Jeonnam National University Symbolic Yongbong Tower Phoenix Restored and Replaced After 40 Years

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The ‘Phoenix’ perched at the top of Yongbong Tower, a symbol of Chonnam National University, has been restored and replaced after more than 40 years.

According to Chonnam National University on the 17th, at 2 p.m. the previous day, President Jeong Byeong-seok, along with professors, students, and staff, witnessed the placement of the restored symbolic sculpture ‘Phoenix’ at the very top of Yongbong Tower.

The restored male phoenix (鳳) measures 3.1m in width, 2.2m in length, and 1.7m in height, identical to the original work. It is made of glossy stainless steel and weighs approximately 100 kg. The restoration was undertaken by Lee Hyung-yong, CEO of ArtY (located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province), who graduated from the Department of Fine Arts at Chonnam National University.

Since Yongbong Tower was completed in May 1978, it had never undergone any repairs for 42 years, and this was the first time the phoenix was refurbished.

Over time, the phoenix sculpture had deteriorated, with parts of its wings falling off or breaking, resulting in a distorted shape. Additionally, the stainless steel material had discolored, leading to criticism that it no longer adequately served its function as a symbol.

Accordingly, President Jeong Byeong-seok and Professor Park Jeong-yong (Department of Fine Arts) led the restoration efforts. Last month, with the consent of Professor Choi Ki-won (then of Hongik University’s Department of Fine Arts), the original creator of Yongbong Tower, the restoration work was carried out.

Yongbong Tower began in November 1976 when the 2nd Student Defense Corps (now the Student Council) conducted surveys and fundraising among students. It was unveiled on June 8, 1978, standing 13.63m tall with a radius of 4.45m.

The three granite lower pedestals represent the university motto: Truth, Creation, and Service. The three bronze pillars in the middle, twisting upward, symbolize a dragon’s powerful ascent while also embodying human figures within.

In particular, the phoenix figure at the very top expresses the grand ambition of Yongbong members soaring through the sky. At the time, it employed a new technique rarely seen in other symbolic towers?a mobile design that rotates with the wind and reflects strong light when hit by sunlight.

Lee Hyung-yong, who led the restoration, said, “As it is a symbol of my alma mater, I devoted myself wholeheartedly to restoring the original work.”

Meanwhile, the original phoenix, which had reached the end of its lifespan, has been moved to the Chonnam National University Museum for permanent preservation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.