Jinnam Hall and Yeosu City

Yeosu is a city in South Jeolla Province composed of a peninsula and many islands. It is well-known for the Yeosu National Industrial Complex and port logistics complexes. It is also where more than 10 million tourists have visited every year since the 2012 Marine Expo.

Behind these developments, naturally, are well-equipped port facilities. One is situated at Sujeong-dong where, in 1931 during Japanese colonization, the new port was built to carry cotton produced in Jeolla Province to Shimonoseki, Japan. In 2012 the port was closed and moved north to the area of the Sea Expo, where big ships navigating between the mainland and Jeju Island dock.

Another port is located between Gyo-dong and Jungang-dong in a bay hidden behind Dolsan Island and Gyeong Island. The islands block typhoons and big waves. Behind the port is Mount Jonggo. This area, with its many geographical advantages, is perfect for a port or a military base. Therefore, it has been home to naval forces for 400 years, since the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty.

At the foot of the mountain sat Jinhae Pavilion, which Admiral Yi Sun-shin used as naval headquarters during the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century. In 1599, Lee Si-eon, who succeeded Yi Sun-shin, built a wooden building, Jinnam Hall, at the same place to replace Jinhae Pavilion, which had burned down in 1597.

In 1716, the structure burned down, but was reconstructed in 1718 by Admiral Lee Jae-myeon as a government guesthouse with 75 rooms. The name “Jinnam” expresses a hope for peace for the nation following the conflicts of the 1392-98 Imjin War.

The building was used as a school during the 1910-45 Japanese colonization period and continued to be used for this purpose until the early 1960s. Because of the building’s history and value, it was designated as a National Treasure in 2001 and since then has been managed by Yeosu City.

In 2015, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage determined that, unfortunately, the building was structurally unstable because of its age. Since then, Jinnam Hall has been dismantled and repaired and this year it will be fully restored and opened to the public. Furthermore, Yeosu City is planning to purchase the site formerly used as Admiral Yi’s headquarters during the Japanese invasions to restore to its original state.

Reconstruction of these buildings will help citizens understand how Admiral Yi approached and won naval battles of the past. The admiral said that without the southwestern region of Korea, there would be no Joseon. While he was serving to protect the coastal regions around Jeolla Province, most of his naval forces were from the local population. In practical terms, the defense of Joseon rested on the local people. In appreciation of that, Jinnam Hall can be called a sacred place of patriotic spirit.

Around the main building are sites such as Yeosu Maritime Park, Yeosu Romantic Pocha Street, Hamel Lighthouse and a maritime cable car, as well as many historical sites related to the Imjin War. What’s more, there is a port, the gateway to Dadohae Sea National Park. How about enjoying the newly refurbished Jinnam Hall and the beautiful scenery of Yeosu?

Kim Jin-heon is a retired English teacher who published a book titled, "Flower Is Flower."