Haemi-eup Fortress: A Place of Sorrow for Roman Catholics
Haemi-eup Fortress (historical relic No.116, built in the 22nd year of King Seongjong during the Joseon period, 1491) is a fortress from early Joseon. This tragic spot was stained with blood of 1,000 believers who were executed during the persecution of Roman Catholicism by Deawongun. In front of the fortress, there is a 600 year-old scholar tree that was used to hang the believers with wires, a Jarigaedol (a kind of stone for thrashing) where they were beaten to death, and a Jindumbeong (a pool filled with prisoners) which was used to bury people alive outside of the fortress and they have kept terrible scene of the tragedy silent until now. Also Admiral Yi Sun-shin served here for a time.
Gaesimsa is an old temple that was built during the Baekje period (9th year of King Euija, 649). Since it is located on a beautifully shaped mountain with a thick old pine forest, you can feel the beautiful mood with the main temple (national treasure No.143).
Directions: Haemi -> Unsan direction -> Gaesimsa
Bowonsaji is now in ruins, but stone Dangganjiju (a kind of flagpole), a five-story stone pagoda, Beopin Guksa Boseungtap pagoda, Beopin Guksa Boseungtap monument (Treasure No.102~106) are scattered around the area.
Directions: Haemi -> Unsan -> Maae-Samjonbul (statue)
Smile of Baekje, Seosan Maae-Samjonbul
Seosan Maae-Samjonbul (National Treasure NO.84) is recognized as the best masterpiece among Maaebuls carved on natural rocks. Three stone Buddha images were carved into a rock wall and they are smiling so hard that it looks like their cheeks are about to explode, and since the smile of these Maaebuls is gentle, natural, bright and generous, it is call as the smile of Baekje.
Directions: Dangjin -> Unsan -> (drive 4km to Deoksan and turn right) -> Maae-Samjonbul
From Seoul area
The west coast expressway -> Haemi IC
From Busan·Daegu·Daejeon area
Yesan -> Deoksan -> Haemi
From Gwangju·Jeonju area
The west coast expressway -> Haemi IC
Lodging information ·tasty foods / special products
There are Green Park Motel, Mirjang, Seonghojang, Haniljang, Geumgang Inn and others near Haemi.
Loach fish gruel with delicate flavor and unique smell is a specialty (at Gayasanjang, entrance of Gaesimsa), and Ssambabjeongsik (wrapped rice meal, Haemissambab: near Haemi-eup fortress) stimulates the appetite.
