**Interview: The Significance of ‘Xufu Road’ in Jeju, South Korea**

**By Liu Xu, China News Service**

On October 11th, a spotlight was cast on the “Xufu Road” in Jeju Island, South Korea. This road is named after Xufu, a figure believed to have journeyed across the seas during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Stories about Xufu have permeated the coastal regions of Korea and Japan, where he is often credited with bringing agricultural culture to neighboring countries. The unveiling ceremony for “Xufu Road” took place in May and was attended by notable figures, including the Chinese consul general in Jeju and the mayor of Seogwipo City.

Why does Jeju Island have a road named after Xufu, and how does this cultural symbol foster friendly exchanges between local cities in China and Korea? We spoke with Lee Young-geun, president of the Xufu Cultural International Exchange Association, to explore Xufu’s historical role in China-Korea exchanges and the relevance of Xufu-related research today.

**China News Service (CNS): What role does the story of Xufu play in traditional Korean culture, and what locations or figures in Jeju Island are associated with the Xufu legend?**

**Lee Young-geun:** The story of “Xufu’s eastern crossing” has been passed down through generations in Jeju Island. When I was young, I often heard elders talk about the legend, attributing significant cultural contributions to Xufu for bringing agricultural practices to neighboring lands. Initially, I only knew of Xufu’s tale through oral tradition, but I later sought deeper knowledge by reading various historical texts.

The accounts of Xufu’s legend can trace back to Sima Qian’s *Records of the Grand Historian*. It is said that over 2,000 years ago, Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent Xufu with 500 children to Yingzhou, thought to be modern-day Jeju Island, in search of the elixir of life. Upon landing, Xufu carved the characters “Chao Tian” into a rock, and this site is now known as Chao Tian-ri in Jeju. It is believed that after discovering the “longevity herb,” Xufu intended to return home but was prevented by fog and rough seas, ultimately leading him to Japan. The port from which he departed Jeju is now called “Seogwipo.”

**CNS: Are there any research or commemorative activities related to Xufu in Jeju Island?**

**Lee Young-geun:** Jeju is the first region in Korea to establish a Xufu Park and a cultural organization focused on Xufu. Given that references to Xufu exist in various historical texts, we have organized over 20 seminars to clarify who Xufu really was. In 1997, we visited Shandong Province in China to gather extensive materials and founded the Xufu Cultural International Exchange Association in 1998. As a result, scholars from Korea, China, and Japan have annually participated in Xufu seminars in Jeju, conducting nearly 20 academic meetings prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts have increased local residents’ understanding of Xufu’s story, leading to greater participation in associated commemorative activities and fostering cultural exchanges grounded in history.

In 2003, we established a Xufu Exhibition Hall and Xufu Park on the island, complete with a statue of Xufu. The exhibition hall collects various materials related to Xufu. Recently, on May 7th, “Xufu Road” was unveiled in Seogwipo, with attendance from prominent figures from both countries. In the future, we plan to gradually resume various exchange activities that were interrupted due to the pandemic.

**CNS: You mentioned the unveiling of “Xufu Road.” Can you elaborate on its background and significance?**

**Lee Young-geun:** Currently, “Xufu Road” is a segment located within Xufu Park and was opened with support from the Chinese Consulate in Jeju. Korea and China share a long history of friendship and exchange, and the tale of Xufu’s voyage to West Seogwipo in search of the longevity herb is well-known. We hope that “Xufu Road” will serve as a symbol of friendship between the two nations, enhancing collaboration in numerous areas. The successful unveiling of this road is due to the efforts of goodwill ambassadors from various sectors in both Korea and China.

I believe this small road is just the beginning. We aim to establish a longer “Xufu Road” stretching from Jeju City to here. I even envision a cruise route from China to Jeju based on Xufu’s maritime journey, creating a unique cultural tourism route. As people walk down this road, they can reflect on the stories of Xufu in Jeju and imagine the challenges he faced. Xufu could never have imagined that the arduous journey he undertook would now only take a couple of hours. Today, Jeju has become one of the most popular overseas travel destinations for Chinese citizens. By connecting history with the present, we can encourage more cultural exchanges in the future.

I truly believe that with the support of goodwill forces between Korea and China, “Xufu Road” will continue to flourish. I hope it serves not just as a tourist attraction but also as a vital venue for cultural exchanges between Korea and China, and even for international engagements. We envision that “Xufu Road” will symbolize paths of blessing, longevity, and diligence, witnessing the contributions of both Korea and China towards peace and prosperity in East Asia.

**CNS: As a cultural symbol, Xufu is seen as a link between China, Korea, and Japan. How can we further deepen cultural exchanges among these three countries through this legacy?**

**Lee Young-geun:** For a long time, the legend of Xufu wasn’t recognized in academic circles, but with advancements in historical and geographical studies, its authenticity is gaining respect among scholars. Researchers from Korea, China, and Japan are actively studying various aspects of Xufu, including his homeland, voyage objectives, maritime routes, destination regions, descendants, and the dissemination and preservation of culture.

Based on the discussions at the Xufu-themed forums, cultural exchanges among Korea, China, and Japan began with Xufu’s voyages. As this legendary tale spread its cultural influence, a broader area referred to as the “Xufu Cultural Circle” has emerged, which extends from the Bohai Bay in China to Zhoushan, Zhejiang, and includes Jeju Island and Japan. The cultural exchanges within this region are diverse, and the rich cultural resources embedded in these interactions have prompted recognition from relevant areas.

While there are some products related to Xufu culture, the cultural industry surrounding it is limited in scale and quality. There are significant opportunities and potential for growth. The key lies in increasing awareness and recognition of Xufu culture among both official and grassroots levels, understanding the social and economic benefits of the Xufu cultural brand, and inspiring active development of the Xufu cultural industry.

A Chinese scholar once noted at a forum that Xufu, despite being a legendary figure from over 2,000 years ago, continues to resonate with the peoples of China, Korea, and Japan today. This is because Xufu embodies themes of exchange, integration, peace, development, health, and longevity—ideals that humanity collectively aspires to. Our contemporary research on Xufu and the promotion of Xufu culture aim to reflect these values. We believe that through the combined efforts of the people in Korea, China, and Japan, the core principles of Xufu culture will become a universal philosophy benefitting East Asia and the world.

**Interviewee Profile:**

Lee Young-geun is the president of the Xufu Cultural International Exchange Association in Jeju, South Korea. In 2004, he established the Peace Museum on Jeju Island and received the Minister of Culture and Tourism Award in 2007. He became the president of the association in 2017 and has contributed significantly to the research and construction of the Xufu Museum and Xufu Park in Jeju.