The park was originally designated as a royal burial ground during the Joseon Dynasty in 1787.
It is the resting place of three of the 'Patriotic Martyrs' of the Korean independence movement.
Hyochang Stadium, located within the park, hosted the 1960 AFC Asian Cup.
The site was renamed from Hyochangwon to Hyochang Park in 1940 by the Japanese colonial government to diminish its royal significance.
King Jeongjo had the tomb of his son moved here specifically to ensure it stayed within the capital's boundaries.
The park houses a bronze statue of Kim Koo, one of the most prominent figures in Korean history.
Many of the old growth trees within the park were planted following the restoration of the sites after the Korean War.
Hyochang Park serves as a historic site containing the graves of key Korean independence activists, including Kim Koo, Lee Bong-chang, Yun Bong-gil, and Baek Jeong-gi. Originally established as Hyochangwon, it served as the royal cemetery for King Jeongjo’s son, Crown Prince Munhyo, and his mother, Royal Noble Consort Uibin Seong. During the Japanese colonial period, the royal tombs were relocated to Goyang, and the site was repurposed as a public park. Today, the park features the Hyochang Stadium, the first modern sports facility built in South Korea. The grounds contain the Hyochangwon Shrine and the Kim Koo Museum & Library, which archives the leader's life and influence. Visitors can walk the dense forest paths that surround these national monuments. The site acts as a significant memorial space for the Korean pro-independence movement. It remains a central urban green space within the Yongsan District.
The path leading to the mausoleum of the independence activists provides a balanced view of the park's history and nature.
Combine your visit with a stop at the Kim Koo Museum located inside the park boundaries for essential context.
Walk the perimeter trails to see the various memorial stones tucked away in the wooded areas.
Plan for a leisurely pace as the park is situated on hilly terrain.
Do not treat the memorial monuments as simple photo backdrops; be mindful of the solemn nature of the gravesites.
Maintain a respectful tone near the tombs and memorial shrines; avoid loud behavior.
