Major life events of Patriotic Martyr Maeheon Yun Bong-gil (1908–1932)
1905
Eul Sa Neuk Yak (Protectorate Treaty enforced by imperial Japan).
1907
Forced abdication of Emperor Gojong, Korea-Japan Treaty.
1908 Age 0
June 21 Born in Gwanghyeondang (178 Si-ryang-ri, Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do) as the eldest son of Yun Hwang and Kim Won-sang.
Birth name: Woo-ui, Courtesy name: Yong-gi, Pen name: Maeheon, Nickname: Bong-gil.
Birth name: Woo-ui, Courtesy name: Yong-gi, Pen name: Maeheon, Nickname: Bong-gil.
1910 Age 2
Gyeongsul National Humiliation (Annexation of Korea by Japan). Moved to Jeohandang (139 Si-ryang-ri).
1918 Age 10
Enrolled in Deoksan Public School.
1919 Age 11
Inspired by the March 1st Movement, withdrew from Deoksan Public School in the second grade, rejecting colonial slavery education.
1921 Age 13
Studied Classics and Chinese poetry at Ochi Seosuk under scholar Maegok Seong Ju-rok. Embraced new learning through modern publications like "Dong-A Ilbo" and "Gaebyuck." Authored over 300 Chinese poems.
1922 Age 14
March 20 Married Bae Yong-soon.
1926 Age 18
Graduated from Ochi Seosuk. Received the pen name 'Maeheon' from his teacher Seong Ju-rok. Started a night school and rural enlightenment movements.
1927 Age 19
Authored three volumes of "Nongmin Dokbon" (Peasant Textbook) to educate the rural youth.
1928 Age 20
February 5 Established Buheungwon (the Revival Center) to lead the rural revitalization movement. Organized the Soo-am Sports Association and a purchasing cooperative.
1929 Age 21
April 23 Founded the Woljin Club (Assoc. of Monthly Progress) and served as its president. Set up the Weechingye cooperative. Authored the "Gisa Year Diary." Staged the allegorical play "The Rabbit and the Fox."
1930 Age 22
March 6 Left a note, "A man leaves home never to return alive," and went into exile in China.
April 30 Reached Qingdao and worked at a laundry service to raise funds.
April 30 Reached Qingdao and worked at a laundry service to raise funds.
1931 Age 23
May 8 Moved to Shanghai and met provisional government leaders. Worked at a hat factory and organized the Korean Workers' Association.
1932 Age 24
April 26 Joined the Korean Patriotic Organization and took the oath.
April 27 Transferred his personal history and four letters of instruction to Kim Gu.
April 29 Threw a water-bottle-shaped bomb at Japanese leaders during a victory celebration in Hongkou Park, Shanghai. Arrested at the scene.
May 25 Sentenced to death by a Japanese military court.
December 19 Executed by firing squad at Kanazawa Army Engineering Workshop. Secretly buried near Nodasan Cemetery.
April 27 Transferred his personal history and four letters of instruction to Kim Gu.
May 25 Sentenced to death by a Japanese military court.
December 19 Executed by firing squad at Kanazawa Army Engineering Workshop. Secretly buried near Nodasan Cemetery.
After Liberation
1943 Cairo Declaration promised Korean independence, citing the Shanghai incident.
1946 March 6 Exhumation of remains by the Repatriation Committee.
1946 May 15 Reclaimed remains returned to Korea.
1946 July 6 Buried with national honors at Hyochang Park Martyrs' Cemetery.
1962 Posthumously awarded the Republic of Korea Medal (Order of Merit for National Foundation).
1946 March 6 Exhumation of remains by the Repatriation Committee.
1946 May 15 Reclaimed remains returned to Korea.
1946 July 6 Buried with national honors at Hyochang Park Martyrs' Cemetery.
1962 Posthumously awarded the Republic of Korea Medal (Order of Merit for National Foundation).