washroom used by miners. The hoisting room has been converted into a café. Visitors can also experience riding a mine cart and view special exhibitions utilizing coal mining heritage.
On weekends, there will be four free guided tours each day. Starting October 17, paid educational programs will be available. To celebrate the opening, admission will be free until the end of this month.
From October 7 to 10, the '2026 Coal Culture Festival' will also take place at the M650 Museum and surrounding areas.
The festival will feature participation from five cities and counties in coal industry transition areas, including Jeongseon, Taebaek, Yeongwol, Samcheok, and Boryeong. It coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Coal Culture Festival and will include promotional and experiential booths, dance dramas and musicals themed around coal mining culture, street performances, stargazing talks, and jazz concerts. A fireworks show will conclude the festival on October 10.
CEO Kim Do-kyun expressed, "I feel a sense of mission in opening the M650 Museum at a site that embodies the history of South Korea's industrialization. We aim to create a space where local residents and tourists can reflect on the value of coal mining together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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