An ancient vessel of the late 17th century has been restored to commemorate Ahn Yong-bok, who crossed the East Sea to Japan in order to defend Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo and Ulleung islands.
 
Busan Development Citizen Association said on Monday that the restoration works were completed, and a ceremonial launching of the ship will be held at the Busan Station on Tuesday afternoon.
 
Civic groups in Busan have pursued the restoration project since 2013 in honor of Ahn, who visited Japan in 1696 and eventually led to Japan recognizing Ulleung and Dokdo as Korean territories.
 
The restored ship is a sailing boat-–nine-point-three meters long, three-and-a-half meters wide and eleven-point-eight meters tall. After the launching ceremony, the ship will be displayed outside of a cultural center in Busan to honor Ahn.