Walking south of the statue of the great King Sejong the Great brings you to the towering statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin, also known as Yi Sun-sin. The statue is officially named 12.23 Fountain in honor of the 23 battles he fought using 12 warships. Yi, born on April 28, 1545, is best known for his military achievements during the Imjin War.
The Imjin War took place during the Joseon Dynasty from 1592 to 1598. Until his death in 1598, Yi remained one of the only undefeated naval admirals and most well respected in military history. Astonishingly, he received no naval combat training prior to the war.
During the Battle of Myeongnyang, Yi’s fleet was outnumbered 333 ships to 13 against the Japanese navy. Remarkably, the Japanese were defeated elevating Yi to a naval genius.
Yi was killed by a single bullet on December 16, 1598 at the age of 53. He lost his life during the Battle of Noryang. At the time, the mighty Japanese army was all but defeated in the Korean Peninsula.
Statue of Admiral Yi Sunshin Information
Hours
24 hours
Admission
Free
Map
Nearby Sights
40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement
The 40th Anniversary Monument of Gojong's Enthronement was built to honor the 40th anniversary of the crowning of Gojong as the 26th Joseon Dynasty king. Gojong became king on December 13, 1863 at the age of eleven. His father, Heungseon Daewongun, ruled for him until he was an adult in 1873.
Cheonggye Plaza
Cheonggye Plaza is a public square in central Seoul that commemorates the restoration of the Cheonggyecheon Stream which was once an elevated highway. The plaza is located at the head of the stream which runs 8.4 kilometers (5.2 miles) through the heart of Seoul.
Statue of King Sejong the Great
The statue of King Sejong the Great is a golden statue located on Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul near Gyeongbokgung Palace and Gwanghwamun Gate. This much respected fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty reigned from 1418 to 1450.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 8.4 kilometer (5.2 mile) waterway and public space that runs from west to east through the heart of downtown Seoul. During the Joseon Dynasty, the stream was known as Gaecheon, meaning open stream.
Gwanghwamun Square
Gwanghwamun Square is a public area located in the heart of central Seoul that features museums, statues, restaurants, and beautiful surrounding views.
Seoul Anglican Cathedral
Seoul Anglican Cathedral is a Romanesque style Anglican church founded by Bishop C.J Corfe in 1922. It is located just west of Deoksugung Palace and Seoul Plaza. Its official name is Cathedral Church of Saint Mary the Virgin and Saint Nicholas.
Additional Resources
Viator by TripAdvisor
Viator is a popular online platform that helps travelers book tours, activities, and unique experiences worldwide, including in Seoul. It connects users with a wide selection of options – from sightseeing tours to cultural events and outdoor adventures – all offered by local providers.
Book Recommendations
For an immersive guide to Seoul, many travelers choose to bring a book along. Fodor's Seoul, for example, offers detailed recommendations on sights, restaurants, maps, and travel tips.
Learn more about book recommendations
Rakuten
Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. Book your hotels or other services through Rakuten and enjoy cashback rewards and exclusive deals.
If you sign up using the link below, you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for various attractions and services in Seoul, from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation options.
If you sign up using the link below, you will get $5 off your first order.
Last Updated on Dec 23, 2021