Statue of Yi Jun-yeol

The Statue of Yi Jun-yeol was erected in Jangchungdan Park to commemorate the patriotic anti-Japanese spirit of martyr Yi Jun. Born in 1859 in Bukcheong, South Hamgyeong Province, Yi Jun actively participated in the Independence Club and delivered street speeches at the All-People's Congress in November 1898. In 1904, he organized the Daehan Boanhoe (Korean Security Association) to block Japan's acquisition of wasteland reclamation rights, formed the Gongjinhoe to oppose the Iljinhoe, denounced pro-Japanese ministers, and devoted himself to the patriotic enlightenment movement. In 1907, upon receiving a secret order from Emperor Gwangmu to attend the International Peace Conference in The Hague, Netherlands, he traveled to The Hague with Yi Sang-seol and Yi Wi-jong to deliver the emperor's personal letter. However, due to Japanese interference, they were prevented from attending the conference. In response, Yi Jun publicly exposed Japan's invasion of Korea and declared the Eulsa Treaty invalid through a public notice, drawing global media attention. Despite favorable coverage from international press, the great powers showed indifference. Enraged by this, the martyr lamented for days and ultimately died for his country.