Go Gyeong-myeong

Go Gyeong-myeong (1533–1592) was a revered scholar-official and Righteous Army commander from Jeolla Province who sacrificed his life leading thousands of volunteer militia troops during the early months of the Imjin War.

Literary Career and Retirement

Passing the civil service examination with top honors in 1558, Go Gyeong-myeong served in various prestigious government posts, including magistrate of Dongnae and governor of Special Administrative Districts. Renowned for his poetic talent and Neo-Confucian scholarship, he eventually retired to his hometown of Gwangju to focus on writing and teaching young scholars.

Rising in Defense of the Nation

When news reached Gwangju in May 1592 that Japanese forces had captured Hanyang and King Seonjo had evacuated to the north, the 60-year-old scholar immediately took action. Go Gyeong-myeong drafted a impassioned Gyeokmun (Call to Arms), distributing it across all eight provinces to urge scholars, farmers, and officials to rise in defense of Joseon. Over 6,000 volunteers assembled under his banner in Gwangju, forming one of the largest civilian militias in the southern region.

The Battle of Geumsan and Martyrdom

Learning that Kobayakawa Takakage's 6th Japanese Division was attempting to invade Jeolla Province through Geumsan, Go Gyeong-myeong marched his militia to engage them. In July 1592, at the Battle of Geumsan, the militia launched a fierce assault against the fortified Japanese garrison. Though heavily outgunned, Go Gyeong-myeong refused to retreat, fighting alongside his son Go In-hu until both fell in battle. His martyrdom galvanized militia movements throughout Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces.