Nam-gu’s Roads of Remembrance

Narrative

In the Nam-gu District of Gwangju, many roads preserve the memory of those who shaped the region’s history and culture. Jeong Ji (1347-1391), a military official during the late period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), is honored through the Tomb of Jeong Ji and venerated at Gyeongyeolsa Shrine, near Gyeongyeol-ro Road. Bak Gwang-ok (1526-1593), a government official of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), is remembered through Hoejae-ro Road and honored at Byeokjinseowon Confucian Academy, which lies nearby. The legacy of Jeon Sang-ui (1576-1627), a general who served during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598, lives on in Guseong-ro Road, Chungminsa Shrine, and the Tomb of Jeon Sang-ui. Jeong Eom (1528-1580), known for his filial devotion, is commemorated through Yangchon-gil Road and the Commemorative Plaque of Jeong Eom for His Filial Devotion.

Modern figures are also remembered. Elisabeth J. Shepping (1880-1934), a nurse and missionary who devoted her life to serving in Gwangju, is commemorated through Seoseopyeong-gil Road. Though she was a German-American, her Korean name, Seo Seo-pyeong, remains part of the local memory. Clement C. Owen (1867-1909), a missionary educator and hospital director, is similarly remembered through Ogiwon-gil Road, named after his Korean name O Gi-won. His influence shaped the work of Choi Heung-jong (1880-1966), a pioneering local leader whose legacy is preserved in Obang-ro Road and the Obang Choi Heung-jong Memorial Hall. Lastly, Jeong Yul-seong (1914-1976), a musician born in Gwangju who later became known in China, is honored through Jeongyulseong-ro Road, his birthplace, and a street exhibition hall dedicated to his memory.

These roads in Nam-gu are more than thoroughfares—they are quiet markers of the people who helped shape the city’s values and spirit.