The Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine

A Catholic memorial on the Han River called Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine honors those who lost their lives in the Byeongin persecutions of 1866. Nine French missionaries died as martyrs around the end of 1866. This led to two attempts by a French fleet to invade Korea. Many French and native Korean Roman Catholics were mercilessly slaughtered by the Joseon authorities after the attempted invasions. Beheading Mountain became the name of the location. Although this is undoubtedly not an enjoyable place to see, it is an essential piece of Korean history and must be viewed if you want to comprehend the present.

In 1956, the Catholic Church bought the land. The Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine was built here in 1962 in memory of those who were put to death there. To commemorate the persecution's 100th anniversary, a church and museum were constructed here in 1967. In order to honor these sacrifices and to strengthen believers' faith, several new structures were constructed. The church's basement became the shrine for the martyrs' relics in 1968. The remains of 29 martyrs, including one whose identity is unknown, are being kept in the cathedral.

While the shrine is most lovely at night, when votive candles give it an unearthly glow, it is also lovely and somber during the day. Don't bring your kids because The Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine has a gallery and a museum where you may see the tools of torture that were applied to the imprisoned Catholics.

Address: 96-1 Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul 121-883 Korea
Phone: +82 2-3142-4434
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Rating: 4.0/5.0, 31 Tripadvisor reviews
Website: http://www.jeoldusan.or.kr/renew/