Hidden 'Cheonhajeolgyeong' of Uiryeong: Lee Jong-hwan's Birthplace Opened to the Public

Rich Rich Festival Period Open... Changdeokgung Buyongjeong Recreated 'Gwanjeongheon' Admired

The appearance of Gwanjeongheon within the birthplace of Lee Jong-hwan in Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] The birthplace of Lee Jong-hwan, chairman of Samyoung Chemical Group, known as the "1 trillion won donation king" and operator of the "largest scholarship foundation in Asia," has been opened to the public.

After more than three years, Lee Jong-hwan's birthplace, newly refurbished, revealed an even more dazzling appearance.

Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, announced on the 26th that the previously closed birthplace of Lee Jong-hwan will be opened during the Rich Rich Festival period. It will be open temporarily from the 24th until November 6th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Located in Jeongdong-ri, Yongdeok-myeon, Uiryeong-gun, the chairman’s birthplace is truly a hidden "natural masterpiece." Visitors are amazed by the unique scenery unexpectedly discovered in this place.

The "Songdeokbi" monument at the entrance of the birthplace explains the reason for its existence. In 2014, Lee Jong-hwan, honorary chairman of Samyoung Chemical Group, donated 60 billion won for the construction of a new library at Seoul National University. Seoul National University named the new library after his pen name as the "Seoul National University Gwanjeong Library" and erected the Songdeokbi monument at the birthplace to honor his noble intention.

Upon entering the birthplace, visitors are first surprised by its 6,100㎡ scale. There are six houses including the main house and the sarangchae (men’s quarters). Centuries-old pine and juniper trees, along with a serene pond of unfathomable depth, once again captivate visitors’ hearts.

The highlight of the birthplace is undoubtedly the "Gwanjeongheon." A carpenter who restored Buyongjeong in the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace faithfully reproduced Buyongjeong in Gwanjeongheon. Gwanjeongheon was built 30% larger than Changdeokgung’s Buyongjeong. Buyongjeong in Changdeokgung was constructed by embedding stone pillars in the pond and building a pavilion on top, surrounded by juniper trees; Gwanjeongheon has the same design.

As you carefully look around inside the birthplace, you can see a bust of Chairman Lee Jong-hwan and a monument engraved with the phrase, "Pursue infinitely. There is no success without challenge." This inscription reflects his life as an entrepreneur who contributed to economic growth and led lifelong talent development by establishing an educational foundation.

News of the birthplace opening during the Rich Rich Festival has attracted visitors hoping to receive "wealth energy." Although opening was previously prohibited due to concerns about damage to the natural environment inside the birthplace and ongoing construction of the memorial hall, the Gwanjeong Foundation decided to open it suddenly in sympathy with the meaning of the Rich Rich Festival.

County Governor Oh Tae-wan said, "The county has deep affection for Chairman Lee Jong-hwan, having designated 'Gwanjeong Lee Jong-hwan Road' as an honorary road. We are grateful for the amazing news of the birthplace opening. I recommend planning a tour of the two birthplaces, including Hoam Lee Byung-chul’s birthplace, during the festival period."

He added, "It will be a great opportunity to receive abundant wealth energy and learn the true attitude of a wealthy life."

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