Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall

In the quiet village of Yulchon-myeon, part of the city of Yeosu, lies a unique place of spiritual strength — the Martyr Pastor Son Yang-won Memorial Hall. This cultural and historical site in South Korea is dedicated to the life of a man whose name has become synonymous with incredible self-sacrifice and love for one's neighbor. The complex, opened in 1994, stands on the site of the former Aeyangwon asylum, where the pastor devoted himself to caring for people with Hansen's disease.

Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The memorial building features a two-story exhibition that harmoniously combines elements of a classic museum and a place for spiritual retreat. On the first floor, visitors can see the pastor's personal belongings, his calligraphy works, and unique photographs reflecting life and service at Aeyangwon. The second floor delves into more somber pages of history, presenting prison records and rare old books that testify to Son Yang-won's unwavering faith.

This complex is significant not only for the Christian community but for everyone who values humanism. The story of a pastor who could forgive an enemy and give his life for his ideals resonates with people of all nationalities and faiths. The memorial is surrounded by a well-kept park, creating an atmosphere of tranquility conducive to deep reflection on the principles of reconciliation and sacrifice.

For more information about visiting or organizing group tours, you can use the following contact details:

Visiting the memorial hall is, first and foremost, an opportunity to touch living history. On the first floor, you can examine the personal relics of Pastor Son Yang-won in detail, including his clothing and household items. Special attention should be paid to the calligraphy collection: these works allow you to feel the master's inner discipline and artistic taste. Christian artifacts and old photographs help visualize the era in which the pastor lived and worked.

On the second floor, the exhibition becomes more emotionally charged. Here, you'll find prison manuscripts written during his years of incarceration and a collection of rare books. These documents reveal the strength of spirit of a man unbroken by difficult trials. Visitors often have the chance to hear stories from Pastor Son Dong-il, Son Yang-won's son, who has been personally introducing guests to his father's legacy since 2015, adding depth and personal connection to the visit.

Outside the building, cozy park paths await you. The surrounding area is landscaped so that everyone can find a place for solitary reflection. A walk among the greenery and commemorative markers helps process what you've seen in the museum. It is an ideal place for those seeking spiritual enrichment and wanting to learn more about the traditions of mercy in Korean culture.

The memorial hall is located in the picturesque village of Sinpung-ri, part of Yulchon-myeon. Finding this site is quite easy as it is located in the immediate vicinity of Yeosu Airport. If you prefer public transportation, bus routes No. 35 and No. 96 are suitable. The memorial is their final stop, so you definitely won't miss it.

For those traveling from the city center, a taxi is a convenient option. The trip takes relatively little time due to the area's good transport accessibility. Travelers in rental cars should follow signs for Yulchon-myeon or use a navigator with the address 70-62 Sandol-gil.

The complex's location behind the airport makes it an excellent point to visit immediately after arriving in the city or before departure. Coordinates for navigation systems: 34.839999, 127.634935.

The history of this place is inextricably linked to the work of Pastor Son Yang-won, who began his ministry at the Aeyangwon asylum in 1939. This institution was established to help people suffering from Hansen's disease (leprosy). In those days, such patients were social outcasts, but Pastor Son treated them with deep respect and love, literally considering them his family.

Son Yang-won's life was full of trials. In 1940, he was arrested by Japanese colonial authorities for his firm refusal to participate in Shinto rites, which contradicted his faith. He spent five years in prison and was released only in 1945, after the liberation of Korea. His resilience and loyalty to his principles made him a symbol of spiritual resistance.

One of the most striking facts in the pastor's biography is his act of forgiveness: he adopted the man responsible for the death of his own sons. His selflessness was also evident in daily life — he often gave his last bit of food to those in need and personally cared for the most severely ill patients. The memorial hall, completed in 1994, is intended to preserve the memory of this exceptional man and his philosophy of unconditional love.

Today, the pastor's legacy lives on: the former Aeyangwon asylum has been transformed into a modern specialized hospital, and the region itself is considered one of the centers of Protestant culture in the country. The memorial serves as a reminder of how one person, through their mercy, was able to change the lives of thousands.

To leisurely explore the memorial hall exhibition and walk around the adjacent territory, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This is enough time to study the pastor's personal belongings on the first floor and review the archival documents on the second.

If you are lucky enough to join a tour, which are sometimes conducted by the pastor's relatives or volunteers, the visit time may increase slightly, as the stories of Son Yang-won's life are very detailed and captivating. You should also leave 15–20 minutes for a stroll through the well-kept park surrounding the building, which is perfect for quiet reflection.

The Martyr Pastor Son Yang-won Memorial Hall usually welcomes visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This schedule makes it easy to plan a visit for either the morning or afternoon.

Please note that operating hours may change on public holidays or during special religious events. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, it is recommended to check the complex's official website in advance or confirm the current schedule with local tour operators.

A visit to the memorial complex can be complemented by exploring other interesting places in the vicinity. The city offers a rich variety of entertainment, from modern multimedia exhibitions to open-air theme parks.