WEBZINE ACC

Those of us who grew up in the 1980s, like the author, have memories of animated films like Robot Taekwon V that were screened at the local community center during summer or weekends. In the 1980s, children in South Korea seemed to be captivated by Japanese animations such as Galaxy Express 999, Space Pirate Captain Harlock, and Space Battleship Yamato on Sunday mornings. Of course, there was also Korean animation like Maruchi Arachi, Gold Wing, Electronic Man 337, and General Ttoli, among others. (Please understand if the author, as a male, only remembers male-oriented animations.)

Gwangju’s First Public Cultural Facility, Gwangju Citizens’ Hall

Gwangju Citizens’ Hall, located in Gudong, Nam-gu, Gwangju, is the first public cultural facility in Gwangju, opened in 1971. Nowadays, Gwangju Citizens’ Hall has transformed into a venue for various events, including the Gwangju Biennale Pavilion Project (2018), and in 2020, it became a space for youth startups. However, for the generation that grew up in Gwangju during the 1970s and 1980s, it was likely one of the first, if not the only, places for cultural and artistic experiences. Moreover, during that time, there was also a zoo near the Citizens’ Hall, so if you were to walk through Gudong/Sajik-dong now in 2023, it is likely that it would evoke many of those memories.

Children’s Cultural Center, a Cultural Space for Children

The Asia Culture Center (ACC) consists of various spaces. The ACC includes an Art Theater, Culture Creation Center, Culture Information Center, Asian Culture Plaza, and Children’s Cultural Center. If Gwangju Citizens’ Hall served as a cultural space for children during the 1970s and 1980s, then the ACC Children’s Cultural Center could be considered as the representative cultural space for children in Gwangju in the 2020s.

If you search on the Gwangju Metropolitan City Hall website for spaces where children can have experiences, you can find places such as the Safety Experience Center operated within City Hall, the Children’s Experience Center at the National Gwangju Science Museum, the historical experience at the 5.18 Freedom Park, children’s educational experiences at the Gwangju History and Folklore Museum, kimchi-making experiences in Kimchi Town, amusement parks and zoos at Uchi Park in Buk-gu. It may be surprising to discover that there are not many spaces specifically designed for children despite the presence of the several spaces mentioned. Another surprising experience is that many Gwangju citizens are unaware of the existence of the ACC Children’s Cultural Center.

2nd ACCF Animation Mokkoji

From Oct. 8–9, the 2nd ACCF Animation Mokkoji was held at the ACC Children’s Cultural Center. You could watch famous Korean animated movies (Wilvengers: Suspicious Camping Trouble, Dinoman, Rainbow Bubblegem, The Bigfoots on Topsy-Turvy Island, Duda & Dada: The Secret of HooHoo Island, Carrie and Super Cola, Go Go Dino: Our Local Dinosaur, Little Dreamer Gguda, Shasha & Milo, B Family, Zoo Kids Bebe, and Mother Land) as well as independent animations that are less accessible (Rito and Pengjji, Mom, Where Are You Going, Error, My Child, Look Back, and Let’s Dalgona Time).

Various programs were prepared for children to experience, including <Making Paper Toys>, <Making Flipbooks>, <Creating Your Own Characters>, and <Becoming an Animation Voice Actor>. Additionally, there were opportunities to watch nostalgic animated films that were more popular among adults than children, giving them the chance to revisit their childhood memories. The facilities accompanying the ACC are excellent, matching the reputation of the Center itself. The ACC includes a snack and dining area where visitors can enjoy meals, a toddler playground that allows parents to take a momentary break, and on the rooftop of the Children’s Culture Center, there is a beautiful outdoor imagination garden and a children’s rooftop playground. A surprising fact is that the cost of utilizing these excellent facilities is minimal, or in some cases, even free.

Singing and Dancing Character Parade

One of the highlights of the amusement park seems to be the parade. In this year’s Animation Mokkoji event as well, there was a “Character Parade with Chikchikpokpok Animation Friends.” Children’s memories and imaginations will come alive in moments like singing and dancing in a parade. While enjoying delicious food and watching cartoons together is great, the experience of children holding their parents’ hands and leaping into the air while singing and dancing is perhaps the best way to stimulate their imagination and sensitivity. So, the philosopher Nietzsche says this: