Presidential Couple Tours Exhibit Highlighting Admiral Yi President Lee Jae Myung and First Lady Kim Hea Kyung took a guided tour of the “Great Admiral Yi Sun‑sin” exhibition at Seoul’s National Museum of Korea on Feb 26, 2026, signaling top‑level endorsement of heritage projects [1]. The visit included a walk through displays of Yi’s battle diaries, swords and other national treasures, offering a close look at the 16th‑century commander’s legacy [1]. Museum staff escorted the pair and answered questions about the artifacts and their historical context [1].

Exhibit Marks 480th Anniversary of Yi’s Birth The special exhibition commemorates the 480th anniversary of Admiral Yi Sun‑sin’s birth, celebrating his leadership during the 1592‑98 Japanese invasions of Korea [1]. Curators assembled primary sources such as Yi’s personal logs and weaponry to illustrate his strategic brilliance and national impact [1]. The show, titled “The Great Admiral Yi Sun‑sin,” opened in late November and is designed to educate the public about Joseon‑era naval victories [1].

Attendance Sets New Museum Record Since its November opening, the exhibition has attracted more than 320,000 visitors, surpassing attendance figures for any previous historical special exhibit at the National Museum [1]. The surge reflects strong public interest in Yi’s story and the museum’s promotional efforts [1]. The exhibit remains open through the following Tuesday, giving a limited window for additional attendance before it closes [1].

Official Statement Emphasizes Cultural and Spiritual Significance Spokesperson Kang Yu‑jung explained that the presidential visit aims to “reaffirm the spiritual foundation of the Republic of Korea as a cultural powerhouse and engage with the public” [1]. The statement underscores the government’s view of heritage sites as pillars of national identity and soft power [1]. Officials hope the exhibit will inspire broader appreciation of Korea’s historical achievements [1].