Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters Hosts Special Exhibition on the 600th Anniversary of Korea's First Professional Firefighting Organization, Geumhwadogam

To commemorate the 600th anniversary of the founding of the Geumhwadogam, the first professional firefighting organization of the Joseon Dynasty, the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters is holding a special exhibition on the first floor of its headquarters in Paldal-gu, Suwon, for one month starting from June 9.

The Geumhwadogam, established in 1426 after the Great Fire of Hanyang, was Korea's first specialized fire response organization. It was responsible for fire prevention and suppression, and is considered the origin of today's firefighting organizations.

This special exhibition is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the background of the Geumhwadogam's founding, the Joseon-era disaster prevention system, the wisdom of ancestors in responding to fires, as well as the beginnings of modern firefighting and the development of firefighting in Gyeonggi Province.

Visitors can explore historical materials such as the Suchonggi, known as Joseon's first fire pump, and the Deumeu, a fire protection facility in palaces, to learn about the disaster response efforts of their ancestors.

Choi Yongchol, Acting Officer in Charge at Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters (second from the right), is talking with officials while visiting the Geumhwado Gallery special exhibition hall on the 11th. Provided by Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters

The exhibition also features the development of firefighting organizations, from the Suwon Fire Brigade to the establishment of the National Fire Agency.

The exhibition hall is designed in the style of a traditional Hanok, reminiscent of the Geumhwadogam government office, and features a total of 17 storyboard panels that vividly portray the past and present of firefighting.

After the exhibition at the headquarters concludes, the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters plans to continue the traveling exhibition at Gyeonggi Provincial Government and the Fire Academy, among other locations.

Choi Yongcheol, Acting Duty Officer at the Gyeonggi-do Fire and Disaster Headquarters, stated, "Today's 119 is not an organization that was created overnight, but the result of 600 years of responsibility and dedication that began with the Geumhwadogam. I hope this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the roots and values of firefighting and the significance of the time spent protecting the lives of our citizens."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.