Gochang Mujang Gipoji Designated as National Historic Site

Published 02 May.2022 09:59(KST)

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, announced on the 2nd that the starting point of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, ‘Gochang Mujang Giposi (茂長起包址),’ has been designated as a nationally designated cultural heritage site.

According to the county on this day, the designated historic site ‘Gochang Mujang Giposi’ corresponds to 19 parcels of land in 590 Guam-ri, Gong-eum-myeon, covering an area of 7,390㎡.

The Donghak Peasant Army, led by General Jeon Bong-jun from Gochang, declared the Mujang Proclamation, signaling the nationwide spread of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, on March 20, 1894 (lunar calendar) (April 25, solar calendar) at Dangsan Village, Dong-eumchi-myeon, Mujang-hyeon (currently Gusu, Guam-ri, Gong-eum-myeon).

The historical significance of the Mujang Proclamation, which marked the starting point for expanding the peasant uprisings from local revolts in over 70 regions since the mid-19th century to a nationwide peasant uprising, has been recognized through its designation as a national cultural heritage site (historic site).

The historicity and authenticity of the Mujang Proclamation site have been verified through various historical documents such as ‘Surok (隨錄),’ ‘Gobuminyo Diary,’ ‘Jeon Bong-jun Sentencing Document,’ ‘Jeon Bong-jun Official Report,’ ‘Chwieo,’ ‘Ohagimun,’ and ‘Imhayugo.’

The county secured the site’s authenticity through multiple academic forums and expert meetings, excavation (trial) investigations, analysis of old topography, comparison of place names and distances between old and current maps, and consistency with previously investigated literature and oral traditions.

A county official stated, “The Donghak Peasant Revolution was a large-scale democratic uprising aimed at eradicating the injustices and corruption of the Joseon feudal society, opposing foreign intervention, and protecting the nation’s sovereignty. It was the greatest revolutionary event in Korean history.”

He added, “The designation of Gochang Mujang Giposi as a historic site will greatly contribute to strengthening Gochang’s status as the sacred ground of the Donghak Peasant Revolution and boosting the pride of its residents. We will do our best to systematically preserve and manage the site as a signal marking the start of the Donghak Peasant Revolution sacred site project.”