International Shrine of Haemi Martyrs (해미국제성지)

International Shrine of Haemi Martyrs marks the place where more than 1,000 Catholic believers were buried alive during the persecutions of the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, a large pit was dug near Haemi Stream to carry out mass executions. In 1935, part of the martyrs’ remains was excavated based on eyewitness accounts, and the site’s history was brought to light. The remains were later relocated here in 1995, where they are now preserved.

In 2003, the area was established as a Catholic pilgrimage site, featuring Haemi Holy Ground Church, the Haemi Martyrs’ Tower, and the Tomb of Unknown Martyrs. In 2014, three Haemi martyrs were beatified by the Vatican, and Pope Francis visited the site. The site also serves as the starting point of the Haemi International Pilgrimage Route, which follows the historic path used to transport martyrs to Haemi.