Exploring the Historical Sites of Seosan: Haemi Eupseong and the Pope Francis Memorial Center
- Place
- Haemi Eupseong
- Region
- Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- Address
- 충남 서산시 해미면 남문2로 143
- Coordinates
- 36.7135573496773, 126.550384045934
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
As a Myanmar citizen living in Korea, this trip to Seosan became a meaningful journey into history, faith, and local culture. Despite the winter rain, Seosan Haemi Eupseong left a strong impression as a well-preserved Joseon-era fortress town.
The visit extended beyond historical exploration to include the Pope Francis Memorial Center, where messages of peace and reflection are shared through immersive exhibitions. Together, these two sites offer a deeper understanding of Seosan’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Discovering Seosan Haemi Eupseong
Seosan Haemi Eupseong is one of the best-preserved fortress towns from the Joseon Dynasty. Even on a rainy winter day, many visitors were walking along the stone walls, exploring the grounds, and learning about Korea’s past.
This fortress played an important role in protecting the western coastline of Korea. Weapons, gates, and administrative buildings remain on display, helping visitors imagine how the town functioned centuries ago.
Haemi Eupseong is also known as a significant Catholic pilgrimage site. This dual identity, as both a military fortress and a place of religious history, makes the site especially unique.
A Fortress with Military and Cultural Importance
Admiral Yi Sun-sin, remembered for his role in defending Korea during the Imjin War, worked at Haemi Eupseong for ten months. This connection highlights the fortress’s importance within the Chungcheong region.
The site has also appeared in popular Korean dramas, including Mr. Sunshine, making it familiar to international fans of K-dramas who are interested in filming locations.
Life in the Joseon Dynasty at the Folk Houses
Inside Haemi Eupseong, traditional folk houses recreate daily life during the Joseon Dynasty. These homes represent wealthy farmers, low-ranking officials, and merchants.
Unlike many hanok villages that focus mainly on tiled-roof houses, Haemi Eupseong also features thatched-roof homes, offering a broader view of how people lived in the past.
Visitors were actively participating in traditional Korean games within these spaces. Playing Tuho became one of the most enjoyable moments of the visit.
From Historic Fortress to Papal Message
After exploring the fortress, hunger led to trying the famous garlic bread known as Kiss Ring, which Pope Francis enjoyed during his visit. The name symbolizes respect and devotion through the act of kissing a ring.
Near the East Gate of Haemi Eupseong stands the Pope Francis Memorial Center, also known as the Wake-up Center.
The Wake-up Message for Asian Youth
Pope Francis visited Haemi in August 2014 by helicopter to attend the Asian Youth Conference. During the closing mass, he delivered a simple but powerful message to young people across Asia: Wake up.
To commemorate this visit, Seosan City transformed the former Haemi Elementary School into the Wake-up International Youth Center and established the Pope Francis Memorial Center.
The media art hall was the most memorable space, presenting the Pope’s messages through immersive visuals alongside Catholic artworks and peaceful landscapes. A model of the car used by Pope Francis during his visit is also on display.
Visitor Information
Seosan Haemi Eupseong is located at 143 Nammun 2-ro, Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. Operating hours are from March to October, 05:00 to 21:00, and from November to February, 06:00 to 19:00. Admission is free.
The Wake-up Center is located at 42 Dongmun 1-gil, Haemi-myeon, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Admission is also free.
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