E2024-G176

Gwangju’s Patriotic Martyr: General Jeon Sang-ui

Narrative

Jeon Sang-ui (1575-1627) was a military official. He is known as one of the Three Loyal Subjects of Gwangju, along with Go Gyeong-myeong (1533-1592) and Kim Deok-ryeong (1567-1596).

Born in Gwangju, Jeon began his military career after passing the state examination in 1603. He later died during the Manchu invasion of 1627 in the Battle of Anjuseong Fortress, an important stronghold in the northwest part of the Korean Peninsula. The enemy troops were moved by Jeon’s resolve to fight to the death, and, believing that a patriotic martyr’s body should be handled with care, made a separate grave for him marked with his name. After the war, Jeon’s body was returned to Gwangju and formally buried here.

Jeon’s tomb is designated as a Gwangju Monument. Hwaam Village, where the tomb is located, is also home to Chungminsa Shrine, where his portrait and spirit tablet are held. Aritifacts belonging to him have been passed down to this day, and are now kept at the Chungminsa Exhibition Hall and the National Museum of Korea. Guseong-ro Road in Gwangju is named after his honorary title, Guseonggong.

Story Map

• Heroic Legacies: From Joseon Loyalty to Independence Fighters
  • The Three Loyal Subjects of Gwangju: Go Gyeong-myeong, Kim Deok-ryeong, and Jeon Sang-ui
  • Leading the Community in Times of Peace and War: Go Gyeong-myeong
  • Gwangju’s Patriotic Martyr: General Jeon Sang-ui
  • Jeong Ji and Jeong Chung-sin: A Family Legacy of Military Valor
  • Kim Tae-won and the Anti-Japanese Civilian Armies