Monument to the memory of Martyr Seobi Choi

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'Seobi' was the pen-name of Choi Wu-Sun (1832-1911) poet, patriot and renowned Confucian scholar of his time. Choi Wu-Sun had been long admired for his prodigious talent as he had composed poetry in Chinese at the age of seven.

In 1905, when Japan forcefully imposed the Eulsa treaty, he changed his pen-name of 'Cheongsa' to 'Seobi', to signify his opposition to the Japanese imperial Annexation of Korea. 'Seobi' means west twig gate, expressing his antipathy against Japan which lies to the East. From then on he devoted himself to patriotic campaign with patriotism and loyalty and raised an army in the cause of justice loyalty (righteous army) for the restoration of the national right.

The Japanese who finally fully controlled Korea tried to appease the Korean people by offering monetary tributes to distinguished Confucian scholars all over the country. This tribute, known as the Imperial Bounty, was offered to, and refused by, 'Seobi' several times.

On March 19, 1911, Japanese military police forces were sent to take him forcibly with guns and swords. He made believe he would go with them at the dawn of the next day. During the night, he took his own life by poisoning. He was 80 years of age.

When the news of this patriotic martyrs death spread throughout the country, his fellow Confucian scholars, and patriots from every place all over the country, erected a shrine in his memory ('Seobijeong') at the foot of Dogoksan. A ceremony is held each year to cherish his righteousness and fidelity.

Since the national liberation from Japan in 1945, the Confucian scholars and patriots founded the Society of 'Seobi' Choi Wu-Sun for the admirers and followers. They also erected this monument found here in tribute to him at the entrance of Hakdong village to pass down his spirit of martyrdom and achievements to posterity.

The Monument to the memory of Martyr Seobi Choi is the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' memorial facility #43-1-6.