Unveiling Historic Letters: Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall Reveals Secrets After 93 Years

Historic Letters of Yi Hoe-yeong Revealed After 93 Years

The Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall, located in Seoul’s Jongno-gu, has temporarily moved to a historic building to commemorate the legacy of Yi Hoe-yeong, who dedicated his wealth and life to the independence movement. The newly renovated memorial hall will have its grand opening ceremony on November 11th at 3 PM, marking an important moment in the preservation of Korea’s independence history.

Details of the Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall

The Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall, which opened on Namsan in June 2021, is a two-story building with a total area of 311 square meters. The historic building, designated as a valuable architectural asset by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2019, was originally a Western-style residence built by American missionaries. It now serves as the new location for the Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall.

The memorial hall is conveniently located just a few hundred steps away from the former residence of Yi Hoe-yeong’s wife, Lee Eun-suk, who actively participated in the independence movement. It is also in close proximity to the former house of General Kim Gyeong-cheon, a comrade of Yi Hoe-yeong, adding to its historical significance.

Renovation and Future Plans

Prior to the move, extensive remodeling was carried out to transform the historic building into a suitable space for the Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall. The memorial hall will remain in this location until it is completely relocated to the Myeongdong Cultural Park in 2026, allowing visitors to access this important historical site.

Opening Ceremony and Special Exhibition

The opening ceremony of the memorial hall will be attended by Yi Hoe-yeong’s descendants, local residents, and key figures such as Kim Byeong-min, the Deputy Mayor of Seoul’s Administrative 1st Division. The highlight of the ceremony will be the unveiling of Yi Hoe-yeong’s handwritten letters, showcased in a special exhibition titled “Under the Lamp, a Few Words.”

The exhibition will feature 20 letters, 13 envelopes, and 3 telegrams, including a letter from Yi Hoe-yeong’s daughter, Gyu-suk, announcing her father’s passing. These letters were discovered by Yi Jong-geol, Yi Hoe-yeong’s grandson, while organizing his father’s belongings last winter. Most of the letters were written during a crucial period in 1931 when Yi Hoe-yeong made the decision to abandon Manchuria, the stronghold of the independence movement.

Significance of the Letters

The letters reveal Yi Hoe-yeong’s deep determination and commitment to the independence movement, as he drew lots and sold them to raise funds. All the letters are written in Korean, reflecting Yi Hoe-yeong’s refusal to comply with the colonial language imposed by the Japanese. His writing style, characterized by everyday language rather than exaggerated expressions, reflects his pursuit of freedom and equality.

Distinctive Features of the New Memorial Hall

The newly renovated Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall features a beautiful front yard with two over 300-year-old Zelkova trees. On the first floor, there is a space dedicated to introducing Yi Hoe-yeong’s six brothers and offering a panoramic view of the cityscape. Along the corridors and stairs, visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing the independence movements in Seoul, Seomanju, Beijing, Shanghai, and Dalian. The second-floor exhibition hall displays Yi Hoe-yeong’s paintings and manuscripts of his wife, Lee Eun-suk, providing a comprehensive view of the couple’s contributions to the independence struggle.

Among the exhibited artifacts are historic weapons used by independence activists, including the famous Mauser-Nagan rifle used by Dr. Ahn Jung-geun to assassinate Ito Hirobumi, and the FN M190 pistol. The exhibition will be open for free from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of the struggle for Korea’s independence.

The Curator’s Perspective

Seo Hae-seong, the curator of the exhibition, emphasizes the importance of letters as a vital means of communication and lifeline for exiled independence activists. This exhibition aims to trace the daily experiences and emotions of various independence activists during their period of exile, providing a unique opportunity to encounter Yi Hoe-yeong’s dual identity as an artist and a freedom fighter.

Community Engagement and Historical Heritage

Kim Byeong-min, the Deputy Mayor of Seoul’s Civil Affairs Bureau, positively evaluates the transformation of the historic building into a “citizen’s house” where people can engage with the living history of the independence movement. He hopes that the newly landscaped gardens and serene courtyard will become a space for citizens to connect with Yi Hoe-yeong’s profound legacy and actively participate in the struggle for independence.

Conclusion

Yi Hoe-yeong, a prominent figure in Korean history, was a wealthy landowner and a descendant of a renowned official during the Joseon Dynasty. After the annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, he migrated to Manchuria with his six brothers and devoted himself to the national liberation movement. In his unwavering dedication to the cause, Yi Hoe-yeong sold his land and property to establish the first school for nurturing independence activists, the Shinheungmugwan School.

Yi Hoe-yeong, who endured torture by the Japanese police, ultimately sacrificed his life for the independence movement on November 17, 1932. In recognition of his contributions, the South Korean government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962. The upcoming events at the Yi Hoe-yeong Memorial Hall are not only a tribute to his legacy but also an opportunity for future generations to remember and learn from the sacrifices made for Korea’s independence.