470th Anniversary of the Birth of General Gwak Jae-woo, the First Nationwide Uprising Leader in the Imjin War... 'Chungikgong Birth Ceremony' Held

Uiryeong-gun, "Honoring General's Noble Spirit and Passing It to Future Generations"

On the 23rd, O Tae-wan, the governor of Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongnam, is offering a drink at the 470th anniversary birthday ceremony of General Gwak Jae-woo.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Wook] Marking the 470th anniversary of the birth of General Gwak Jae-woo, who, when the nation was on the brink of collapse due to Japanese invasion, was the first in the country to raise a militia and struck fear into the hearts of the Japanese invaders.

On the 23rd at 2 p.m., Uiryeong County held the “470th Anniversary Ceremony of General Chungikgong’s Birth” at the Chungiksa Shrine, where the memorial tablet of General Chungikgong Gwak Jae-woo is enshrined, to honor the general’s sacred and noble spirit and to widely pass on his legacy to future generations.

The ceremony was attended by about 50 people, including Uiryeong County Governor Oh Tae-wan, descendants of the 18 generals, heads of major local institutions and organizations, and public officials. The event began with Governor Oh’s incense offering, followed by the new rite, offering of wine, congratulatory address, envoy ritual, sharing of sacrificial food, incense offering, and concluded with a closing ceremony.

The officiant for the ceremony was Mr. Joo Jae-myung, a descendant of General Joo Mong-ryong.

General Chungikgong Gwak Jae-woo was born on the 28th day of the 8th lunar month in 1552 at his maternal home in Segan-ri, Yugok-myeon, Uiryeong County. When the Imjin War broke out on April 13, 1592, he was the first in the nation to raise a militia on April 22, becoming a patriotic figure who saved the country.

Uiryeong County holds memorial rites every April during the Honguijanggun Festival to commemorate General Gwak Jae-woo and many other militia leaders.

Governor Oh Tae-wan said, “On the 470th anniversary of General Chungikgong Gwak Jae-woo’s birth, it is very meaningful to hold this event with the descendants of the 18 militia generals to inspire historical pride. Starting this year, Uiryeong County will do its best to honor the generals who sacrificed their lives for the country by implementing new projects such as the mowing of the gravesites of the 18 generals.”