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Jangyeolsa Shrine (built 1850 onward)

Jangyeolsa shrine honors Kim Yu-sin, a great Silla general who helped unify the southern 2/3s of the Korean peninsula in the 7th century. Kim Yu-sin commanded forces under the reign of King Muyeol, fighting battles against the Baekjae kingdom to the west, the Goguryeo kingdom to the north, and Chinese forces from abroad. In recognition of his accomplishments, King Heungdeok of Silla gave him the title and rank of First Minister and bestowed upon him the posthumous title of 'Heungmu Daewang'. Kim Yu-sin was actually buried in a tomb in Gyeongju (click here to see this site) but was honored in throughout the land in various local shrines. Jangyeol shrine was first built in 1850 by Confucian scholars in Jukbang village in the Honam area, but was dismantled in 1868 as a result of the Daewongun's edict limiting the number of shrines throughout the country in an attempt to reduce local powers. The shrine was reconstructed in 1906 at the present location. From 1977-78, the city of Gwangju sponsored the construction of the inner gate and an auditorium (the Hwarangweon).