Dongkwang Textile Living Culture Center: A Nostalgic Retro Haven

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Last May, the Dongkwang Textile Living Culture Center was transformed into a vibrant cultural space. This site was once a textile factory that represented Ganghwa-gun’s textile industry alongside Simdo Textile and Joyang Textile. After years of abandonment, Ganghwa-gun acquired the land in 2020, giving birth to this regional cultural gem.

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Donggwang Textile Living Culture Center 3

The Glory Days of Ganghwa as a Thriving Textile Manufacturing Site

#TextileFactory #BookCafé #ExhibitionSpace #CulturalSpace #PlacetoVisitinIncheon

Nestled in a tranquil residential area, Dongkwang Textile Living Culture Center, a gray brick building, boasts numerous windows and is surrounded by pristine grounds. Finding your way here, even on your first visit, is a breeze.

Step inside to find a cozy lobby, and the Dongkwang Textile Sochang Factory and rest area are on either side. On the second floor, a charming book café and quaint terrace await.

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Its most unique space is the Dongkwang Textile Sochang Factory. Also known as cotton fabric, “sochang” is a traditional Korean folk fabric used for making baby cloth diapers.

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Ganghwa enjoyed a thriving textile industry during the 1960s to 1970s. Dongkwang Textile was a key player in the industry’s revival in Ganghwa. However, with the introduction of low-cost synthetic fibers, the industry faced a decline, leading to the factory’s closure.

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Dongkwang Textile Sochang Factory is a place where you can witness the history of Ganghwa. Together with the long cotton fabric on the ceiling, you can find machines that were used to craft fabric, including a warper, sizing machine, coiling machine, winder, spin-dryer, and gluing machine. While these machines may seem unfamiliar, they transport you to the world of the old textile factory.

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The transformation of old textile factories into new spaces is not new. Joyang Textile and Pyeonghwa Textile have become a café and Sochang experience center, respectively. These closed factories are now reborn as cultural spaces, preserving the captivating memories of their bustling past.

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Reception Room Operated by Locals

The adjacent rest zone boasts a unique atmosphere. It features a photo zone with a chair and studio lighting alongside a wall screen showcasing the history of Ganghwa Sochang Factory. Comfy chairs are also available for your relaxation.

Between the factory rest zone and Sochang Factory is a small, stylish lobby. In front of a long table is an entrance with a large glass door that lets in natural light. This space is operated by friendly local residents, welcoming visitors to unwind.

Upstairs, the book café offers another spot to relax. Equipped with cozy chairs, tables, and a wall filled with books, this place can give you a brief respite even if you don’t plan to read. If you open the door on the opposite side, you’ll discover an outdoor terrace to soak in the fresh breeze at a table and chair.

Although Dongkwang Textile Living Culture Center is a small space primarily catering to local residents, it is a captivating place that preserves the charm of an old textile factory, unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Best of all, all areas are open to everyone for free, making it a must-visit “newtro” tourist attraction in Ganghwa, in addition to being a local cultural hub.

Address 35, Nammunan-gil, Ganghwa-eup, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon
Tel. No. +82-32-934-8708
Opening Hours Tuesday–Sunday, 09:00–18:00, Break 12:00–13:00, Closed on Mondays
Fees Free of charge