Read the Site of the Jeongyu War in 30 Minutes at Namwon’s Tomb of Ten Thousand Martyrs

What Happened at Namwon Fortress on August 14–15, 1597

Namwon Maninui Chong is a tomb where the soldiers, officials, and civilians who died fighting the Japanese enemy while defending Namwon Fortress during the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1597 (the 30th year of King Seonjo’s reign) were buried together. At the end of July 1597, 110,000 Japanese troops divided into a left and right army attacked Namwon and Hwangseoksan Fortress, and on August 7, the Japanese advance troops appeared in the Namwon area.

The main Japanese army assembled below Namwon Fortress on August 13 and besieged it. The battle continued for two days, August 14 and 15. Although soldiers, officials, and civilians fought together, Namwon Fortress fell. Just before the fortress collapsed, Yang Yuan of Ming China escaped through the west gate.

From Yang Yuan at the East Gate to Yi Bok-nam at the North Gate: Those Who Defended the Fortress

The four gates of Namwon Fortress were defended separately by Joseon troops and Ming reinforcements. The east gate was assigned to Yang Yuan, deputy commander of the Ming army; the south gate to Zhang Biao, a Ming commander; the west gate to Mo Chengxian, a Ming commander; and the north gate to Yi Bok-nam, military commander of Jeolla Province.

Those killed in the battle included Jeong Gi-won, liaison officer; Yi Bok-nam; O Eung-jeong, defense commander; Kim Gyeong-ro; Sin Ho, special commander; Im Hyeon, magistrate; Yi Deok-hoe, military inspector; Yi Won-chun; and Ma Eung-bang, magistrate of Jinan County. Ming soldiers who came as reinforcements, including Li Xin-fang, Zhang Biao, and Mo Chengxian, also died. In addition, 2,000 soldiers defending the fortress and more than 10,000 residents lost their lives.

A Tomb Relocated from Near Namwon Station to 3 Manin-ro

After the war ended, the remains of loyal subjects who died for their country and soldiers and residents killed in battle were buried in one place. In 1612, during the fourth year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign, Chungnyeolsa Shrine was built to honor eight loyal subjects. This is why visitors today can see the tomb and Chungnyeolsa together at the site.

Namwon Maninui Chong was originally located near Namwon Station, but it was relocated in 1964 to its current site, which covers approximately 12,500㎡. Repairs and dancheong decorative painting were carried out in 1971. After a purification project in 1973, one tomb and two caretaker houses were built the following year. The quantity and area registered on the National Heritage Portal are 89,168㎡, and the site was designated a historic site on April 1, 1981.

Free Admission from 09:00 to 18:00, with Seasonal Closing Times

According to Namwon City tourism information, operating hours are 09:00–18:00. The national tourism information lists 09:00–18:00 from March to October and 09:00–17:00 from November to February. The site is listed as open year-round and admission is free, so there is no need to plan a visit to purchase a ticket at a ticket office.

The telephone number for inquiries is 063-636-9321. The official website listed on Namwon City’s tourism page is http://www.cha.go.kr/manin. Operating hours and closure information are based on guidance for 2026; visitors in winter should plan safely around the 17:00 closing time.

• Admission: Free
• Operating information: Open year-round
• Telephone: 063-636-9321

How to Drive from Namwon Interchange to 3 Manin-ro

The address is 3 Manin-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk State (Hyanggyo-dong, Namwon Maninui Chong). Drivers should travel approximately 1.77 km from Namwon Interchange toward Jeonju and Gwanghalluwon, then continue approximately 614 m from Hyanggyo Ogeori toward Namwon Maninui Chong and the police station.

After that, enter approximately 518 m toward Gyoryongsanseong Fortress and Namwon Maninui Chong. Parking is available and free. The stop name, route number, and travel time for city buses departing from Namwon Station or Namwon Intercity Bus Terminal, as well as the exact walking distance to the entrance of Namwon Maninui Chong, could not be confirmed in the available guidance. Public transportation users should therefore call 063-636-9321 before departure.

• Street address: 3 Manin-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk State
• Driving distances: 1.77 km, 614 m, 518 m
• Parking: Available, free

A Route Up to the Tomb via Seonginmun Gate and Chungnyeolsa Shrine

The route mentioned in visitor reviews involves climbing stairs, passing through Seonginmun Gate, visiting Chungnyeolsa Shrine, and then viewing Namwon Maninui Chong. Therefore, visitors who expect a flat attraction that can be finished after taking just one photograph may find the actual movement different.

The estimated viewing time is approximately 30 minutes based on visitor reviews. However, the main entrance has level differences, and the site is listed as lacking accessible facilities. Wheelchairs and strollers are not available for rental. There is also reportedly no accessible restroom or designated parking space for people with disabilities, so wheelchair and stroller users should take the stairs and level differences into account.

Including It as the Endpoint of the 12.6 km Gyoryongsan Circuit Trail

Namwon Maninui Chong is presented as the endpoint of the Gyoryongsan circuit trail, which connects Gyoryongsanseong Fortress, the Gyoryongsan Circuit Trail, Wangjeong-dong Sangjeong Village Road, Bogeumsan, Manboksa Temple Site, and the Gwangchicheon riverside. A same-day route following this order is 12.6 km long and takes four hours.

If you visit only Namwon Maninui Chong rather than walking the entire circuit trail, the estimated viewing time is about 30 minutes, but it includes stairs and outdoor walking. When combining it with a walking route, plan the schedule around the seasonal closing times—especially the 17:00 closing time from November to February—so that you can return within the free visiting hours of 09:00–18:00.

Four Things Easy to Miss on a First Visit

First, this is a historic site with free admission, not a paid ticketed attraction. Second, the tomb was moved from near Namwon Station to its current location in 1964, so Namwon Station and Namwon Maninui Chong should not be considered the same place. Third, visitor reviews repeatedly mention that visitors must pass through Seonginmun Gate and Chungnyeolsa Shrine via stairs to reach the tomb.

Fourth, the available guidance does not confirm whether photography is prohibited, whether payment is cash-only, or whether English guidance and audio guides are available. Foreign visitors should save the official website address and telephone number and inquire before departure about bus information from Namwon Station or Namwon Intercity Bus Terminal and the languages available for on-site guidance. According to the National Heritage Portal, both the owner and manager are the Cultural Heritage Administration.

• English name: Tomb of Ten Thousand Patriotic Martyrs, Namwon
• National heritage classification: Historic Site Structures, Figures and Events, Historical Events
• Owner and manager: Cultural Heritage Administration