Yeosu National Heritage Media Art Festival: Jinnamgwan Guesthouse

Jinnamgwan Hall, Yeosu Yeosu was the base of the Joseon naval forces during the Joseon Dynasty. In today's world, it is where a naval base is established. As it was a strategic point for coastal defense of the Jeolla-do region, it became the military headquarters of Jeolla Jwasuyeong that utilizes the topography along the shores. Jinnamwan was originally used as the main military headquarters of Jeolla Jwasuyeong by Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin but it used to be where a pavilion named “Jihaeru” used to stand. Jinhaeru was burned down by the Japanese raiders during the Jeongyu Wars, and Yi Si-eon, the Jeolla Jwasusa who succeeded Yi Sun-sin, built Jinnamgwan. Jinnamgwan was also burned to ashes in 1716 but was rebuilt in 1718 and has remained in its place to this day. After Gyeongsul Gukchi of 1910, it was also used as a classroom for the Yeosu Public School and Yeosu Middle School. Jinnamgwan has both historical and architectural significance; being an enormous single building with 68 pillars and 75 rooms as well as having used to being the main building of Jeolla Jwasuyeong. Rightfully so, it was promoted to National Treasure No. 304 in 2001 and has continued to be well preserved to this day. On the left side of Jinnamgwan, there are Yi Ryang Janggun Bangwae Chukjebi and Jeolla Jwasuyeongbigun, and the Japanese Invasion of 1592 relic museum is located on the right. After touring these two venues and then climbing up Jinnamgwan, the sea of Yeosu awaits you where you can see Janggundo and Dolsando Islands. It is where you can view the old town of Yeosu and the sea at the same time so don’t miss it!

Yi Sun Sin Square Yi Sun Sin Square, which takes only about 5 minutes on foot from Jinnamgwan, is the main square of the old town Yeosu. It is not hard to find thanks to the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin standing at the rotary and the Geobukseon Exhibition Center near the square by the beach. This square is presumed to have been where military ships of Jeolla Jwasuyeong were anchored and repaired during the Joseon Dynasty. According to the records, there was a Geobukseon, or Turtle Ship, known as “Yeonggwiseon” at the headquarters of Jeolla Jwasuyeong. This is why a Turtle Ship model was built and set up here, to let people know that this used to be the base of Jeolla Jwasuyeong. The Turtle Ship exhibition can be accessed at free admission. Inside, you can check out the miniatures of the Joseon navy and wear the outfits and wield the weapons used at the time. You are welcome to take pictures as well. The Turtle Ship was a remodeled version of Panokseon so the model in the exhibition was reproduced by conjecturing Panokseon and the Turtle Ship described in the records. At the tail side of the Turtle Ship exhibition, there is the the Peace Monument and the head section leads to Yeosu-gu Port Marine Park, which turns into the “Nangman Pocha” street at night. At Nangman Pocha that runs from Yi Sun Sin Square to Hamel Museum, you can eat and drink everything from seafood dishes made of Yeosu’s specialties to convenient snacks. Busking performances take place here and there, providing fun and enjoyable nights for tourists and Yeosu citizens alike. How about spending a great evening at a pocha with the quiet night sea in the backdrop?

Yeosu's Jinnamgwan Hall, a guesthouse for the Joseon navy at Jeolla Jwasuyeong (naval base in Jeolla province), is a place of historic import. The Joseon navy won battles in the second Japanese Invasion of Korea (1592-1598). To widen the space inside the building, two pillars on either side were moved back, and simple, robust materials were used to maintain its grand structure. Although built in the early 18th century, the building has historical implications, as well as holding great academic and artistic value. In the Museum of the Japanese Invasion of Joseon, visitors can see a miniature of Jeolla Jwasuyeongseong (Jeolla Naval Fortress), which comprised a stronghold from the early Joseon period, a fortress wall, a south gate, an east gate, a government office inside the fortress, civilian housing, an artillery pavilion, a moat, a lake and other features. There’s also a miniature of Jinnamgwan Hall, a map indicating Yeosu's historical sites related to Admiral Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin, and a miniature ship to show off the inside of Geobukseon (Turtle Ship). You can see what life was like on a ship, from rowing and shooting to eating and sleeping. Rare photos showing old Jinnamgwan Hall and a miniature of a steel chain defense system recorded in Nan-jung-il-gi (War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-sin), and Nan-jung-il-gi itself, which is a national treasure. Copies of the Admiral's letters are always on display.

The Gosodong Mural Village, located in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, is a symbolic mural village that represents Yeosu as a cultural city. Originally an old natural village, it was transformed into a mural village in 2012 through the combined efforts of Yeosu City and the residents of Gosodong, coinciding with the Yeosu Expo. The Gosodong Mural Village often referred to as the “Angel Mural Alley.” It initially earned its name because the mural alley spanned 1,004 meters, which is reminiscent of the Korean word for “cheonsa,” meaning “angel.” Isn’t it a lovely nickname for such a charming place? Today, the mural village stretches 1,650 meters and is divided into 10 sections, each depicting aspects of Yeosu’s history, culture, daily life, and local stories. Among these, the third section, “The Story of the Sea,” and the fifth section, “Yeosu’s Past and Present,” are must-sees. Walking through the village, you’ll encounter captivating sea views, streets featuring illustrations by cartoonist Huh Young-man, and murals recounting the life of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Along the way, there are rest stops where you can sit and take in the scenery. The village is also home to historical treasures like the Yeosu Tongjeyeong Naval Battle Monument and the Tarubi Memorial Stone, which you won’t want to miss. As you wander through the alleys, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Yeosu’s coastline and the Geobukseon Bridge, creating a truly picturesque backdrop. The mural village has four entrances: Jinnammun Gate, Yi Sunsin Square Gate, Romantic Pochamun Gate, and Jongpomun Gate. Jinnammun Gate comes highly recommended, as Jin-namguan Pavilion is a historic site where Admiral Yi Sun-sin strategized and issued commands during the Imjin War. It’s also a prominent tourist attraction in Yeosu. Why not explore Gosodong Mural Village, where art, history, and stunning ocean views come together, and discover the unique stories of Yeosu?