Icheon City Unveils New Statue of Seo Hee, "Face of Korean Diplomacy," Commemorating Jangwigong's Legacy

[Suwon Ilbo=Um In-yong, Reporter] Jangwigong Seo Hee (徐熙), regarded as Goryeo's greatest diplomatic strategist and Korea's finest diplomatic and security negotiator, now stands majestically at the Seo Hee statue intersection in Jungri-dong, Icheon City.

This marks a historic generational transition nearly 60 years after the original statue, erected in 1965 with precious donations from Icheon residents, had stood in its previous location.

On the 26th, Icheon City announced that the newly reconstructed statue of Seo Hee, which symbolizes the city's identity and underwent rigorous historical research, is a fitting monument for the Seo Hee statue intersection—a historically and symbolically significant space for city residents.

The existing statue had been dressed in Joseon Dynasty attire, failing to reflect Goryeo's cultural costume of the Seongjong period, a concern that had been raised continuously. In 2015, when the "Portrait of Jangwigong Seo Hee" was designated as National Standard Portrait No. 95, the city accelerated efforts to construct a new statue reflecting authentic Goryeo Dynasty of Seongjong period attire based on this designation.

Accordingly, the city, centering on the "Seo Hee Veneration Project Promotion Committee," has consistently advanced the project of constructing a new statue that aligns with early Goryeo-era costume culture and historical circumstances.

The newly erected statue of Jangwigong Seo Hee stands at an impressive 10-meter height, embodying the historical achievements of Seo Hee, who defended Goryeo's territory by recovering the Six Provinces of Gangdong and establishing eight fortifications without shedding a drop of blood against the 800,000 Khitan troops led by Xiao Horde De of Khitan, through analysis of international affairs, diplomatic strategy, logic, and wisdom. The statue faces northwest at 322 degrees, oriented toward the Six Provinces of Gangdong.

Mayor Kim Gyeong-hee stated, "Seo Hee represents a global leader who saved the nation not through military force but through wisdom and logic, embodying both pragmatism and principles," and added, "The newly erected statue will enhance the pride of Icheon citizens and serve as a symbol instilling international sensibility, diplomatic insight, and patriotism in future generations."