Yonhap Feature) Seoul's oldest historic village comes alive in virtual reality

((ATTN: photos available)
By Sam Kim
BUKCHON, South Korea, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- Tucked away from a forest of modern
skyscrapers and bustling Seoul streets is a 600-year-old village that exudes
antique charm through its traditional wooden houses and roofs of ancient tile.
Now, with the help of leading computer animators, the village that resisted the
flow of time is about to go virtual.
Bukchon, or "North Village", is one of the South Korean capital's most treasured
cultural icons, sitting between two beloved palaces and inhabited by famed
traditional artisans.
"The village is a precious asset as our city tries to become a global tourist
attraction," said Jung Ji-young, a Seoul city official. "That's why we are
re-creating it in cyberspace so anyone can enjoy it on the Web or on their mobile
device."
South Korea is one of the world's most densely wired countries, with more than
two thirds of its population enjoying high-speed Web access. It also leads in
mobile technology, exporting cellular phones and high-tech wireless devices
around the world.
In an exclusive presentation of the Web site that will serve as a digital window
into Bukchon, South Korean software company Postmedia this week unveiled a series
of three-dimensional interactive images through which users could freely roam
around the village.
The high-resolution images showed in realistic detail some of Bukchon's most
popular alleys. Users could also fly above the village's dwellings to observe
their structural beauty from a rare vantage point.
"Once the site is completed by year's end, we will move on to embedding these
data in mobile devices starting next year," chief programmer Jang Jae-man said.
Showing several 360-degree panoramic photos taken from inside some of Bukchon's
private residences, Jang said that the project will enable mobile GPS devices
such as PDAs to grab photos and other details when a user nears a historic site
in the village.
"It will also show information on famous figures who live in the village,
offering a chance to meet with traditional artisans," he said. The Web site --
which received an investment of roughly US$95,000 -- will be available in Korean,
English, Japanese and Chinese, Jang added.
Bukchon began to take shape between Changgyung and Gyeongbok palaces during the
early part of the Chosun Dynasty (1392-1910), and was home to high-ranking
officials and royal members. It is now inhabited by some of South Korea's most
prominent businesspeople, politicians and artisans. President Lee Myung-bak lived
there until he moved into the presidential residence in February after being
elected.
"As much as it is a tourist attraction, it serves as a residential block to many,
including ordinary people," said Cho In-souk, a wooden-house designer who has
served on a committee for the preservation of Bukchon for eight years.
"The new electronic system should help visitors appreciate the importance of
preserving this village and understand its historic value," she said.