Goryeo Dynasty's 'Diplomatic Genius' Seo Hee Statue Reborn After 61 Years

Icheon City has unveiled a new statue of Seo Hee, a celebrated diplomat from the Goryeo Dynasty, replacing the original that stood for 61 years. The newly constructed statue, standing 7.5 meters tall with a 2.5-meter pedestal, is based on a national standard portrait and honors Seo Hee's significant diplomatic achievements.

Seo Hee, a prominent figure during the reign of King Seongjong of Goryeo (942-998), is renowned for his diplomatic prowess. He successfully negotiated with the Khitan Liao Dynasty, which had invaded with an army of 800,000, to reclaim the six districts of Gangdong without bloodshed. The new statue is oriented towards the northwest, symbolizing the direction of the Gangdong 6주 region he secured.

The original statue was erected in 1965 through public donations from Icheon citizens. However, due to aging, a decision was made to rebuild it. The city has also installed an art wall in front of the statue, depicting the Gangdong 6주 region. In 2015, Icheon City established the Seo Hee Theme Park, which includes a history museum, memorial hall, and exhibition spaces, further cementing the legacy of the historical figure.