Jeoldu-san


Jeoldu-san is a rocky promontory overlooking the Han River in the district of Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Literal translation is "cutting off head mountain." A public memorial shrine is located at a historic ferry landing next to Yanghwajin Foreigners' Cemetery.

History

It came into use in the late 1860s, during the rule of the Daewon-gun, as a place of execution, primarily of native Koreans who had converted to the proscribed Roman Catholic faith. The present day memorial was built in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Byeonin Persecution in dedication of the approximate 8000 executions. In 1984, Pope John Paul II visited the site. Mother Teresa visited a year later. The memorial currently holds approximately 3000 religious relics.