Haengju is located in the far eastern of Seoul, just across the Han River from
Gimpo International Airport.
The mountain fortress located on this site (designated Historical Site #56) hosted
one of the bloodiest battles during the Japanese invasion (started in 1592). After
Seoul fell to the Japanese, General Kwon Yul (then the Govenor of Jeolla Province)
led a small army of 2,300 to this fortress with the intent of recapturing the
capital. Among them was a contingent of monks led by Monk Ch'oyoung.
Early in the morning on February 12, 1595, a Japanese force of over 30,000 men
surrounded the fortress. They attacked the fortress 9 times, trying from three
different directions, but each one was unsuccessful. More than 10,000 Japanese
soldiers were killed or injured, including the Japanese general and two of his
lieutenants. The battle at Haengju Mountain Fortress is considered to be one of
the three most influential victories against the Japanese aggressors.
General Kwon was promoted to Commander-in-Chief after the battle. In 1842,
Kigon-sa Temple was built in the village near Hangju ferry to enshrine the tablet
of General Kwon. After the war ended in 1602, the government built a monument on
the summit. Both were destroyed during the Korean War.
The monument was rebuilt during the 1960s. During that time, the area was landscaped
to form a park, and Ch'ungjang-sa Shrine was built to to house Gen. Kwon's portrait.
A memorial hall was added and the area further landscaped in the 1970s. Today, the
area forms a lovely park, nestled in the hills overlooking the Han River. It includes
a small museum with replicas of the weapons used during the battle. It is unfortunate
that urban sprawl and noise from several major nearby roads diminish the sereneness
of the park.
Hours: Open throughout the year
Summer(Mar. ~ Oct.) - 09:00 ~ 18:00
Winter(Nov. ~ Feb.) - 09:00 ~ 17:00
Food and Drink:
Near the entrance are several small restaurants and shops selling food and drinks.
About 1 km down the road are several more upscale restaurants offering traditional
Korean food.
Transportation: Car: Follow the signs from the Hangju Bridge or the riverside highway.
Parking: W1,000 - W3,000, depending on
vehicle size and number of passengers.
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