The Korean Confucian Culture Center (Acting President Lee Sang-gyun, hereinafter referred to as "KCCC") has successfully launched its 4th Special Exhibition of Donated and Deposited Korean Studies Materials, titled "The Descendants of Gupo Lee Bong-myeong, Buyeo-gong Branch of the Seocheon Lee Clan in Nonsan." Opened on September 11, this exhibition offers a profound look into the illustrious history, scholarly traditions, and lifestyle of a distinguished lineage that has shaped regional and national heritage for centuries.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister Choi Hwi-young) as part of the Chungcheong Korean Studies Promotion Project, this exhibition meticulously highlights the historical depth of the Buyeo-gong branch of the Seocheon Lee clan. The Seocheon Lee clan rose to elite status during the early Goryeo Dynasty when Lee Ik-jon was honored as a founding contributor. The Buyeo-gong branch specifically flourished as one of the eight major sub-branches of the clan, rooted in the descendants of Lee Eon-chung, who was enfeoffed as Prince Seoju, and Lee Heung-ui, who served as the magistrate of Buyeo. Over generations, the clan settled deeply in the Yangchon-myeon area of Nonsan, establishing a rich legacy steeped in literary excellence, administrative service, and unwavering loyalty, ultimately producing six Chief State Counselors (Daejehak) and numerous loyal martyrs (Chungui-yeolsa).

The exhibition draws from a treasure trove of over 300 years of preserved family heirlooms and historical records handed down through the generations in Nonsan. Visitors are invited to explore the collection through four thoughtfully curated thematic sections:

Part 1: "The Formation of the Buyeo-gong Branch" – Tracing the roots and foundational lineage of the clan.
Part 2: "300 Years of Heritage" – Showcasing daily scholarly artifacts, documents, and cultural assets preserved across three centuries.
Part 3: "The Loyalty of Lee Bong-myeong, Resonating with the Sovereign" – Highlighting the life of Gupo Lee Bong-myeong (1682–1746), who passed the state literary examination (Mungwa) in 1723 (the 3rd year of King Gyeongjong's reign) and staunchly supported the appointment of Royal Prince Yeoning (later King Yeongjo) as Crown Prince. Notable artifacts include the Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage Yeongjo Byeong-o Chinjeong-do (Painting of King Yeongjo's Personal Inspection in 1726) and the Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunya Jido (Chart of the Constellations and Astronomical Regions), which were bestowed upon him by the royal court.
Part 4: "Passing Down Pride to Future Generations" – Emphasizing the educational and moral values transmitted to descendants.
The grand opening ceremony on September 11 was attended by more than 20 distinguished descendants, including donor Lee Dong-jung and Buyeo-gong branch head Lee Dong-shin. They were joined by prominent regional and governmental figures, such as Hwang In-ja, Strategy Team Leader of the Chungcheongnam-do Cultural Heritage Division; Seong Eun-mi, Head of the Nonsan City Culture and Arts Division; KCCC Acting President Lee Sang-gyun; and Kim Yun-ho, Head of the Administration Support Office. A highlight of the ceremony was an official exchange of tokens of appreciation between the KCCC and the family clan, honoring the noble decision to entrust these precious historical items to a public institution.

Expressing his gratitude, Acting President Lee Sang-gyun remarked, "Deciding to entrust heirlooms that a family has cherished for centuries to society for the greater public good is never an easy choice, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the descendants for their visionary contribution."

Speaking on behalf of the family, representative Lee Dong-jung shared, "By depositing these materials with the Korean Confucian Culture Center, we feel as though we have fulfilled a small part of our duty as descendants to preserve and honor our ancestors' legacy."

The special exhibition is open to the public free of charge from September 11, 2026, through June 30, 2027, at the Special Exhibition Hall on the 2nd floor of the Korean Confucian Culture Center.

The KCCC continues to spearhead regional academic initiatives to survey, collect, preserve, and research Korean studies materials across the Chungcheong region. To date, the institution has successfully collected, managed, and safeguarded approximately 60,000 historical documents and artifacts through generous donations and deposits, cementing its role as a premier repository of traditional Korean culture, Confucian philosophy, and genealogical heritage.

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