Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin

A towering bronze statue of the 16th-century naval commander who repelled Japanese invasions during the Imjin War, celebrated for his ironclad turtle ships and undefeated record. Erected in 1968 at the southern end of Gwanghwamun Square, the figure stands with sword drawn atop a tall granite plinth, backed by fountains and a scale model of a turtle ship. It is regarded as one of Seoul's defining patriotic monuments and a common orientation point in the city center.