Jeoldusan Martyrs Museum & Chapel

Save
  • Phone
    323 1950
  • Transport
    underground rail: Line 2 or 6 to Hapjeong, Exit 7
  • Tue-Sun 10:00 - 12:00 , 13:00 - 17:00

Let us know if these details are incorrect

Lonely Planet review

Jeoldusan means 'Beheading Hill' and is where up to 2000 Korean Catholics were executed in 1866 following a decree, signed by Regent Heungseon Daewongun (King Gojong's father), to kill all Catholics. The victims' bodies were thrown into the Han River and less than 40 of their names are known. A memorial to the martyrs, a garden, museum, memorial chapel and a statue of the first Korean priest, St Andrew Kim Dae-heon (1821-46) make up the site.

The museum has very little in English but has relics of the many Catholic martyrs, and downstairs are miniature models of scenes from the early church together with souvenirs of Pope John Paul II's visit here in 1984. Steadfast early Christian converts faced waves of government persecution, but refused to recant their new faith. Inside churches, yangban nobles and ordinary folk sat together as equals in the sight of God, which challenged the rigid Confucian hierarchy of Joseon society. Many faced cruel tortures before they were executed.

Visit on a Sunday after to attend the service at the stark white modernist chapel - the beautiful voices of the choir and packed congregation is a highlight. Female worshippers still wear a white veil on their heads. The chapel is open every day.