황사영순교순례지

History & origins

Alexius Hwang Sa-yeong was arrested during the Sinyu Persecution and was martyred outside Seosomun on December 10, 1801. The precise location of his grave was not widely known for many years. In 1980, during preparations for the bicentenary of the Korean Catholic Church, Church personnel and researchers searched the Jangheung area using testimony from descendants and the cemetery caretaker.

During excavation from August 31 to September 3, 1980, a black stone cross and other objects were found and became important evidence in identifying the burial site. Land was later donated and the diocese preserved the grave area. In 2023 the Alexius Hwang Sa-yeong Spirituality Hall opened, strengthening pilgrimage and prayer for his beatification, and in 2024 a dedicated priest was assigned to develop the site's pastoral ministry.