Chungbuk Jeungpyeong Merinol Village Creation Center to Be Used as a Space for Interaction Between Artists and Residents
The Merinol Village Creation Center in Jeungpyeong, Chungcheongbuk-do, will serve as a cultural exchange space for artists and local residents.
The Merinol Village Creation Center, located in Jeungpyeong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, has been transformed from an abandoned church kindergarten into a vibrant cultural space. The local government has announced a call for resident artists who will be required to run cultural and artistic programs that involve community participation on a monthly basis, ensuring a dynamic interaction between artists and the local populace. Artists are expected to live and create in the center for at least ten days per month, fostering a creative environment that benefits both parties.
The facility spans 584 square meters and includes several amenities such as the Merinol Exhibition Hall, studios for art production, a communal workshop, and a shared kitchen. Adjacent to the Creation Center is the Merinol Hospital's pharmacy building, a registered cultural property, which adds historical significance to the site. The pharmacy, once a vital health resource for the community, was established in 1957 as part of the Merinol Missionary Society's healthcare initiative, highlighting the long-standing legacy of community support through healthcare services.
Although the pharmacy and hospital provided essential medical care for thousands in the past, they eventually closed in 1990 amidst improving public health conditions. The repurposing of this space into a cultural hub aims to renew its role as a center for community engagement, creativity, and cultural development, reflecting a shift from historical healthcare to contemporary cultural exchange.