The Old Naju Station is the origin of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement, demonstrating the anti-Japanese spirit of the people of Naju. On October 30, 1929, around 5:30 p.m., Japanese male students harassed Korean female students, and when Korean male students stopped them, a fight quickly broke out between Korean and Japanese students. This was the situation of the Naju Station incident, which triggered the 1929 Gwangju Student Independence Movement. Following this, students of Gwangju High Normal School collectively refused to pay respects at the shrine after the Meiji Festival ceremony, one of Japan's four major festivals, and poured into the streets in protest. The news of the student uprising in Gwangju spread nationwide, leading to a historic event where about 54,000 students from 194 schools participated in the demonstrations. Due to its historical significance as the origin of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement, Old Naju Station was designated as Jeollanam-do Monument No. 183 on December 29, 2000. Currently, inside the old Naju Station building, wax figures recreate the ticket gate scene during Naju Station's operation and the working appearance of station staff during the Japanese occupation, offering a visual experience. Right next to the station is the Gwangju Student Anti-Japanese Movement Memorial Hall, where video materials related to the student independence movement at that time can also be seen. (Source: Naju City Culture and Tourism Homepage)
Passing through Dongjeommun, the east gate of Naju Eupseong, and running along Jungang-ro toward Naju Elementary School, there is a large fortress gate in the middle of the road. This is the south gate of Naju Eupseong located in Namnae-dong, called Namgomon. The name Namgomon was given because when leaving this south gate, people looked back toward Geumseonggwan, where the king was, hence the name Namgomon. It is also said that Sambong Jeong Dojeon climbed here when he returned to Naju and composed 'Yuburoseo.' (Source: Naju City Culture and Tourism website)
The former Japanese colonial industrial facility has been reborn as the Naju Nabillera Cultural Center. Selected for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's abandoned industrial facility cultural regeneration project, the center opened in October 2017 as a cultural and artistic space for local residents. The existing six buildings were renovated to include exhibition halls, a small theater, and various spaces for culture and arts. It also offers diverse exhibitions such as the Carpenter Kim Family Exhibition and award-winning works from the Korea Natural Dyeing Culture Product Grand Exhibition. The center is expected to connect Naju's old downtown and innovation city, realizing a smart ecological city.
Moksanaea, guarded by a hackberry tree, was the residence of the Naju governor during the Joseon Dynasty and remains today along with other official buildings inside Naju Eupseong, including Geumseonggwan (the guesthouse) and Jeongsuru (the government office gate). The building follows the typical style of a naea (inner government residence) and has a ㄷ-shaped hipped roof structure. Although much of the original form was lost during its use as a county magistrate's residence from the Japanese occupation period to the late 1980s, the restored Moksanaea is valued as an important resource for understanding the original style of Joseon Dynasty government architecture.
Jeongsuru is the gate of the Naju government office, recorded as a 'gateway' in various local records compiled in Naju. It was also called Jeongwanru. It is said to have been built by Donggye Ubokyong, who was appointed as Naju magistrate in the 36th year of King Seonjo's reign (1603). Additionally, in the Yeojiseo, it is recorded as having been established by local magistrate Min Baeknam (in office from May 29, 1753, to February 4, 1755) and is referred to as Yeongsuru. The current building is considered to have been largely renovated in the 19th century based on its structure and style. Passing through this gate leads to the Dongheon, the office building of the Naju magistrate’s government, where the Outer Dongheon and Inner Dongheon were located. At present, only the magistrate’s residence, the Inner Dongheon remains. Around Jeongsuru, there were many offices of local officials assisting the magistrate, and to the east were buildings such as the Naju government guesthouse, Geumseonggwan, and its main gate, Manghwalu. Until the 1970s, people and vehicles passed under Jeongsuru, but it is now bypassed to protect the cultural heritage. Geumseonggwan is located immediately adjacent. The 'Samaegichyegganhambak Museum' is located 150 meters away in a straight line.
Naju Moksanaea was the private residence of Naju's moksa, the title of highest official in the region. This traditional hanok house was built in 1825 and follows the traditional hanok design of a wealthy aristocrat. It is recognized as Jeollanam-do Cultural Hertiage Material.
