“Six martyred ministers.” That’s what Sayuksin means. Here at Sayuksin Cemetery, we remember their sacrifice. This is more than just a burial ground. It’s a place of history and reflection.
Sayuksin Cemetery is located on a small hill between the Hangang River and Noryangjin Station. The tombs here hold Seoul Cultural Asset No. 8. They are the burial site of seven loyalists. These men stood by King Danjong, the sixth king of the Joseon Dynasty.
King Danjong was forced to abdicate by his uncle. His uncle seized the throne and became King Sejo. Seong Sam-Mun, Park Paeng-Nyeon, Ha Wi-Ji, Yi Gae, Yu Seong-Won, Yu Eung-Bu, and Kim Mun-Gi opposed Sejo. They were buried here near the Hangang River for their defiance.
These men plotted to restore King Danjong to power. Their plan was to assassinate King Sejo. A spy uncovered their plot. The six ministers were put to death becoming martyrs. Over seventy others were also executed. This included family members of the martyrs.
Yu Seong-Won chose suicide with his wife rather than face torture. King Sejo felt betrayed. He had valued these scholar-officials. He had promoted them over his own supporters. Sejo tried to force them to accept his rule. He used torture and offered pardons. He even used poetry.
Pak Paeng-nyeon refused to call Sejo by his royal title. Sejo argued that Pak had already called himself a royal servant. Pak denied this. It was discovered that Pak had misspelled royal servant in his reports. He had also refused to use royal grains.
Pak died from torture in prison. The remaining ministers were executed. Their loyalty to King Danjong is remembered.
The area around Sayuksin Cemetery is tranquil. It offers views of Seoul City, the Hangang River, and the 63 Building. The tombs sit on a hill off Noryangjin-ro. The cemetery is surrounded by trees and greenery.
Later, the Sarim faction dominated Joseon politics. They revered the six martyred ministers. Shrines and seowon were built in their memory. Even in the 20th century, they were praised. Philosopher Ham Seok-heon said their actions offset the shame of five centuries of Yi Korea.
Their story has been dramatized in Korean dramas. One drama was even a joint production between South and North Korea.
Take a moment to reflect on the courage and loyalty of these men. The Sayuksin Cemetery serves as a reminder of their sacrifice. It also serves as a reminder of a turbulent time in Korean history. The story of the Sayuksin continues to inspire. Their unwavering loyalty to their king is a testament to their character.