Korean Workers' Party Headquarters, Cheorwon (Korean: 철원 노동당사), also known as Nodongdangsa, is a three-story building that was once occupied by North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea. Initially located in North Korea, it fell under South Korean control after the Korean War and is now situated in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province.
Designated as National Registered Cultural Property of the Republic of Korea No. 22 on May 31, 2002, the building's original purpose remains unclear. However, oral histories suggest that its walls were soundproof, hinting that it might have been used for assemblies or meetings. During the five years of communist rule, the headquarters reportedly served as a prison for activists, many of whom were tortured and killed. Its influence extended to the regions of Gimhwa, Pyonggang, and Pocheon. The building is also believed to have been a strategic base for planning attacks on South Korea due to its proximity to the border. As the Korean War reached a stalemate, anti-communists were executed in the building before the North Korean forces withdrew. After the war, live ammunition, wire ropes, and human bones were discovered in its bomb shelter.
Cheorwon, the site of intense conflict, was completely devastated during the war, with the headquarters being the only structure in the county to survive. After the area came under South Korean control, it was included in the highly restricted civilian control zone of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which protected the building from demolition. Restrictions in the zone were eased in the 1990s, and the former headquarters has since become a tourist attraction. Constructed on a hill, the building features a blend of socialist realism and ancient Roman/Greek architectural elements, reflecting the ruling party's absolute authority. The structure was built using reinforced steel, bricks, lumber, and concrete, contributing to its durability. The first floor was distinguished by two columns flanking the entrance hall, topped by a decorated arch. A wooden triangular roof may have once crowned the ceiling.
Today, only the first floor and the external façade remain intact, as the upper levels collapsed during the war. The exterior is marked by bullet holes, and tank tread marks are still visible at the entrance.

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Korean Workers' Party Headquarters, Cheorwon - Wikipedia

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Inserted: 08-08-2024 20:08:36