This building served as the main building of the Laboratory of Industry established in Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, during the period of the Daehan Empire, from October 12, 1897, to August 29, 1910, aimed at advancing industrial technology. Later, in 1912, it was used in conjunction with the Central Laboratory of Japanese Colonial Government of Korea, established by Japan to govern Joseon.
The Laboratory of Industry of the Daehan Empire taught modern skills like dyeing, pottery, metalworking, woodworking, applied chemistry, and civil engineering. Although it was presented as an institution for modern technological education of Daehan Empire, it primarily functioned as a platform to bolster Japan's control and economic dominance by training technical experts in agriculture and industry.
Japan's establishment of the Laboratory of Industry in Seoul prompted the creation of similar institutions across the nation. Amid a precarious national situation, Japan actively impeded the Daehan Empire's educational aspirations.

Following the establishment of Kyungsung Industrial College in 1916, the Laboratory of Industry ceased to exist. Subsequently, the site was repurposed for the construction of the Central Laboratory of Japanese Colonial Government of Korea and presently serves as the history hall of Korea National Open University.

Korea National Open University is considered the pioneering institution in distance education, offering university lectures without geographical constraints.

Back in my time at Sung Kyun Kwan, education primarily involved studying abroad. However, amidst rapidly changing times, the emergence of new forms of education, such as foreign languages, technology, and medical education, astonished people.

A university which combines various types of education into one place was fascinating, but now being able to receive a university education from home or work is truly astonishing as the world evolves, witnessing how education methods change alongside it. Whether education changes the world or the world changes, education might remain a bit unclear, but recognizing the importance of harmony between the two is key.

Despite being a wooden building, the laboratory has resiliently stood for over a century and still plays a role in education. Regardless of names or content, it's evident that education remains a necessity in any era and any location.