General Chen Lin bridges China and South Korea through shared history

A unique cultural celebration is taking place in Yunfu, Guangdong, where the story of a legendary Chinese general, Chen Lin, is being honored. The event, titled Chen Lin Folk Culture Week, not only commemorates his remarkable feats but also serves as a bridge between China and South Korea, strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.

Chen Lin, a renowned military leader from the Ming Dynasty, played a pivotal role in defending Korea from the threat of Japanese pirates during the Imjin War. His leadership and strategic brilliance helped the Korean forces achieve victory, ending a seven-year-long conflict. Today, his heroism is celebrated in both China and South Korea, as his legacy resonates across borders.

The Chen Lin Folk Culture Week serves as a tribute to this historic figure. One of the highlights of the event is the visit to the ancestral hall of the Chen family, which stands as a symbol of Chen Lin's enduring legacy. The hall not only preserves the memory of this legendary general but also connects his descendants, many of whom now live in South Korea. In fact, over 2,000 descendants of Chen Lin reside in South Korea, and a delegation from the country traveled to Yunfu to attend the festival.

Ren Sang-hee, the Head of the Planning Division for Haenam-gun of the Republic of Korea, shared his thoughts on the significance of this exchange. "Over 430 years ago, General Chen Lin, a hero from Guangdong Province, participated in the Imjin War. In our Haenam-gun, some of his descendants still live there. We are making this cultural exchange with Yun'an District, Guangdong Province. We will continue to foster various exchanges in the future including football matches," he said.

The Chen Lin Folk Culture Week features a folk culture parade, one of the most striking aspects of the festival, which has caught the attention of international visitors. Sofia, a tourist from Venezuela, expressed her excitement: "When I see everyone walking together, I get goosebumps. I feel so welcome and empowered by the energy of the event."

Another visitor, Dee from Ethiopia, shared his admiration for the festival's focus on honoring one's roots. "Every city has its own hero. For Yunfu, Chen Lin is their hero. It's important to never forget where you come from. The people here have not forgotten their roots, and I think that's very admirable."

As the event unfolded, it became clear that the Chen Lin Folk Culture Week is more than just a cultural celebration. It is a symbol of the international friendship between China and South Korea, built on a shared history that continues to inspire future generations.

Reporter: Li Fangwang

Video: Guo Hongda

Poster: Li Fangwang

Editor: Hu Nan, James, Shen He