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 apparent in July, 1890 after the death of John Heron, a Presbyterian minister. Up until this point, foreigners were often buried at Chemulpo Foreigners’ Cemetery in Incheon.
A medical missionary, Dr. Horace Allen, searched and found a place for a cemetery. He obtained the rights to the land on the banks of the Han River. He called the cemetery Yanghwajin after the name of an old ferry crossing. In 1885, Dr. Allen became the director of Gwanghyewon, the first western style hospital in Korea. Dr. Allen died in 1932 and is buried in this cemetery.
A quote on the tomb of Homer Hulbert (1863-1949) reads “I would rather be buried in Korea than in Westminster Abbey.” He was an independence activist from Japan and today is highly respected.
Many of the tombstones were damaged during the Korean War (1950-1953). Evidence of this damage still exists today as members of the foreign community decided against repairing many of the fractured tombs. The designs of the tombs found here are western in style, which is unique for Korea.
It is estimated that there are 376 people buried here (221 adults and 133 children). There are also an additional 23 unmarked graves. Buried here are missionaries from all over the world including the United States, Australia, Japan, Korea, Russia, and Europe.
On the other side of Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery is the Jeoldusan Martyr’s Shrine.
Table of Contents
Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery Hours
Monday-Saturday : 10:00-17:00
Free guided tours in English are available Monday through Saturday at 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, and 15:30. Reservations are required and can be made at https://yanghwajin.net/guide/reservation_en.php.
Closed on Sundays
Admission
FreeHow to get to Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery
Take Subway Line 2 or Line 6 to Hapjeong Station (Exit 7)
Map
Additional Resources
Rakuten
Save money while exploring Seoul with Rakuten's cashback program. By booking hotels through Rakuten, visitors can earn cashback rewards and enjoy significant savings. Exclusive partnerships and deals make stays in Seoul more affordable, freeing up funds for attractions, dining, and other experiences. I use Rakuten for cashback on all of my hotel stays in Seoul.
If you sign up using the link below, you will get $30 cashback after your first purchase.
Klook
Klook is a reliable online platform offering discounted tickets and reservations for attractions and services in Seoul. It covers theme parks, museums, transportation, WiFi, tours, and more. Travelers can save time and money by booking through Klook's user-friendly interface, with secure transactions and helpful customer support.
If you sign up using the link below, you will get $5 off your first order.
Learn more about KlookLast Updated on Jul 13, 2023