E2024-G020
A Journey through the Literary Legacy of Gwangju’s Four Poets
Narrative
Gwangju Literature Museum is dedicated to honoring the lives and works of four major literary figures of the city: Bak Yong-cheol (1904-1938), pioneer of pure poetry; Kim Hyeon-seung (1913-1975), known as the poet of solitude; Jeong So-pa (1912-2013), a trailblazer of modern sijo poetry; and Mun Byeong-ran (1935-2015), a poet of protest. Though they lived in different times, they are united by their deep connection to Gwangju and to Korean literature.
Bak Yong-cheol led the pure poetry movement during the Japanese colonial period (1910–1945). In Gwangju, Yonga-ro is named after his pen name, and his birthplace is preserved in Sochon-dong. His wife, Im Jeong-hui, ran Sinseong Tea House, which served as a gathering place for local writers of the time.
Kim Hyeon-seung settled in Gwangju in 1919, when his father, Kim Chang-guk, was appointed pastor of Gwangju Yangnim Church. A self-service cafe named Dahyeong Tea House, which was in operation from 2012 to 2017, commemorated his literary spirit. Today, the Kim Hyeon-seung Literary Room within the Chosun University Museum offers insight into his body of work.
Jeong So-pa devoted his life to modern sijo poetry. A monument dedicated to him now stands in the Sculpture Park of the Gwangju Culture and Art Center.
Mun Byeong-ran, who wrote in solidarity with the people, is remembered through his former residence, the Poet Mun Byeong-ran’s House, and the Seoeun Mun Byeong-ran Literature Institute. This institute carries on his legacy by hosting the annual Mun Byeong-ran Literary Festival and the Mun Byeong-ran Literary Award.
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