Glocal Future Education Expo 'Marine History and Culture Experience' Receives Great Response

The ‘2024 Korea Glocal Future Education Expo’ showcased a maritime historical and cultural experience that conveys the spirit of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, receiving great acclaim from visitors.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education on the 1st, four historically and culturally significant ships welcomed visitors near Expo Port at the Yeosu World Expo site, where the Glocal Future Education Expo is being held.

On the opening day, the Cheonghaejin ship, carrying 18 students from Wando Fisheries High School, docked at Expo Port. The students, who departed from Wando Port on the 29th of last month, embarked on an 8-hour journey exploring the spirit of righteousness (義) found in the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary) before arriving at the expo venue.

Visitors to the exhibition hall boarded the Dokdo ship to explore the naval life and the vessel. Photo by Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education

Following this, the Navy’s 3rd Fleet Gwangju ship and the Navy Operations Command Dokdo ship visited Expo Port in succession. In particular, the Dokdo ship, weighing 14,500 tons and measuring 199 meters in length, provided a spectacular sight for visitors to the expo. Visitors boarded the Dokdo, Asia’s largest landing ship, to observe the naval personnel’s life at sea protecting Korea’s territorial waters, as well as the robust activities of key naval assets such as warships.

The Odongdo yacht sea route tour tracing the footsteps of Admiral Yi Sun-sin is also popular. Odongdo is considered a strategic military site where Admiral Yi trained soldiers and made bamboo arrows during the Imjin War.

The Joseon Tongsinsa ship, designed for diplomatic missions, displays its splendor with traditional masts cutting through the sea and the vividly colorful palace dancheong (decorative paintwork), showcasing a refined aspect of Joseon culture.

Superintendent of Education Kim Dae-jung stated, “The reason we respect Admiral Yi Sun-sin is because he demonstrated the spirit of justice, fairness, and coexistence through collective action rather than personal gain,” adding, “Through the Korea Glocal Future Education Expo, we will ensure that the spirit of righteousness (義) of Yi Sun-sin and Honam shines even brighter.”