[Report] "Is Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin's Birthplace Really in the Heart of Seoul?"

Located Inside Winding Alley in Inhyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Vendor Lee Jeong-im Cleans Birthplace Plaque for 37 Years
Professor Seokyeongdeok "Considering Ways to Promote the Birthplace More"

The birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, located near Inhyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. It is situated among narrow alleys, so many people are unaware of the existence of the birthplace. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] "Isn't Admiral Yi Sun-sin a hero? We need to let more people know." , "I really didn't know his birthplace was in Seoul."

During the bleak Joseon Dynasty when Japanese invasions were relentless, the image of Admiral Yi Sun-sin devastating and defeating the Japanese pirates with his "castle on the sea," the Turtle Ship, which once seemed only imaginable, now lifts the heavy mood caused by the difficult economic situation and the oppressive heatwave all at once. This is why the audience turnout for the movie Hansan: Rising Dragon (Director Kim Han-min) is remarkable.

However, the fact that Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace is right in the heart of Seoul is not well known to the public. This is even more so when compared to the strategically important Haenam Jeolla Naval Base (25-2 Nammun-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do), famous as the rear base of the Battle of Myeongnyang, which is often used as material for movies and dramas.

Yi Sun-sin was born on March 8, 1545 (lunar calendar) in Geoncheon-dong, Seoul. This is present-day Inhyeon-dong, Jung-gu. It is near Euljiro, which is called a "hipjiro" (hip alley) among people in their 20s and 30s of the MZ generation. Assuming you start from Seoul Station, it takes less than an hour by bus or subway to get there.

The alleys around Inhyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace is located. The winding alleys make it inevitable for first-time visitors to get lost. This is also why many people are not well aware of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

However, even when you arrive at Euljiro, finding Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace is not easy. The winding alleys are tangled like a spider web, and the birthplace is located further inside one of these alleys.

Even citizens who frequently visit the Euljiro area had either never heard of Yi Sun-sin's birthplace or were unaware of its existence. On the afternoon of the 4th, Kim, a company employee in his 30s whom we met near Euljiro 4-ga Station, said, "I didn't know Yi Sun-sin's birthplace was in Seoul." He added, "The movie is doing very well these days, and since he is a hero who brightened our country, I definitely want to visit."

A floor plaque recording the naval battle history of Admiral Yi Sun-sin's brilliant undefeated legend, including the Battle of Okpo, the Battle of Hansando, and the Battle of Myeongnyang. It features a drawing of the brave Turtle Ship. The photo shows the floor area around Euljiro 4-ga Station. Photo by Han Seung-gon hsg@asiae.co.kr

Another office worker in his 30s, Park, said, "When I think of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, I only think of Gwanghwamun," adding, "It's amazing that his birthplace is in Euljiro." Meanwhile, Choi, a self-employed person in his 40s, said, "Isn't the marker stone in front of the (Myeongbo) theater his birthplace?" and added, "Since the real birthplace is said to be inside the alley, I should visit it sometime."

The marker stone for Yi Sun-sin's birthplace mentioned by citizens is located in front of Myeongbo Art Hall (formerly Myeongbo Theater) in Jung-gu. Before the birthplace was officially confirmed, the Seoul Metropolitan Government installed this marker in 1985 in the area. After more than 30 years, on April 28, 2017, based on historical verification by historians, the site of the Shindo Building, about five minutes from this marker, was confirmed as Yi Sun-sin's birthplace.

Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University, who installed the information board at the time, stated, "We attached an information board made of cast bronze, measuring 50cm wide and 60cm tall, to a private building at '31-2, Inhyeon-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul,' which had long been presumed to be the birthplace." He explained, "After extensive field surveys and verification by many historians and historical organizations, the current location was judged to be the most appropriate site for Yi Sun-sin's birthplace, so we installed the board."

The birthplace site of Yi Sun-sin, built in 1985 near Myeongbo Art Hall in Jung-gu, Seoul. In 2017, through verification by historians, the Shindo Building near the marker was confirmed as the birthplace site of Yi Sun-sin. The photo shows Lee Jeong-im (87), who has been maintaining the marker daily since 1985. Photo by Seunggon Han hsg@asiae.co.kr

◆ "Isn't this Admiral Yi Sun-sin? It must be managed daily," "Does it look good if there is pigeon droppings?"

The marker stone for Yi Sun-sin's birthplace, created in 1985, now serves as a compass for finding the "real Yi Sun-sin birthplace." Arriving at Myeongbo Art Hall in Jung-gu and walking a little into the alleys, you can find the actual birthplace of Yi Sun-sin.

One surprising fact is that this marker is always well maintained and clean. There is no trace of pigeon droppings or graffiti. Although it was installed decades ago, it looks as if it was placed today.

Upon inquiry, it was thanks to the dedication of Lee Jong-im (87), who runs a newspaper stand near the marker. She manages the Yi Sun-sin marker every morning without fail. She has been doing this every day since 1985, making this her 37th year.

When we met her that day, she smiled and said, "Even if no one tells me to, isn't this the marker of a hero who saved the country? I have to take care of it." If there is any trace of pigeon droppings on the marker, she takes a rag and wipes it for a long time.

Despite suffering from knee arthritis due to her advanced age, she bends over repeatedly to clean the marker. She said, "I hope more people learn about Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace," adding, "I want to let people know how much the hero sacrificed and devoted himself for the country." She emphasized, "I vowed to manage the Yi Sun-sin marker until I die, so I must keep that promise."

Experts share her view. Professor Seo Kyung-deok told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "Since Admiral Yi Sun-sin's birthplace is inside the alleys of Euljiro, many people do not know about its existence," adding, "We are thinking about various ways to promote this place more widely to the public."