The 480th Anniversary International Academic Conference
Mark Peterson: "A Man of 12 Achievements"
Born in Seoul, Yet Little Known
Seoul City Plans to Establish Yi Sunsin Memorial Hall
"I would like to introduce the life of Yi Sunsin using the Hebrew word 'Dayenu.'
At the International Academic Conference commemorating the 480th anniversary of Admiral Yi Sunsin's birth, hosted by Seoul City on the 25th, Mark Peterson, Honorary Professor at Brigham Young University in the United States, described Yi Sunsin's life as 'Dayenu.' This word means 'it would have been enough,' and he explained that even a single one of Yi's achievements would have been remarkable, yet he accomplished as many as 12. When Professor Peterson, who has taught Korean studies for over 30 years, stood on stage and pulled out a 500 won bill featuring Yi Sunsin, speaking fluent Korean, a pleasant laughter spread among the audience.
Mark Peterson, Honorary Professor at Brigham Young University, USA, is delivering the keynote speech at the International Academic Conference commemorating the 480th anniversary of Yi Sun-sin's birth held at Seoul City Hall on the 25th. Photo by Seoul City
Professor Peterson introduced the early hardships Yi Sunsin overcame, saying, "Admiral Yi Sunsin, though from a civil service family, challenged the military service exam, and even after breaking his leg during the test, he tried again four years later and passed." He also emphasized that Admiral Yi Sunsin overcame countless adversities even after passing the military service exam. Professor Peterson recounted how Admiral Yi Sunsin was stripped of his official position and imprisoned due to false accusations, and how he was suddenly transferred from commanding the army to the navy. He also cited the Battle of Myeongnyang, in which Yi Sunsin defeated 133 Japanese warships with only 12 ships, and the Turtle Ship as major accomplishments.
Professor Peterson also evaluated Yi Sunsin's record, the "Nanjung Ilgi" (War Diary), written during these wars, as an important achievement. After reciting a sijo (Korean poem) left by Yi Sunsin in his diary, Professor Peterson said, "Poetry is the king of language and stands above all," adding, "I think it is truly remarkable that Admiral Yi Sunsin was able to write poetry even in the midst of war."
Professor Peterson named Admiral Horatio Nelson of Britain, who fought against Napoleon, as an international figure comparable to Admiral Yi Sunsin. Just as there is a statue of Admiral Yi Sunsin in the heart of Seoul at Gwanghwamun, there is a statue of Admiral Nelson in Trafalgar Square in London. Professor Peterson said, "While Nelson is a controversial figure, Yi Sunsin was perfect even in character," and added, "Admiral Yi Sunsin overcame adversity 12 times, and when facing hardship, one can draw strength from his spirit to overcome it."
The Birthplace of a Great General, 'Seoul'
Sangbae Lee, director of the Seoul History Compilation Office, is presenting at the International Academic Conference commemorating the 480th anniversary of Yi Sunshin's birth held at Seoul City Hall on the 25th. Photo by Youngwon Kim
Despite his towering achievements, experts note that the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sunsin is relatively little known. Sangbae Lee, director of the Seoul History Compilation Office, said, "If you ask modern Koreans who the most respected historical figures are, King Sejong and Yi Sunsin would be mentioned without hesitation," but added, "Although both were born in Seoul, when asked about Yi Sunsin's birthplace, many people mention Asan in South Chungcheong Province or Chungmu (Tongyeong)."
Director Lee explained that this is because there are not enough places in Seoul to understand and introduce Admiral Yi Sunsin's achievements. In Seoul, there are the statue of the general at Gwanghwamun Square, the Chungmugong Story in the Gwanghwamun underground passage, a marker at the site of his birthplace at Myeongbo Intersection, and a sign at Jonggak Station marking the starting point of his journey in plain clothes. Director Lee said, "There are two birthplace markers, which causes confusion, and the markers do not contain information about Admiral Yi Sunsin's activities," adding, "The historical significance of these places is not clearly revealed." He also commented on the sign for the journey in plain clothes, saying, "There is no information about Yi Sunsin's imprisonment or hardships," and concluded, "All traces remaining in Seoul do not sufficiently reveal the historical significance of the general and these places."
Director Lee also introduced places in Seoul associated with Admiral Yi Sunsin. The marker for the former military training center in Euljiro 6-ga is where Admiral Yi Sunsin took the military service exam and served for about two years as an official and assistant military officer. After his father's death, Admiral Yi Sunsin also briefly worked at the former Sa-bok-si site, where the current Jongno District Office is located. Other places in Seoul that he passed through before being released from prison and embarking on his journey in plain clothes include Uigeumbu (Jonggak Station), Namdaemun, and the site of Ryu Seongryong's house (Chungmuro Station). Director Lee stated, "Admiral Yi Sunsin died at the age of 53, and he spent more than 23 years, or 43% of his life, in Seoul," emphasizing the need for a public institution to provide accurate information about Yi Sunsin to the public.
Seoul City plans to establish the Yi Sunsin Memorial Hall in Namsangol Hanok Village near Chungmuro Station. At the academic conference, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon said, "Until now, the only proper place in Seoul to honor the general has been the statue at Gwanghwamun Square, which many people have found regrettable," and added, "Seoul City has planned to build the Yi Sunsin Memorial Hall at Namsangol Hanok Village, the site of the general's birthplace, and the procedures are underway with the goal of opening in 2028." The memorial hall will have a total floor area of 7,600 square meters, with one basement level and two above-ground floors, and will include exhibition and experience spaces, as well as educational and research facilities.
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