Suwon Gwanggyo Museum

Overview

Suwon Gwanggyo Museum is a specialized museum that preserves the historical identity of the Gwanggyo region. It houses artifacts excavated during the development of the Gwanggyo New Town, alongside unique private collections. The museum is particularly famous for its "Children's Museum," which offers interactive historical experiences, and its scenic location within Gwanggyo Historical Park, making it a perfect spot for families and history enthusiasts alike.

History

Opened in March 2014, the museum was established to manage and exhibit over 30,000 artifacts discovered during the Gwanggyo New Town development project. It features significant donations from Sa-un Lee Jong-hak, a specialist in Dokdo and Geumgangsan history, and So-gang Min Kwan-sik, a prominent sports and political figure. Through these collections, the museum has evolved into a vital educational hub for Korean modern history and regional heritage.

Things to see

• **Gwanggyo History Hall**: Displays a wide range of excavated artifacts from the Paleolithic era to the Joseon Dynasty, showcasing the lifestyle of ancient Gwanggyo residents.

• **Sa-un Hall**: Features the "Dokdo Collection" by Lee Jong-hak, providing historical evidence of Dokdo as Korean territory through rare maps and documents.

• **So-gang Hall**: Showcases the lifelong collection of Min Kwan-sik, including Olympic memorabilia and items related to modern Korean political and sports history.

• **Gwanggyo Historical Park**: Surrounding the museum, this park houses the tombs of royal ancestors and historic trees, offering a tranquil outdoor museum experience.

Things to do

• **Children’s Experience Hall**: An interactive "dig site" for kids to role-play as archaeologists and learn about cultural heritage through hands-on play.

• **Rubbing & Traditional Printing**: Participate in workshops where you can create traditional Korean ink rubbings of historical patterns and characters.

• **Historical Park Walk**: Take a self-guided tour of the park's "Protection Trees" and the tomb of Prince Hwaryeong, enjoying the harmony of nature and history.

• **Seasonal Education Programs**: Join family-oriented lectures and weekend craft classes focused on traditional holidays and historical anniversaries.