On March 25, 2026, a moment of pride and gratitude unfolded in Incheon, South Korea, as local leaders, medical professionals, and community members gathered at Gachon University Gil Hospital’s Gachon Hall. The occasion? The official unveiling of 'Gachon I Gil-yeo-gil,' an honorary road name bestowed to commemorate the lifelong service and pioneering achievements of Dr. Lee Gil-yeo. For many in attendance, the ceremony was more than just a formality—it was a heartfelt tribute to a woman whose vision and compassion have transformed both the city and the nation’s approach to healthcare and education.
The newly designated stretch, totaling 530 meters, winds through Namdong-gu’s Guwol-dong area, covering Namdong-daero (755~792) and Namdong-daero 774beon-gil (1~30). This symbolic road includes the bustling six-lane avenue from the intersection in front of the Cancer Center to the Gil Hospital intersection, as well as the two-lane road in front of the Women’s Specialized Center. While the honorary name won’t replace official addresses, its presence is meant to serve as a daily reminder of Dr. Lee’s enduring legacy—and perhaps inspire those passing by to consider the deeper meaning behind a simple street sign.
The process leading up to this moment was as thorough as it was community-driven. According to Gukje News, the Korea Hospital Association Incheon City Hospital Council first submitted the application for the honorary road name in January. What followed was a careful period of coordination, planning, and gathering input from residents. The Address Information Committee gave its final approval on February 4, 2026, paving the way for the March unveiling. The honorary designation will last for five years, with the option for renewal upon further review—a testament to the community’s desire to keep Dr. Lee’s story alive for future generations.
But who is Dr. Lee Gil-yeo, and why such reverence? The answer lies in a career that has spanned nearly seven decades, marked by firsts and fueled by a relentless commitment to service. In 1958, Dr. Lee opened the Lee Gil-yeo Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in Incheon, setting the stage for a lifetime of breaking barriers. She became the first female doctor in Korea to establish a nonprofit medical corporation—a remarkable feat in a time when women in medicine were still fighting for recognition. Her leadership ushered in a wave of innovation: she introduced Korea’s first ultrasound device, championed the computerization of hospital systems, launched doctor helicopter services, and established regional trauma centers. Not one to rest on her laurels, Dr. Lee also brought artificial intelligence into the fold, integrating AI Watson technology to further advance medical care at her institutions.
Dr. Lee’s influence, however, extends far beyond the walls of any hospital. As noted by Focus Incheon, she has been a driving force in education, spearheading initiatives to train future generations of medical professionals and advocating for continuous learning. Her dedication to social contribution is equally profound. Through sustained outreach and support for underprivileged groups, Dr. Lee has made it her mission to ensure that the benefits of modern medicine and education reach those who need them most. For the people of Incheon—and many across South Korea—she embodies the values of philanthropy, service, and patriotism.
The unveiling ceremony itself was charged with emotion and gratitude. Jeong Hae-gwon, Chairman of the Incheon Metropolitan Council, took the stage to express his appreciation for Dr. Lee’s unwavering passion and sacrifice. "Chairman Lee’s dedication and passion have become a great pride for Incheon citizens and a symbol representing South Korea," he stated, according to Focus Incheon. Accepting a plaque of appreciation on behalf of the city’s residents, Jeong added, "It is a deep honor to receive this plaque on behalf of the citizens." He went on to emphasize that 'Gachon I Gil-yeo-gil' would serve as "a path of hope," carrying forward the spirit of philanthropy, service, and patriotism that Dr. Lee has championed throughout her life.
Park Jong-hyo, Mayor of Namdong-gu, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader impact of the honorary road name. "We have given this honorary road name to honor Dr. Lee’s life of philanthropy, service, and patriotism, and to boost local residents’ pride," Park remarked, as reported by Gukje News. For many in the community, the symbolic act of naming a road after Dr. Lee is both a celebration of her achievements and an encouragement to others to follow in her footsteps.
Gachon University Gil Hospital, the institution at the heart of Dr. Lee’s legacy, also seized the moment to reaffirm its commitment to social responsibility. Hospital representatives announced plans to intensify their efforts to support the underprivileged and tackle broader societal challenges. "With the designation of Gachon I Gil-yeo-gil, we plan to actively contribute to solving social issues through medical support for the underprivileged and various social contribution activities," a hospital spokesperson said, according to Gukje News. This pledge seems fitting, given Dr. Lee’s own belief in using medicine as a force for good, not just for those within easy reach of care, but for all segments of society.
The honorary road name, while symbolic, carries real weight in the eyes of residents and officials alike. As Gukje News explains, such designations are not used for mailing or official address purposes but serve to recognize individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the community. After five years, the name’s future will be reviewed, but for now, it stands as a living tribute to Dr. Lee’s tireless work.
The story of 'Gachon I Gil-yeo-gil' is, at its core, a story about the power of individual initiative and the ripple effect it can have on an entire city—and even a country. Dr. Lee’s journey from opening a small clinic in 1958 to building a legacy that encompasses groundbreaking medical advances, educational reform, and relentless advocacy for the marginalized is nothing short of remarkable. Her example reminds us that progress is often driven by those willing to challenge the status quo and give back, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
As the sun set on the day of the unveiling, the new road sign gleamed in the fading light—a simple marker, perhaps, but one loaded with meaning. For the people of Incheon, and for all who value the ideals of service and innovation, 'Gachon I Gil-yeo-gil' will remain a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring impact of one person’s vision and generosity.