E2024-G137

The Origins of Domestic Tourism: The Former Tourist Hotel in Mudeungsan Mountain

Narrative

Located in Wonhyogyegok Valley of Mudeungsan Mountain are three buildings, which were established in 1959 as a Western-style cabin hotel. To promote the tourist industry after the Korean War (1950-1953), the Republic of Korea government established recreational facilities at three major scenic sites, namely Seoraksan Mountain in Gangwon-do Province, Seogwipo of Jejudo Island, and Mudeungsan Mountain in Gwangju. The Seoraksan and Seogwipo facilities no longer remain, having been destroyed by fire. The Former Tourist Hotel in Mudeungsan Mountain became a very popular honeymoon destination in the 1960s and 1970s and operated until the late 1990s. In the 1980s, it was also used as a secret gathering place for participants of the May 18 Democratic Uprising. Among the original six buildings, only three remain, including the main building. In the past, it was maintained by the Jeonnam Ilbo, founded by Kim Nam-jung (1884-1975). It is now designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage.