Following the Poet's Footsteps... Yeongdeungpo-gu Unveils Commemorative Marker for Gusaengsiin-gil Designation

On the 5th at 4 PM, a commemorative plaque unveiling ceremony for the honorary road 'Gusang Siin-gil' will be held... Reflecting on the achievements of the poet and literary figures... The 1,553m section of Yeouidong-ro from 63 Building to the southern end of Mapo Bridge designated as an honorary road... Commemorating the 20th anniversary of poet Gusang's passing... Committed to fostering and supporting cultural artists to continue poet Gusang's legacy

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) announced that it will install a commemorative marker and hold an unveiling ceremony to celebrate the honorary road named ‘Gusang Siin-gil’ designated along the section from 221 to 375 Yeouidong-ro on September 5.

The unveiling ceremony will be held in front of Exit 2 of Yeouinaru Station, where the marker is installed. Through the ceremony, the district plans to honor the noble spirit of poet Gusang and widely promote the cultural significance of the birth of ‘Gusang Siin-gil.’

On May 16, the district designated a 1,553-meter section of Yeouidong-ro as an honorary road to commemorate the 20th anniversary of poet Gusang’s passing and to honor his literary achievements. Gusang lived in Yeongdeungpo-gu for over 30 years and created various works inspired by the Han River. ‘Gusang Siin-gil’ stretches from the 63 Building to the southern end of Mapo Bridge and includes the Yeouido Shibeom Apartments where the poet resided, as well as places where he took daily walks and drew literary inspiration.

The commemorative marker installed to celebrate the birth of ‘Gusang Siin-gil’ is 2 meters tall and 0.9 meters wide, designed double-sided so it can be seen from the opposite side of the road. It displays the purpose of the honorary road designation, an introduction to poet Gusang (具常), and guidance on the road section. Additionally, reflective sheets are attached to the top inscription ‘Gusang (具常) Siin-gil’ so the marker is visible at night.

About 50 people attended the unveiling ceremony, including Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon, Lee Sang-guk, president of the Gusang Memorial Project Association, which jointly promotes commemorative projects such as the Gusang Literary Award and Han River Writing Contest, to reflect on the poet’s achievements together. Lee Jin-hoon, a disciple of poet Gusang and currently a director of the Gusang Memorial Project Association, plans to recite the poem ‘River (江),’ which Gusang wrote inspired by the Han River, adding meaning to the event.

Poet Gusang is recognized as one of the world’s top 200 writers selected by the French Writers’ Association and was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He left a significant mark on modern Korean literature. The district plans to continue the legacy of ‘Cultural City Yeongdeungpo-gu’ by promoting various projects to nurture such outstanding literary figures.

Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon said, “We will remember together with the residents that the poet lived in Yeongdeungpo for a long time and wrote masterpieces inspired by the Han River that will remain in Korean literary history. We will do our best to discover and foster emerging literary talents and support artists’ activities so that residents dreaming of becoming the next Gusang can fully develop their talents.”