Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine is a Catholic shrine on the Hangang River dedicated to those who gave up their lives during the Byeongin persecutions of 1866. In late 1866, nine French missionaries were martyred. This prompted two attempted invasions of Korea by a French fleet. After the attempted invasions, the Joseon government targeted many French and native Korean Roman Catholics, punishing and brutally murdering many of them. The site became known as “Beheading Mountain.”
The property was acquired by the Catholic Church in 1956. In 1962, a monument was erected in honor of those who were executed here.
In 1967, a church and museum were built here to mark the 100th anniversary of the persecution. These new buildings were constructed to honor these martyrs and deepen the faith of believers.
In 1968, relics of the martyrs were enshrined in the basement of the church. Today, the church holds the relics of twenty-nine martyrs, including one unidentified martyr.
On May 3, 1984, Pope John Paul II visited Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine to pay respects to the martyrs. He visited during the 200th anniversary of Catholicism in Korea. Mother Teresa visited the shrine a year later in 1985.
On November 7, 1997, the shrine was designated as a site of national historical significance. In August 2008, the museum was renamed “The Korea Catholic Martyrs’ Museum.”
On the other side of the shrine is Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery.
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine Information
Hours
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Museum Grounds
24 hours
Jeoldusan Martyrs' Museum
9:30-17:00
Admission
Free
Address
6 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
GPS Coordinates: 37.544152,126.911855
How to Get Here
Take Subway Line 2 or Line 6 to Hapjeong Station (Exit 7).
Map
Additional Resources
Klook
Klook offers discounted tickets and reservations for attractions and services in Seoul, from theme parks and museums to tours and transportation.
Viator by TripAdvisor
Book tours, activities, and unique experiences in Seoul, from sightseeing to cultural events and outdoor adventures, offered by local providers.
Rakuten
Save with cashback on hotels and travel services. Sign up and you could earn $30 cashback on your first purchase over $30.
Book Recommendations
Prefer a physical guide? Fodor’s Seoul offers detailed recommendations, maps, and travel tips for the city.
Nearby Sights
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery is an international cemetery designated by King Gojong that holds the tombs and graves of many foreign missionaries. The cemetery is also known as Hapjeong-dong International Cemetery. The need for a foreign cemetery in Seoul was…
Mangwonjeong Pavilion
Mangwonjeong Pavilion is a historic pavilion in Seoul, originally built in 1424 during the Joseon Dynasty by Grand Prince Hyoryeong. The pavilion seen today dates back to 1989, as a flood destroyed the original in 1925. Grand Prince Hyoryeong, King…
Hongdae (Hongik University Area)
Hongdae is a vibrant, energetic, and youthful neighborhood and nightlife district popular for indie music, street art, galleries, cafes, and shops. The area is named after the nearby Hongik University (Hongik Daehakgyo), one of the most prestigious fine arts universities…
Seonyudo Park
Seonyudo Park is a popular park and open space located on an island on the Hangang River that was formerly used as an industrial water treatment plant. The small island, located west of Yeouido, was opened in 2009 after city…
Seonyudo Bridge
Seonyudo Bridge is a pedestrian only footbridge that connects Yanghwa-dong in the south to Seonyudo Park located on the Hangang River. The name means "spending time idly in the scenic heaven." It is also known as the footbridge of peace.…
Hongdae Free Market
The Hongdae Free Market is a fun and unique arts and crafts market where artists, performers, musicians, and visitors can interact face to face. Artists from all over Korea, and even from other countries, meet here each Saturday from March…
Last Updated on May 16, 2026