Visit to the Sudang Memorial Hall in Yesan
The Sudang Memorial Hall in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do, was established to honor the achievements of Lee Nam-kyu and to carry on the spirit of patriotism.
Lee Nam-kyu was born into a family of traditional scholars and took the lead in the fight for the country's independence during the national crisis of Japanese invasion.
His family has a long history of patriotism and national defense activities spanning four generations.
Having limited knowledge about Lee Nam-kyu, I decided to visit the Sudang Memorial Hall to learn more about him.
Visiting the hall late in the afternoon during winter, I worried it might be closed due to the short days, but fortunately, it was open, allowing me to explore the interior.
The Sudang Memorial Hall was built to promote and inherit the noble spirit of 'Sagasal Bugayok' practiced by Sudang.
Inside, there are exhibitions about the Sudang family and Lee Nam-kyu.
There was no one guarding the hall, creating a relaxed atmosphere where visitors could freely explore while wearing slippers provided inside.
Yesan is known for producing many patriots.
Most activities took place in Yesan-eup and Gwangsi-myeon, with many individuals involved throughout the region.
In addition to Lee Nam-kyu, the representative practical scholar of the late Joseon period, Kim Jeong-hee, also worked in the Yesan area.
A model of the Sudang family house is on display, designated as a cultural heritage site in Chungcheongnam-do, built in 1637 and restored in 1825.
Sudang submitted a petition against the atrocities of the Japanese and hid the independence army leader, Min Jong-sik, in this location.
The Sudang family has a tradition of prioritizing scholarship and integrity.
The Hansan Lee family has produced many distinguished scholars and officials, including four high-ranking ministers, two grand examiners, five clean officials, and twelve meritorious subjects, totaling 195 successful candidates in the civil service examination.
There are also relics left by the Sudang family, including a paper flower called Eosahwa, given by the king to those who excelled in the examinations.
Although time has passed and the flower's shape is no longer intact, its form remains clear.
Lee Nam-kyu's descendants continued the legacy of patriotism, including Lee Chung-gu, Lee Seung-bok, and Lee Jang-won.
Lee Jang-won, a great-grandson of Sudang, met his end during a battle against North Korean forces in the Korean War.
He encouraged his troops during fierce combat, ensuring the remaining members upheld their mission to protect the military's main maritime blockade line.
Lee Seung-bok, the grandson of Lee Nam-kyu, exiled from Primorsky Krai to Shanghai to engage in independence movements, later returned to Korea to continue his activism.
Various relics, including Lee Seung-bok's student ID, seal, and certificates from private youth academies, are on display.
Lee Chung-gu, son of Lee Nam-kyu, assisted his father in independence activities in Chungcheongnam-do and was imprisoned alongside him in Gongju Prison.
During their detention, they were forced to surrender by the Japanese military but remained resolute and met their end while protecting each other.
The upright character of Lee Nam-kyu is reflected in the many insightful sayings he left behind, which are displayed in the hall.
A diorama depicts the moment he shared with his son at the end of their lives.
In the video room, visitors can watch documentaries about the Sudang family and Confucian culture.
By touching the desired topic, videos will play, allowing visitors to sit comfortably and enjoy.
Next to the Sudang Memorial Hall is the Sudang Family House, featuring a 'ㅡ'-shaped sarangchae and a '튼ㅁ'-shaped anchae, a southern-facing house with five rooms and a tiled roof.
The area around the house is adorned with beautiful trees, particularly the impressive thorn tree, which stands out with its thick thorns guarding the house.
The aroma of dinner being prepared nearby wafted through the air, enhancing the rural village ambiance.
Exploring the Sudang Memorial Hall provided a meaningful opportunity to learn about the remarkable individuals of the Sudang family and their contributions to patriotism and national defense over four generations.
Sudang Memorial Hall
Address: 181-8 Sanghangbangsan-ro, Daesul-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Admission: Free
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224184479029
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