The Red-Robed General: The Story of Gwak Jae-woo, Korea's First Righteous Army Leader

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A general dressed in red,

whose fearless tactics struck fear into the invading army.

Follow the story of Gwak Jae-woo, the Red-Robed General who led Korea's first Righteous Army, and discover the history of Uiryeong.

The story of the Red-Robed General,
which was even adapted into a film!

Why was he called the Red-Robed General?

He always wore red robes and called himself the Red-Robed General (Hongui Janggun, 紅衣將軍).
He charged through enemy lines with incredible speed,
striking and retreating as if he were flying.
Although the enemy unleashed volleys of bullets and arrows,
they could never hit him.

The 25th Year of King Seonjo...

Before the war, General Gwak Jae-woo lived a peaceful life as a scholar in the mountains.
But when the Imjin War broke out, he stood up, saying,
"We cannot leave the defense of our country to the government alone."

He hung a drum from a zelkova tree at the entrance of the village and beat it to gather the people.
Thus, he organized Korea's first civilian militia (Righteous Army).

May 4 & 6, 1592

At the Georeum River,
where the Nakdong River meets the Nam River,
General Gwak Jae-woo drove back 14 Japanese warships
sailing upstream along the Nakdong River.
After that victory, whenever the opportunity arose,
he led his Righteous Army into battle,
repeatedly defeating Japanese forces at the Georeum River.

Late May, 1592

The Japanese army crossed the Nam River on rafts,
planning to invade Uiryeong.

General Gwak Jae-woo and his Righteous Army
stood their ground across the river.
Having already learned of the enemy's movements through scouts, he launched a surprise attack, defeating them in a single decisive battle.

His legacy was recorded in history!

Though Gwak Jae-woo was only a scholar,
he vowed to give his life for his country when it faced invasion.

After the outbreak of the Imjin War,
he defended Jeongamjin,

and during the Second Japanese Invasion (Jeongyu War),
he also protected Hwawangsan Fortress.

Because of these achievements, people in the southern regions regarded him as the greatest of all generals.

— Annals of King Seonjo (Memorial submitted by the State Council, February, 37th year of King Seonjo)

Gwak Jae-woo, an ordinary scholar,
raised a volunteer army at the very beginning of the Imjin War.

He defended Jeongjin, blocking the advance of the Japanese forces.

Time and again, he broke the enemy's attacks,
crushed their momentum,
and ultimately prevented them from advancing west across Jeongjin.

His achievements were truly remarkable.

— Gwanghaegun Ilgi (Memorial by Yun Geun-su, August, Accession Year of King Gwanghae)

Visit Uiryeong!

Every April, the Uiryeong Hongui General Festival takes place!
Experience the spirit of the Righteous Army through exciting events, including: Righteous Army Parade, Torchlight Procession, Drum Performances, Lantern Parade

You can also visit the Righteous Army Museum to learn about General Gwak Jae-woo 
and the activities of the Righteous Army during the Imjin War.

Righteous Army Museum

 1-25 Chungui-ro, Uiryeong-eup, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ShPUGJSbUmJKNrjM8

09:00–18:00
Closed every Monday

The legacy of Gwak Jae-woo lives on in Uiryeong,

where the Uiryeong Hongui General Festival is held every year.

If you'd like to experience the story of one of Korea's greatest heroes,

why not make Uiryeong your next destination?