Jangseong-gun Supports Construction of ‘Byeon I-jung Hwacha Exhibition Hall,’ a Secret Weapon from the Imjin War

Published 11 Aug.2021 14:33(KST)

[Jangseong=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jo Hangyu] Jangseong County in Jeonnam is actively cooperating to build an exhibition hall for the secret weapon ‘Hwacha’ of the Battle of Haengju, a great victory during the Imjin War.

According to the county on the 11th, Hwacha was created by Byeon I-jung, a Joseon Dynasty scholar and official born in Jangseong, and is an improved version of the previously made Munjong Hwacha. It is a weapon capable of simultaneously firing 40 singijeongtong (small cannons).

The Hwacha is operated by soldiers inside a cart equipped with protective plates on all sides. After the outbreak of the Imjin War, Byeon I-jung is known to have spent his own fortune to produce a total of 300 units to counter the Japanese army’s matchlock guns.

It played a significant role in securing victories in major Joseon battles and was restored in 2011 after thorough verification by ancient weapon experts.

As part of the 400th anniversary commemorative project for the passing of Byeon I-jung, the Bongam Seowon Foundation has been promoting the project with support from the county and Jeonnam Province.

The Bongam Seowon Foundation was established by descendants of Byeon I-jung. Bongam Seowon is an educational institution founded in 1697 (23rd year of King Sukjong’s reign) in Jangan-ri, Jangseong-eup, to honor Byeon I-jung.

After restoration, a firing demonstration was held at the Army Artillery School training ground in Sangmu-dae, where 14 singijeongtong were fired twice, accurately hitting a target 300 meters away, astonishing the attendees.

This was a moment when the excellence of Byeon I-jung’s Hwacha was scientifically proven.

The restored Hwacha has been displayed at the Army Artillery School History Museum within Sangmu-dae and the Bongam Seowon exhibition hall, but due to limited space, it has been difficult to widely open it to the general public.

Therefore, the Bongam Seowon Foundation formally requested Jangseong County to form a construction promotion committee and cooperate in securing project funds with the goal of building a 660㎡ Hwacha exhibition hall.

The county recently explained the necessity of the Hwacha exhibition hall to related government agencies such as the Cultural Heritage Administration, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Jeonnam Province, and reportedly proposed budget support.

County Governor Yoo Doo-seok said, “Once the Hwacha exhibition hall is built, it will become another excellent historical and cultural resource that shines in Yellow City Jangseong.”