Kim Wan (1577–1635) of the Kim family of Gimhae was a military official during the mid-Joseon period who made significant contributions to the country.

A Star of the Kimhae Kim Clan:
General Kim Wan, the Great Commander Who Defended a Nation in Turmoil.
When the nation stood on the brink of collapse, one man rose to the occasion, defending his people and country on the battlefield with unparalleled loyalty and valor. He is the great pride of the Kimhae Kim Clan and a shining example for future generations: General Kim Wan (1577–1635), posthumously honored as 'Chungjang' (忠壯), meaning "Loyal and Brave General,". The General's life vividly demonstrates the unyielding spirit of our clan, which shines brightest in times of crisis.

A Young Officer on the Front Lines of a National Crisis

Born in 1577 as the son of Kim Geuk-jo, the magistrate of Yiseong county, Kim Wan embarked on his military career at the age of 21. In 1597, as the nation was once again engulfed in flames during the Jeongyu War (the Second Japanese Invasion of Korea), he passed the state military examination. Appointed as a Seonjeongwan (Royal Emissary), he distinguished himself in battle along the southern coast and gained invaluable field experience under the command of the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-shin.

After the war, he served along the northern frontier, defending the border against Jurchen incursions, and was recognized for his exceptional military skills while holding various official posts.

Saving the Nation During Yi Gwal’s Rebellion

General Kim Wan’s name was etched into history during the 'Yi Gwal's Rebellion' of 1624. When rebel forces stormed and captured the capital, Hanyang (present-day Seoul), King Injo was forced to flee to Gongju in a desperate situation. At this critical juncture, General Kim Wan stood at the forefront of the loyalist army under the command of General-in-Chief Jang Man.

In the decisive Battle of Anhyun, he led a courageous charge that broke the rebels' momentum. His actions were pivotal in crushing the rebellion and recapturing the capital. For this extraordinary service, he was honored as a 2nd-class Jinmu Gongsin (Meritorious Subject for Quelling the Martial Rebellion) and was ennobled as Prince Hakseong (Hakseong-gun), a testament to his monumental contribution to saving the nation from the brink of ruin.

A Beloved Leader and a Pillar of National Defense

Throughout his career, General Kim Wan served in key military positions, including Chief of Police, Commander of the Central Garrison, and Provincial Military Commander of Gyeongsang-do, dedicating his life to strengthening the nation's defenses. When the Qing invasion occurred in 1627 (the Jeongmyo Horan), he was entrusted with the critical defense of Ganghwa Island. He spent his entire life fortifying castles and improving the nation's military readiness.

General Kim Wan was not only a brilliant military strategist but also a leader with the heart of a true public servant who cared for his people. He lived a life of integrity, making a clear distinction between public and private matters. While strictly enforcing military discipline, he was also a virtuous commander (deokjang) who cherished his subordinates.

When he passed away in 1635 at the age of 59, the royal court bestowed upon him the posthumous title 'Chungjang' (忠壯), meaning "Loyal and Brave General," to honor his distinguished service and immense contributions. The life of General Kim Wan fills us, his descendants in the Kimhae Kim Clan, with profound pride and offers us timeless lessons.

Major Life and Achievements:

Birth and Background: Born in 1577 (10th year of King Seonjo) in Yeongam, Jeollanam-do, he was the son of Kim Gyeok-jo, the governor of Yeongam.

Suppression of the Yi Gwal Rebellion: In 1624 (the 2nd year of King Injo's reign), he played a pivotal role in suppressing the Yi Gwal Rebellion. At the time, as the commander of the Changseong Defense Forces, he served as the vanguard under General Jang Man and, alongside Jeong Chung-sin and Woo Ho-gil, defeated the rebel forces at Anhyun (currently Muakjae outside the West Gate).
 

Awarded the title of Meritorious Subject and posthumous honors: For his contributions in suppressing the Lee Gwal Rebellion, he was posthumously awarded the title of “Jingmu Gongsin” (3rd rank) and was posthumously granted the title of “Hakseonggun” (Lord of Hakseong). He later served as Gyeongseong Buja, Bu Jonggwan, Jeonla Uisu, Hyeonunwon Dojeong, and Hwanghae-do Byeongma. After his death, he was posthumously promoted to Minister of War and given the posthumous title **Yangmu (襄武)**.
 

Family Glory: His son, Kim Yeo-su, and his grandson also passed the military examination and held official positions, and his family became known as the “Kimhae Kim Clan's Four Generals Branch” and continued to serve as military officials for generations.
 

Monuments: In Yeongam County, Jeollanam-do, there are the tomb of General Kim Wan, his stele, and the Gugo Shrine (Gugosa) and Bujao Shrine (Bujao Myao) where his portrait is enshrined. He is also the subject of National Treasure No. 1305, “Portrait of Kim Wan.” His stele is designated as Jeollanam-do Cultural Property No. 40.

Kim Wan (1577–1635)

The Portrait of General Kim Wan

The Portrait of General Kim Wan, commissioned in 1625 to honor his service, stands as a significant cultural property. Now preserved at the Gimhae Kim Clan Sagunpa Historic Site, it serves as a testament to his distinguished legacy.

Portrait (Jeollanam-do Provincial Cultural Property No. 65, designated on October 20, 1977)
This is a portrait of General Kim Wan, which was presented by King Injo in 1625, the year after he was awarded the title of Jinmu Gongshin for his military achievements in suppressing the rebellion led by Yi Gwal.

Portrait (Jeollanam-do Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 65, designated on October 20, 1977)
This portrait was presented by King Injo in 1625 to Kim Wan-jang, who was posthumously honored as a military merit official for his contributions in suppressing the Yi Gwal Rebellion.

It was relocated to its current location in 1718, and below the tomb lies the grave of the general's beloved horse.

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Gimhae Kim Clan Sagunpa Historic Site, Gugo Temple (Yeongam County, Jeollanam-do Province, Gimhae Kim Clan Sagunpa Grand Assembly, General Kim Wan)

After the war, the Choseon government honored his loyalty by posthumously granting him the title of Minister of War and bestowing upon him the posthumous name “Chungjang” (Loyal and Brave). Today, the Chungjeolsa Shrine in Yeongam honors the noble spirit of General Kim Wan, and his tomb and martyrdom monument are designated as cultural properties of Jeollanam-do Province, preserving his great achievements for future generations.
 

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Gugo Temple
This is a shrine dedicated to General Kim Wan, a military commander from Yeongam who distinguished himself during the Imjin War and the Rebellion of Yi Gwal. The shrine houses the spirit tablet of General Kim Wan, and the annex (Bujae Myeong) contains a portrait of Kim Wan designated as National Treasure No. 1305. This is a view of the entire Gugo Temple complex.