"Lee Gwangsa Exile Site Inaccessible to Buses"... Wando County Begins Belated Improvements

Heritage of One of Joseon's Four Great Calligraphers to See Access Road Expansion After 15 Years
Construction Set to Begin Early Next Year as Resident Consultations Move Project Forward

Wando County in South Jeolla Province is set to officially begin the expansion of the access road to the Lee Gwangsa Exile Site. This cultural heritage site has consistently received criticism due to its narrow access road and lack of facilities.

According to Wando County on September 9, the county has allocated a budget of 300 million won for matters related to the Lee Gwangsa Exile Site in next year's main budget, and plans to begin construction on the access road between January and February of next year.

Choi Jungwook, member of the Wando County Council, and county department heads are inspecting the site of Lee Gwangsa's exile. Photo by the reader

The current access road is so narrow and damaged that it is difficult for vehicles to approach. The county plans to widen the road to 5 meters, making it accessible for buses as well. However, since it is currently difficult to secure additional parking space, the existing parking lot will continue to be used until a separate site is prepared.

As for the guide signs to be installed along the road, the county will make a final decision on installation after considering safety issues and gathering residents' opinions. Regarding the management of the exile site, the county explained, "We have strengthened the management system through staff training."

Previously, in June, this newspaper pointed out various issues at the exile site, including the narrow and damaged access road, lack of guide signs, insufficient parking, and poor maintenance of internal restrooms. In response, Choi Jungwook, a member of the Wando County Council, visited the site with department heads to discuss improvement measures. After further consultations with residents, it became possible to proceed with the road expansion project.

Assemblyman Choi stated, "Historical heritage sites in our county, including the Lee Gwangsa Exile Site, are valuable cultural assets. We will continue to conduct regular inspections and management to ensure proper preservation," adding, "We will listen to the voices of residents and visitors, and do our best to make this a space where history and culture are alive and thriving."

Lee Gwangsa (1705-1777) is regarded as one of the four great calligraphers of the Joseon Dynasty, alongside Anpyeong Daegun, Seokbong Hanho, and Chusa Kim Jeonghee. After beginning his exile in Hamgyeong Province, he was relocated to Sinji Island in Wando, where he spent about 15 years until his death. The 'Donggukjintche' script, which he created during his exile, is considered the most Korean style of calligraphy, and his book 'Seogyeol' was designated as Treasure No. 1969 of Korea in 2017.

A county official stated, "After visiting the site and listening to residents' opinions, we were fortunately able to build consensus on the road expansion. We will coordinate with relevant departments to develop separate measures for the parking lot and guide signs."