[Arirang Culture Connect, October 30, 2025, Ha-nam City]
An unveiling ceremony and ancestral rite were held on October 29 (lunar September 9) at the burial site of Park Kang (1406–1460), a prominent scientist of the Joseon Dynasty and the chief developer of Korea’s traditional rocket weapon Daesin Gijeon. The event took place in Choi-dong, Ha-nam City, bringing together more than 300 participants, including local officials, descendants of the Bannam Park Clan, and community members.
Recognized as Local Cultural Heritage No. 11 of Ha-nam City, the tomb and memorial stele honor Park Kang, who served as Gungigamjeong (Director of the Armory) during the reign of King Sejong. Historical research by Dr. Chae Yeon-seok, senior researcher at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, confirms that Park Kang was responsible for developing Daesin Gijeon—the world’s first two-stage rocket weapon, created in 1445 when he was 39 years old.
“According to the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Park Kang led the design and testing of large-scale rocket weapons such as Daejuhwa while serving for over two years as head of the Armory,” Dr. Chae explained. “His work symbolizes Korea’s early pursuit of scientific and technological innovation.”
The ceremony, presided over by Park Seung-jang, head of the Se-yang Branch of the Bannam Park Clan, began with a traditional ritual (goyuje) and continued with the unveiling of the stele. Park Seung-won, head of the Bannam Park Clan Association, Park Seung-tae, vice-chairman, and Park Seung-nam, ritual officiant, led the proceedings in solemn reverence.
Notable guests included Im Hyun-gyu, Director of the Ha-nam Cultural Center; Kang Byung-deok, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Democratic Party’s Ha-nam Gap Regional Committee; and leading members of the Bannam Park Clan from across the nation, along with local residents.
In his congratulatory address, Director Im Hyun-gyu remarked,
“The unveiling of this stele at such a historically significant site, designated as Ha-nam’s Local Heritage No. 11, is deeply meaningful. It ensures that the spirit of scientific inquiry and patriotism embodied by Master Park Kang will be remembered by future generations.”
Vice-Chairman Kang Byung-deok added,
“It is a great honor to offer congratulations at the stele unveiling for Master Park Kang, a figure who shaped Ha-nam’s identity through his achievements. We must continue to commemorate such individuals as the foundation of our city’s cultural pride.”
Clan leader Park Seung-won expressed gratitude, saying,
“This stele commemorates the noble spirit and scientific legacy of our ancestor, whose achievements illuminated the early Joseon era. I extend deep appreciation to Chairman Park Seung-jang for his dedication in completing the stele inscription of more than 3,000 characters.”
In his closing remarks, Chairman Park Seung-jang stated,
“We are thankful to all who joined us today. May the noble spirit and vision of Master Park Kang continue to inspire his descendants to honor and carry forward his legacy.”
The Se-yang Branch of the Bannam Park Clan holds an annual memorial rite on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month (Chungyangjeol), honoring Park Kang as a symbol of filial piety and scientific ingenuity. The clan continues to maintain and protect the heritage site, preserving the memory of a pioneer who advanced Korea’s early rocket technology and embodied the spirit of innovation under King Sejong’s reign.
This article was written by Kim Seong-hun, reporter for Seoul Maeil Newspaper.
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This article is presented in collaboration with the Advocacy Alliance for Culture Masters(AACM) and and Culture Masters , supporting intangible heritage communities, .