Restoring research facilities was the goal. This is how Widang Hall was born. It replaced the Jonghap building. The old building was damaged during student protests. Widang Hall stands as a testament to resilience.
The construction of Widang Hall was funded by the government. A donation campaign also helped. It ran for a year starting in August 1996. Alumni members showed their support. Parents and faculty contributed too. Even undergraduate and graduate students donated. Corporations and ordinary citizens joined in. Civil groups also participated in the donations.
Construction began in May 1997. It finished in August 1998. The building has six floors. There is also one basement floor. The total area covers 8370 square meters.
Today, Widang Hall is home to several important entities. The College of Liberal Arts resides here. So does the Institute of Korean Studies. You’ll also find the Center for Language and Informatics Development. The art and science magazine room is located in Widang Hall too. Also, the Muak Seodang is within these walls.
Originally, this building was called the 2nd Humanities Building. In 2001, its name changed. It became Widang Hall to honor a special person. That person is Widang Jung In Bo. He established Korea’s leadership. He promoted Korean traditional culture. Widang Hall stands as a tribute to his work.