The Yangjeolgong (civil servant) Hwak HAN (1403~1456) lived during the early Joseon dynasty. His ancestral home was in Cheongju and his sister was a member of the royal court of the King Seongjo of Myeong (ancient China).

Han developed the relationship between the two nations through frequent visit to Myeong. He was a member of a party accompanying the Royal Prince Suyang when the Geyujeongnan (Rebellion) occurred.

He was dispatched to Yeongyeong (ancient Beijing) as a royal delegate in 1456 (the second year of the reign of King Sejo) and succeeded in persuading Myeong to accept the Royal Prince Suyang’s usurpation of the throne as King Danjong’s abdication.

HAN became Uuijeong (Title) as the first meritorious retainer of the rebellion, as well as Jwauijeong (Title) immediately after the rebellion. He would later become Seowonbuwongun (Title). He died in Sahapo while returning from Myeong, and his mortuary tablet was enshrined at Sejongmyo (Mausoleum), located in Jongmyo (Royal Shrine). The second daughter of HAN became the queen of King Deokjong.

His gravestone, a stone lantern, and a guardian statue are located in Neungnae-ri, Joan-myeon, Namyangju-si. The gravestone was erected in 1495 (the first year of Lord Yeonsan), some 39 years after Han’s death.

There are five types of “Geumganggyeong (Sutra to Teach the Principles of Buddhism), along with sutras of the Mahayana Buddhism, such as Bumoeunjunggyeong (Sutra to Teach the Debts to One’s Parents’ Love), and sutras such as Cheongjipalyangsinjugyeong, Jijangbosalwongyeong, Sinwanggyeong, Jowanggyeong, and so on.

Over time, the epitaph has become severely worn and is thus very difficult to read.