This expression is used to strongly emphasize the meaning of the preceding noun. That is, it emphasizes the noun as the prime example among a number of other possible choices.
Details
Kimchi Reader
Emphasizes the preceding noun as the prime example among a number of other possibilities.
Examples
한글<span class='focus'>이야말로</span> 세계에서 가장 우수한 문자예요.
Hangul really is the best alphabet in the world.
운동<span class='focus'>이야말로</span> 가장 중요한 것이라고 생각해요.
I think exercise is the most important thing.
<span class="speaker-a">가:</span> 한국의 전통 모습을 보고 싶은데 어디로 가면 좋을까요?<br><br><span class="speaker-b">나:</span> 다른 곳도 많지만 한국민속촌<span class='focus'>이야말로</span> 전통 모습을 보기에 가장 좋은 곳이에요. 민속촌에 가 보세요.
가: I want to see the traditional side of Korea, so where should I go? 나: While there are a number of places you could go, the Korean Folk Village is just the place to see traditional Korea. So you should check it out.