E2024-G177
Jeong Ji and Jeong Chung-sin: A Family Legacy of Military Valor
Narrative
Jeong Ji (1347-1391) and Jeong Chung-sin (1576-1636) were military officials of the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) periods, respectively. Jeong Chung-sin was the 9th-generation descendant of Jeong Ji, both hailing from Gwangju. Together, they show the tradition of valor in the Jeong family of Gwangju.
Jeong Ji was a renowned general of the Goryeo period. The late Goryeo period in which Jeong lived was a very chaotic time due to the frequent trespassing of Japanese pirates. As a way to stop the pirates, Jeong proposed the establishment of a navy for the first time in Korean history. He thought, “An enemy who has crossed the sea should be stopped at the sea. The Japanese pirates must be swept clear by training those familiar with the sea.” With such discerning insight, Jeong achieved great victories in several battles against the pirates. These contributions were recognized and he became a meritorious subject. Notably, the armor worn by Jeong Ji was preserved by his descendants and was designated as a Treasure in 1963. It is currently exhibited at the Gwangju History and Folk Museum. Gyeongyeol-ro Road in Gwangju is named after his pen name.
Jeong Chung-sin made great contributions to defend the nation in the Japanese invasion of 1592-1598, Yi Gwal’s revolt in 1624, and the Manchu invasion of 1627. He passed the state examination to become a military official in 1593. He died of illness in 1636. He was bestowed the posthumous name Geumnam, after which Geumnam-ro Road in Gwangju is named. In particular, he fought under the renowned general Gwon Yul during the Japanese invasions as Gwon was serving as magistrate of Gwangju at the time.
Both men are honored at Gyeongyeolsa Shrine, which is located next to Jeong Ji’s tomb.
Network Graph
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
