Yeosu City Restores 'Jinnamgwan,' the Legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, After 10 Years

19.5 Billion Won Invested
Jinnamgwan Reborn as a Patriotic Historical and Cultural Space

Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province (Mayor Jung Kimyung) has completed the dismantling and restoration work of Jinnamgwan, a national treasure that stands as a symbol of patriotic loyalty and carries the legacy of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. On October 21 at 3 p.m., a completion ceremony was held at Jinnamgwan.

This ceremony was organized to celebrate, together with citizens, the successful conclusion of a large-scale restoration project that spanned ten years, and to shed new light on the historical significance of Jinnamgwan.

Yeosu Jinnamgwan Exterior View.

Jinnamgwan, built in 1599 (the 32nd year of King Seonjo's reign) as the guesthouse of Jeolla Left Naval Command, is the largest single-story wooden structure in Korea and has undergone several restorations over its 400-year history. However, due to structural aging, a full-scale dismantling and restoration project began in December 2015.

A total of 19.5 billion won was invested in this restoration project, which focused on resolving structural safety issues such as building distortion and ground erosion, and on restoring the building to its original form prior to the Japanese colonial period. Notably, the number of pillars was restored from 68 to the original 70, and 54,000 roof tiles were repaired using traditional methods, restoring the historical value and grandeur of the structure.

Since its reopening to the public on May 30, many citizens and tourists have visited Jinnamgwan. The completion ceremony is expected to mark a new beginning for Yeosu Jinnamgwan as a 'patriotic historical and cultural space.'

The ceremony began with a pre-event performance, followed by a progress report on the project, congratulatory and commemorative speeches, awards for contributors, a celebratory performance, and the planting of a commemorative tree. A variety of cultural events held against the backdrop of the magnificently restored Jinnamgwan left a deep impression on attendees.

Mayor Jung Kimyung stated, "Building on the completion of the Jinnamgwan restoration, we will steadily push forward with related projects such as the creation of a historical and cultural park in the Jeolla Left Naval Command area and the development of the old fortress street. We will further develop the Jinnamgwan area into a true center of history and culture."