Deep within Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Plaza stands a proud figure. It is the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He was a 16th-century Korean war hero. This iconic statue is a major landmark in Seoul. Some consider it one of the most important pieces of Korean public art.
The Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue is 17 meters tall. It is made of bronze. The statue portrays the admiral standing tall. He firmly grips a sword in his right hand. Near the statue, you will see a miniature turtle ship. This ship represents a type of Korean war vessel. Admiral Yi Sun-sin commanded these ships. Two models of war drums also stand guard beside the statue.
Erected on April 27, 1968, the statue’s creation involved a team of experts. Kim Se-jung designed it. He was a sculptor and art professor at Seoul National University. Historians from the National Institute of Korean History also assisted. The Statue Establishing Committee led by Kim Jong-pil oversaw the project. President Park Chung Hee wanted a statue of a figure feared and admired by the Japanese.
The statue’s unveiling was part of Gwanghwamun Plaza’s renovation. It symbolized Korea’s modernization and rebuilding. The war hero’s armored figure also became a symbol of South Korea’s then-military government. At that time, it was the tallest standing statue in Asia.
There was a debate in 2005 about moving the Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue. However, these plans were cancelled after public discussion. In November 2010, the statue was moved for restoration. It was the first move in 42 years. A 200-ton crane lifted it. It traveled to a factory in Icheon. Workers removed rust and grime. They repainted it. The statue returned to the Plaza on December 23, 2010. The inner skeleton was fortified. During the renovation, a column with life-size photos stood in its place.
Over the decades, the statue’s color changed. It went from bronze to a deep green hue. The renovated statue has a mix of both colors. The public and historians debated the accuracy of the statue’s features. They questioned his face, sword, and armor. Some felt the armor looked too Chinese or Japanese.
Next to the statue, the 12.23 Fountain honors Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s achievements. It commemorates his 23 battles with 12 warships. He led Koreans to victory against Japanese invasions. The water jets rise to 18 meters. 300 smaller jets symbolize his sea battles. A small museum resides beneath the statue.
Located 250 meters away, the statue of King Sejong is also on the Plaza. Together, these statues honor important figures in Korean history. The Admiral Yi Sun-sin statue stands as a symbol of courage. It represents resilience. It reminds us of a hero who defended his nation.