Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Imjin War Research Group, Field Survey of Suncheon Waeseong

The Jeonnam Provincial Council's Imjin War Research Group conducted an interim report on the project and an on-site inspection of Suncheon Waeseong. Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Council

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The Jeonnam Provincial Council's Imjin War Research Association announced on the 30th that it conducted an interim report on the ongoing research project and a field survey of the Suncheon Waeseong Fortress.

This report meeting was organized to discover local cultural heritage related to Admiral Yi Sun-sin's logistics activities and the patriotic spirit of the Honam people, and to reexamine the history of the Jeonnam region.

The 'Imjin War Research Association' is a council research group formed to study Honam's patriotic activities during the Imjin War, uncover Honam's cultural heritage, and rehighlight the spirit of patriotism. It is actively engaged in research projects and field surveys.

The association commissioned Jeonnam National University to conduct a research project titled "Tracing the Footsteps of 'Yakmu Honam Simugukga'," aiming to propose ways to utilize the historical sites related to Admiral Yi Sun-sin's logistics activities as regional tourism resources or historical educational materials through historical verification.

'Yakmu Honam Simugukga' is a famous saying by Admiral Yi Sun-sin meaning "Without Honam, there is no nation." Suncheon Waeseong Fortress is a site where Japanese troops were stationed during the Jeongyu War, and fierce battles took place between the Joseon and Ming allied forces. It holds high historical value in East Asian war history.

Professor Noh Ki-wook of Jeonnam National University emphasized, "Suncheon Waeseong Fortress is a battleground where Korea, China, and Japan confronted each other, and it should be used as a place for historical education on world peace and shared prosperity." He added, "Systematic maintenance is necessary to attract not only domestic tourists but also tourists from China and Japan."

Assemblyman Lim Jong-gi said, "We must establish the history of the Honam people who fought fiercely to overcome national hardships." He added, "We will prepare the Imjin War and Jeongyu War sites as places for historical education and experience so that the residents of Jeonnam can take pride."

The research association members include 11 assemblymen from the Democratic Party of Korea: Lim Jong-gi (Suncheon 2), Lee Kwang-il (Yeosu 1), Lee Dong-hyun (Boseong 2), Sa Soon-moon (Jangheung 1), Choi Myung-soo (Naju 2), Lee Sang-cheol (Gokseong), Han Geun-seok (Proportional Representation), Jo Gwang-young (Haenam 2), Lee Cheol (Wando 1), Shin Min-ho (Suncheon 6), and Lee Hyun-chang (Gurye).