A large model of the turtle ship, a symbol of Korean cultural heritage, now stands in the West Hall lobby of the LA Convention Center. It had previously been displayed at Los Angeles City Hall for 42 years. The relocation aims to introduce Korean history to global visitors ahead of major events, including the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
City marks new exhibit with reception
To commemorate the move, the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office hosted a Korean Cultural Heritage Reception on April 8 at the Convention Center.
LA Mayor Karen Bass, who led the event, said it was meaningful to host her first celebration of Korean cultural heritage. She added, “I hope to make this an annual tradition.” She also noted that the model will help share Korea’s legacy with visitors during the 2026 World Cup, 2027 Super Bowl, and 2028 Olympics.
Committee secures model’s prime location
An advisory committee selected the turtle ship’s new location after reviewing multiple display options.
Steve Kang, Commissioner of the LA Board of Public Works, explained that the committee prioritized the model and secured a prime spot. “It earned the best exhibition space among all cultural heritage candidates,” he said.
Project cost $750,000, includes UV protection
Eunice Song, Executive Director of the Korean American Coalition (KAC) and a member of the committee, shared additional details. She said the project cost $750,000 and included restoration, relocation, and installation. To prevent sun damage, the team installed UV-blocking glass panels.
“The West Hall is the Convention Center’s core space,” Song said. “It also hosts large Korean pop events like KCON.”
Community leaders and descendants attend
More than 200 guests joined the celebration, including Korean American leaders and city officials. Notable attendees included Robert Ahn, President of the Korean American Federation of LA; Youngshin Shin, Chair of the Koreatown Senior and Community Center; and Deputy Consul General Seongho Cho of the Consulate General of Korea in LA.
Also present were Simon and Philip Lee, 12th-generation descendants of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, who designed the original turtle ship. They said they hope the model will inspire both global visitors and future generations of Korean Americans.
Busan gifted the model in 1982
Busan, LA’s sister city, gifted the turtle ship model in 1982. In July 2023, officials relocated it from City Hall to make room for the Olympic rings installation ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Some Korean American residents criticized the decision, saying the city moved the model without sufficient community input.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
