After witnessing the massive March First Independence Movement of 1919 against the Japanese colonial rule as a student at the Ewha Girls’ High School in Seoul, patriotic martyr Yu Gwan-sun returned to her hometown of Cheonan and planned an independence demonstration on April 1 at Aunae Market. Yu was arrested for the incident and died in jail after being brutally tortured by the Japanese authorities.
The Chumogak Memorial Shrine and the Memorial Hall of Patriotic Martyr Yu Gwan-sun are located near the historic Aunae Market, displaying various exhibits and video content about the life of Yu.

Yu’s activism was influenced by her father, Yu Jeung-gwon, a nationalist enlightenment activist who set up a church along with other community leaders to launch an enlightenment campaign. The site recreates Yu Gwan-sun’s birth home to show how she planned and prepared for the Aunae Market protest.

Location | 38 Yugwansun-gil, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1972
Purpose | Memorial Service

Yi Dong-nyeong, a Korean independence activist, lived for 17 years at the birthplace until he left for Seoul. Devoting his entire life to independence movement against the Japanese colonial rule, he served as President and other top posts of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea that was in exile in Shanghai, China. He died in Sichuan, China in 1940.

The Memorial Hall of Yi Dong-nyeong exhibits his manuscripts, autograph letters, documents of the provisional government, portraits and photos, along with videos about his life and messages he left to the younger generation.

Location | 36 Dongni-4 gil, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1869
Purpose | Residence

Gwangmyeong Library, Shelter for Villagers

Yi’s birthplace now has a small library named Gwangmyeong Chaekbang. Gwangmyeong, which means “bright light,” was named after one of Yi’s calligraphy works written in 1924 that wished for Korean independence. The library, which contains various books, including a cartoon about his life as an independence activist, is also used by villagers as a shelter for resting.

Hong Dae-yong was the first Joseon scholar who argued that the Earth rotates, but his claim was rejected by mainstream Confucian scholars. He also claimed that the Earth is not the center of the universe and presented a concept of infinite space and constellations. His theory was based on the fact that the Earth casts a round shadow over the moon during lunar eclipse.

The Hong Dae-yong Science Museum is dedicated to the life and academic achievements of Hong and also reviews the science of the Joseon Dynasty. It also recreates Nongsugak, an astronomical observatory that had been built by Hong.

Location | 462-22 Jangsan-ri, Susin-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1857
Purpose | Residence

“Chungmugong” Yi Sun-sin, a naval admiral who became a war hero during the 16th-century Japanese invasion of Korea, is also famous for his war diary, the “Nanjung Ilgi,” which was designated as National Treasure No. 76. The writings combine descriptions of war with expressions of filial piety for his mother. The house where Yi lived when he was young was designated as the Historical Site No. 155. Also located nearby are the Hyeonchungsa Shrine, a different house where he lived after marriage, an archery field where he practiced martial arts, and the graves of his family members. A 500-year-old ginkgo tree called Ssangsujeong near the archery field was designated as a protected tree by the Chungcheongnam-do Province.

The Hyeonchungsa Shrine was established during the reign of King Sukjong and was partially torn down under the order of Regent Heungseon Daewongun to reform “seowon,” or Confucian academies. But Confucian scholars established the Memorial Stone for the shrine after being outraged for the Protectorate Treaty between Korea and Japan concluded in 1905. Villagers and patriotic activists raised funds to rebuild the shrine in 1932 and enshrined the portrait to prevent the site being auctioned off to Japanese buyers during the Japanese colonial rule (1910- 1945). The government organizes a festive event every year to celebrate the birth of Chungmugong on April 28 in 1966 and recognizes the shrine as a sanctuary.

Location | 126 Hyeonchungsa-gil, Yeomchi-eup, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | 1706
Purpose | Memorial Service, Tomb

After her husband died at a young age, Princess Hwasun, Chusa’s great grandmother, rejected food entirely while grieving, despite pleas by her father, King Yeongjo, for her to eat.

She died 14 days later. King Jeongjo ordered to construct a gate to commemorate her faithfulness to her husband, the only such monument for a member of the Joseon royal family.

“Chusa” Kim Jeong-hui was a realist scholar and also famous for his distinctive calligraphic style called “Chusache,” one of the famous cultural heritages of the late Joseon period.

Kim spent his childhood practicing arts at Chusa House, which was built in the architectural style of a royal court under the direction of his great grandfather Kim Han-sin, who married Princess Hwansun, second daughter of King Yeongjo.

Location | 261 Chusagotaek-ro, Sinam-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | Late Joseon
Purpose | Memorial Service, Tomb

The site is where General “Baekya” Kim Jwa-jin, famous for leading Korean independence fighters to victory against Japanese troops in the battle of Qingshanli Battle, was born and raised. It is also where Kim, at the age of 15, burned slave registry documents and gave rice paddies and farming land to freed slaves to help them survive.

Location | 261 Chusagotaek-ro, Sinam-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
Foundation | Japanese Colonial Period
Purpose | Residence, Memorial Service

When he turned 18, Kim established the Homyeong School, which is now the Galsan Middle and High School, to provide modern education for Korean youngsters.
In 1910, he joined the underground organization Korea Liberation Corps and raised money to support the independence movement. In 1919, Kim became the commander of the Northern Route Military Command and led an armed resistance before defeating Japanese forces in nine engagements over a 10-day span in Qingshanli in October 1920.

The battle is considered the most successful campaign by independence fighters against the Japanese colonial rule. After Kim’s birthplace was restored, the Baekya Memorial Hall and the Baekyasa Shrine were constructed to commemorate his spirit of independence movement.