Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park

In the heart of downtown Daegu, a few minutes' walk from Jungangno Station, brightly painted Joseon government buildings appear among the trees. Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park stands on the site of the Gyeongsang Provincial Office, which governed the whole of Gyeongsang Province for some three centuries in late Joseon, the equivalent of today's provincial government. The governor's office, Seonhwadang, and his residence, Jingcheonggak, still stand here as reminders of the city's long history.

History: a wandering office settles in Daegu

Joseon divided the country into eight provinces, each run by a governor based at a provincial office, or gamyeong, which handled administration, justice and military command. The Gyeongsang office started in Gyeongju and moved between Sangju, Palgeo, Dalseong and Andong. It was first set up in Daegu in 1596, during the Japanese invasions, burned down the following year, and finally settled in Daegu for good in 1601. From then on Daegu grew into the leading city of the province.

After the provincial system was reorganised in 1896 the site remained the centre of North Gyeongsang, and from 1910 to 1965 it housed the provincial government. When the offices moved to Sangyeok-dong, the site became a park in 1970; long known simply as "Central Park", it received its present name in 1997. The office site was designated a national Historic Site in 2017.

What to see

• Seonhwadang: the governor's office. With almost no other government buildings of its kind surviving, it is valued as a rare example of Joseon administrative architecture. Daegu tangible cultural heritage.
• Jingcheonggak: the governor's living quarters, also Daegu tangible cultural heritage.
• Good-governance steles: 29 stone steles honouring governors and Daegu magistrates line one side of the park.
• Bell of Unification and paths: a traditional-style gate, fountain, stone walls and paths, plus a bell dedicated to Korean reunification.

Good to know

• The provincial office was also a publishing centre. Books printed here are known as Yeongyeong editions; 233 woodblock titles have been identified, with an especially high share of Confucian classics and collected works.
• The office's pavilion, Gwanpungnu, was moved to the Dalseong earthen fortress (today's Dalseong Park) in 1906.
• When the provincial office came to Daegu, the neighbouring districts of Gyeongsan, Hayang and Hwawon were merged into Daegu to help fund it.

Nearby

• Gyesan-dong Cathedral: about 600 m southwest, finished in 1902 and the oldest Western-style church in Gyeongsang.
• Seomun Market: Daegu's best-known traditional market, about 1.1 km away, famous for its night market and street food.
• Dalseong Park: the old earthen fortress where the office's pavilion Gwanpungnu now stands.

Tripto tips

• Visiting: always open, every day, and free. About 5 minutes on foot from Jungangno Station.
• Parking: the car park charges KRW 1,000 for the first 30 minutes plus extra time charges; public transport is easier downtown.
• Time needed: 30–40 minutes for the buildings and steles. Add Gyesan-dong Cathedral and Seomun Market on foot for a half-day city walk.
• Information: 053-254-9404.