Icheon City Unveils New Statue of Jangwigong Seo Hee After 60 Years, Establishing Symbol of 'Historical and Cultural City'

Icheon’s Historic Generational Shift After 60 Years
“Jangwigong Seo Hee Statue Dedication Ceremony” Held
Imposing Structure: 2.5m Pedestal and 7.5m Statue
Built Facing 322 Degrees Northwest Toward the Six Garrison Districts of Gangdong

Icheon City in Gyeonggi Province, led by Mayor Seong Su-seok, has reinforced its identity as a city of historical culture by newly erecting the statue of Jangwigong Seo Hee for the first time in 60 years.

Seong Su-seok, mayor of Icheon, delivered a commemorative speech at the statue erection ceremony of Jangwigong Seohee, created based on the national standard portrait, held on the 23rd at the Jungri-dong Administrative Welfare Center plaza. Provided by Icheon City

On July 23, Icheon City announced that it had held a dedication ceremony at the Jungri-dong Administrative Welfare Center plaza for the newly constructed statue of Jangwigong Seo Hee, which was created based on the national standard portrait.

Over 200 people, including Seong Su-seok, Mayor of Icheon; Members of the National Assembly Song Seok-jun and Kim Yoon; Cho Ju-hwan, Chairman of the Icheon City Council; city and provincial council members; heads of local community organizations; representatives of the Icheon Seo Clan Association; and local citizens, gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the new statue.

This new statue replaces the previous one, which was erected in 1965 with donations from the residents of Icheon County. It marks a historic generational transition taking place after more than 60 years.

The new monument measures a total of 10 meters in height—comprising a 2.5-meter pedestal and a 7.5-meter statue. The statue embodies the achievements of Seo Hee, the diplomat of the Goryeo dynasty, who secured control of the six garrison districts of Gangdong without shedding a single drop of blood through his negotiations with Khitan general Xiao Xunning (Xiao Xiangde). In particular, the gaze of the statue is directed toward 322 degrees northwest, the location of the six garrison districts, lending historical symbolism to the work.

In the plaza where the statue looks out, a corten steel art wall measuring 4.4 meters high and 3.3 meters wide has also been installed. The city expects this area will become not only a popular photo zone for citizens and tourists, but also a new landmark where historical and cultural learning and leisure coexist.

On the 23rd, Icheon City held a commemorative ceremony for the statue of Jangwigong Seohee, created based on the national standard portrait, at the Jungri-dong Administrative Welfare Center plaza. Provided by Icheon City

Seong Su-seok, Mayor of Icheon, stated, "The erection of this statue, along with ongoing enhancement projects, will serve as a powerful unifying force for the hearts and capabilities of Icheon citizens," adding, "Through a variety of cultural events and educational programs, we will continue developing Icheon into a 'historical and cultural city' where wisdom and culture thrive."

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