Modeoksa Temple

This is a shrine enshrining the spirit tablet of Choe Ik-hyeon (1833–1906), a patriot of the late Joseon period. Choe Ik-hyeon was a disciple of Yi Hak-ro, with deep learning in literature and in dohak (Confucian philosophical studies); in 1855, the sixth year of King Cheoljong, he passed the munkwa civil service examination and rose in office as far as hyeongam (county magistrate). Concerned for the nation, however, he repeatedly submitted memorials criticising the policies of the Regent Heungseon Daewongun, and as a result was exiled to Heuksando Island. When the Eulsa Treaty was forced upon Korea by Japan in 1905, he called for the punishment of the "Five Eulsa Traitors," and that same year resisted by setting out Japan's crimes under sixteen articles, raising a righteous army (uibyeong) at Taein in North Jeolla Province and fighting against Japanese forces. He was arrested by the Japanese military police and exiled to Tsushima Island, where he refused to eat food given by the enemy, went on hunger strike, and ultimately died for his country. Later, Confucian scholars (sarim) who honoured his memory built shrines to him in various places, including Taein, Pocheon and Gokseong. This shrine, Modeoksa, was established at the old house where he had lived, and alongside it stand a Jangseogak, preserving a large collection of books, and an exhibition hall displaying his relics.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Cheongyang, Chungnam

Designation

Cultural Heritage Material · 문화유산자료