The name 'Jeoldusan' translates to 'Decapitation Mountain,' referencing the site's grim history during the persecution era.
The shrine was consecrated in 1967 to mark the centennial of the 1866 Byeongin Persecution.
The underground memorial museum holds personal belongings and instruments of torture used against early Korean Catholics.
The site was once part of the Yanghwajin fortress, which defended the Han River entrance to Seoul.
The architectural design of the memorial church mimics the curve of a traditional Korean straw hat (gat), symbolizing the head of a martyr.
The grounds include a statue of St. Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first Korean-born Catholic priest.
Pope John Paul II visited this site during his apostolic visit to South Korea in 1984.
Many artifacts displayed are recognized as National Treasures or Tangible Cultural Heritage items.
The site contains the graves and remains of several verified martyrs from the 19th-century purges.
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is a memorial site located on the cliffs of the Han River where Catholic believers were executed during the 1866 Byeongin Persecution. The site commemorates the thousands of Korean Catholics who died for their faith during the Joseon Dynasty. It features an open-air museum, a memorial church with distinctive slanted rooflines, and a museum housing historical artifacts from the persecution period. The grounds are situated on the former site of Yanghwajin, a strategic naval crossing point. The shrine complex integrates traditional Korean architectural elements with modern design to reflect the solemnity of its history. It serves as an active pilgrimage site and is officially designated as a historic site by the South Korean government. Visitors can walk through memorial gardens and view statues dedicated to prominent martyrs. The location offers a stark contrast between its history of martyrdom and the surrounding modern cityscape of Seoul.
The elevated viewing platform overlooking the river with the cross sculpture in the foreground.
Walk the outdoor path along the cliff edge for views of the Han River and the memorial statues.
Visit the museum first to gain the necessary historical context before exploring the outdoor grounds.
Maintain a quiet volume as this is an active site of prayer and reflection for pilgrims.
Avoid treating the grave markers or prayer stations as photography props; prioritize the solemn nature of the site.
Closed on Mondays.
Maintain a respectful, quiet demeanor; modest clothing is recommended as this is a sacred religious site.
