SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Seoul is set to immortalize the legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, one of Korea's most revered historical figures, with the establishment of a new memorial hall and the creation of a dedicated 'Yi Sun-sin Road' in the heart of the city. The Seoul Metropolitan Government unveiled its ambitious plans on April 28th, the 480th anniversary of the legendary naval commander's birth.
The upcoming 'Yi Sun-sin Memorial Hall' will be strategically located on a serene pine forest site within the picturesque Namsan Hanok Village in Pil-dong, Jung-gu. Envisioned as a significant cultural landmark, the two-story structure (with an additional basement level) will encompass a substantial 7,600 square meters. The space will be thoughtfully designed to offer visitors immersive exhibition and interactive experience zones, alongside dedicated areas for educational programs and scholarly research. The city anticipates the memorial hall will open its doors to the public as early as the latter half of 2028.
Highlighting the deep connection between the Admiral and the capital, a Seoul city official emphasized Yi Sun-sin's formative years spent in the Inhyeon-dong area of Jung-gu and his subsequent service in central government at the Training Center, now the bustling Dongdaemun district. The official further noted the historical significance of Seoul as the departure point for the Admiral's Baek-ui Jong-gun (second enlistment as a common soldier), underscoring the city's role in shaping his character and leadership.
The project is already underway, with the Seoul Metropolitan Government currently navigating preliminary administrative procedures. A crucial step in the process will be the submission of a central investment review request to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in the latter half of this year.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, "Through the establishment of the Yi Sun-sin Memorial Hall, we will share with the world the wisdom and spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, whose invaluable lessons and principles continue to resonate with us today."
In a complementary effort to further honor the national hero, Jung-gu district will designate a 766-meter stretch from the Namsangol Hanok Village to the Euljiro 3-ga intersection as 'Yi Sun-sin Road.' This initiative will also include improvements to the pedestrian environment, creating a more accessible and meaningful pathway connecting key historical sites related to the Admiral, including the future memorial hall.
Beyond infrastructure developments, Seoul is also planning to celebrate Yi Sun-sin's legacy through cultural events. The city will designate a 'Yi Sun-sin Week' around his birth date (April 28th) and organize a vibrant festival featuring diverse, resident-participatory activities centered on the Admiral's life and achievements. This year's festival is scheduled to take place from September 18th to 20th.
Furthermore, Jung-gu district is integrating the captivating story of Yi Sun-sin into its newly launched Jung-gu Tour Pass. This initiative aims to offer tourists a unique and engaging experience, allowing them to delve into the Admiral's narrative through various interactive elements, culinary experiences, and opportunities for direct engagement.
These comprehensive initiatives by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Jung-gu district underscore the enduring respect and admiration for Admiral Yi Sun-sin, ensuring that his heroic deeds and unwavering spirit continue to inspire generations to come. The new memorial hall and 'Yi Sun-sin Road' promise to become significant landmarks for both locals and international visitors, fostering a deeper understanding of Korea's rich history and the remarkable life of one of its greatest heroes.
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