Gyeongnam Province Transforms Yi Chungmugong Historic Site Je Seungdang into a 'Premium Tourist Destination'

Lee Sun-shin Hansan Project, 14.9 Billion KRW from National and Provincial Funds

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Seryeong] Gyeongsangnam-do is transforming the Jeoseungdang area, a historic site of Admiral Yi Sun-sin on Hansan Island in Tongyeong, into a premium tourist destination.

On the 14th, Cha Seokho, Director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau, stated, “We have established the Yi Sun-sin Hansan Project to revitalize Jeoseungdang so that visitors can fully feel and experience not only respect for Admiral Yi Sun-sin but also patriotism, integrity, and leadership.”

According to Gyeongnam Province, Jeoseungdang is the only nationally managed historic site in the province and is Korea’s first Samdosugun Tongjeyeong (Naval Command Headquarters of the Three Provinces).

Designated as a national historic site in 1963, it is also where Admiral Yi Sun-sin achieved a great victory in the Battle of Hansan during the Imjin War and relocated the naval headquarters to command operations.

Director Cha said, “The Jeoseungdang area, being both a historic site and a national park, has been bound by various regulations and remained limited to preservation projects, serving only as a place of worship. This project is the first plan to revitalize Jeoseungdang by investing large-scale national funds since the 1976 restoration project, linked with building local tourism infrastructure.”

Chaseokho, Director of the Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau of Gyeongnam Province, is presenting the Yi Sun-sin Hansan Project.
[Photo by Se-ryeong Lee]

The province plans to secure 7.3 billion KRW in national and provincial funds by 2025 to carry out projects including the construction of a visitor center, restoration of Suhosa Temple, floor pavement maintenance, and installation of facilities for the disabled, following the comprehensive maintenance plan for Jeoseungdang approved by the Cultural Heritage Administration in 2021.

With an investment of 7.6 billion KRW from national and provincial funds, a 4.7 km Jeoseungdang Patriotic Exploration Circuit will be created to enjoy the scenery of Hallyeohaesang National Park around Jeoseungdang.

A walking trail connecting Jeoseungdang, Uihang, Muneopo Village, and the Hansan Battle Monument will be established, and a boat modeled after Admiral Yi Sun-sin will operate from the Battle Monument coastal area to the Jeoseungdang passenger terminal.

Hansando Jesaengdang area, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

A pilgrimage route to visit Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s battle sites will also be developed.

Based on the battle sites, courses linking sea routes, land routes, local restaurants, and accommodations will be developed first, with plans to expand tourism products later by connecting with battle sites in Jeollanam-do.

The province intends to promote the battle site pilgrimage route as a national project in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

They also plan to develop tourism resources with stories through maintenance of the Nampalanggil Trail and walking paths, installation of distinctive markers and signboards, and verification of battle sites and historical locations.

Director Cha said, “We will continue to communicate and consult with related organizations such as the Ministry of Environment and the Cultural Heritage Administration to ensure that Jeoseungdang becomes a representative Yi Sun-sin historic site in Korea.”

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