Jung-gu, Seoul to Host "Yi Sun-sin Week Programs" in Chungmuro Area

Walking Tour and Archery Experience to Be Held October 20-24

Jung-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Kim Gilseong), will operate the “Yi Sun-sin Walking Tour” and “Archery Experience Program” from October 20 to 24 in an effort to revive its historical identity as the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

Provided by Jung-gu.

The walking tour is a historical exploration program that follows the traces of Admiral Yi Sun-sin remaining throughout Jung-gu, covering approximately 1.3 kilometers over 90 minutes. A cultural tourism interpreter will accompany participants, introducing the life and anecdotes of the admiral, as well as sharing stories about the urban culture and history of the Euljiro and Chungmuro areas.

The tour starts at the birth home marker in front of the Myeongbo Theater, passes through the Shindo Building (the site of Yi Sun-sin’s birth home), and continues to Hunryeonwon Park. Hunryeonwon Park, which served as a military training ground and a site for the military service examination during the Joseon Dynasty, is a symbolic place where the young Yi Sun-sin, despite falling from a horse and being injured, ultimately passed the military examination. The tour also includes a visit to Jungbu and Sinjungbu Markets, the largest dried seafood wholesale markets in Korea.

Immediately following the walking tour, an archery experience will be held at Hunryeonwon Park. An expert instructor from the Archery Association will guide participants as they draw the bowstring themselves, allowing them to experience the spirit of traditional martial arts.

Participation is free and open to all Jung-gu residents. Up to 30 people are accepted per day on a first-come, first-served basis. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Registration is available via the QR code on the poster or by contacting the Sports and Tourism Division of Jung-gu District Office (02-3396-4644). The archery experience lasts for 30 minutes after the tour concludes.

Additionally, on October 20, the “Young Yi Sun-sin Military Exam Experience” will be held at Hunryeonwon Park, with about 30 students from Chungmu Elementary School participating. Through explanations, quizzes, and an archery experience, students will learn about Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s spirit, and each participant will receive a “Young Yi Sun-sin Certificate.”

Jung-gu has designated October 18 to 24 as “Yi Sun-sin Week” ahead of the “1st Yi Sun-sin Festival” scheduled for October 25. The walking tour and archery experience are among the main programs taking place during this period.

Kim Gilseong, Mayor of Jung-gu, stated, “This walking tour and archery experience will be an opportunity for residents to retrace the footsteps of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and renew their pride in living in Jung-gu. We will continue to strengthen the city brand of ‘Jung-gu, the birthplace of Yi Sun-sin,’ moving toward the future based on our history and tradition.”