Chunggyeongsa Shrine (Jeonju)

About this place

Chunggyeongsa is a shrine honoring the achievements of the righteous army commander Yi Jeong-nan, who recruited and led resistance forces during the Japanese invasion of 1592. Yi Jeong-nan was a commander during the Imjin War who recruited over 700 righteous soldiers in Jeonju and stationed hidden troops at Namgosanseong Fortress and Mangyeongdae Plateau, blocking the advance of Kobayakawa Takakage's forces. For this achievement he was posthumously honored with the title Chunggyeonggong (Loyal and Respected Duke). Yi Jeong-nan had retired from office when the war broke out and the Japanese swept across the country. He rallied his forces, vowing to defend Jeonju Fortress, advancing through Jinan toward Soyang and repelling the Japanese attack; at the age of 64 he personally charged on horseback and killed more than 300 Japanese soldiers, saving Jeonju Fortress. During the second phase of the invasions (Jeongyujaeran), the mere rumor of Yi Jeong-nan defending Jeonju caused the Japanese to quickly retreat. To honor his courage and loyalty, the court of King Sunjo awarded him the posthumous title of Chunggyeonggong. The main road running east-west through Jeonju is named Chunggyeong-ro in his honor.