H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden, Little Rock

The H.U. Lee International Gate and Garden is a striking tribute to the legacy of Taekwondo and the enduring friendship between South Korea and the United States. Situated in downtown Little Rock, near the River Market District and steps from Markham Street, this serene space honors Eternal Grand Master Haeng Ung Lee, the founder of the American Taekwondo Association (ATA). Established in 1977, the ATA grew into one of the largest martial arts organizations worldwide, with its headquarters in Little Rock.

The elaborate gate, constructed in the Hongsalmun style, was handcrafted by South Korean artists and incorporates traditional Korean colors and symbols. These colors—blue (wood), red (fire), yellow (earth), white (metal), and black (water)—represent the five cardinal elements of Um-Yang, the Korean philosophy akin to yin and yang. The gate’s structure is a blend of Arkansas River Rock, concrete, and South Korean clay tiles, symbolizing the fusion of cultures.

Two Foo Dog statues stand guard at the entrance, embodying Korean tradition. Inside, a serene garden showcases sculptures and artifacts honoring Korean heritage and Taekwondo. Highlights include a nine-foot fountain with dragon motifs symbolizing martial arts knowledge and a Songahm Star-shaped reflecting pool, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

The garden also houses a Wall of Vision, inscribed with the names of ATA Masters, alongside a bust of Eternal Grand Master H.U. Lee. A prominent artifact, the Bee Ryong Bong (Staff of the Flying Dragon), stands nearby as a revered object in Songahm Taekwondo. Several Harubang statues, carved from basalt and gifted from Cheju Island, further enrich the space with cultural depth.

One of the most significant elements within the garden is the Statue of Nine Turtles, a polished granite replica of a beloved wooden carving from Eternal Grand Master Lee’s office. This statue symbolizes longevity, familial strength, and unity, core values both in Korean tradition and martial arts philosophy.

Throughout the garden, full-sized statues of male and female ATA students bow in a traditional greeting of respect. The combination of lush greenery, Arkansas-native boulders, and East Asian flora creates a contemplative atmosphere that invites visitors to reflect on the values of discipline, perseverance, and cultural appreciation.