Toyotomi Hideyoshi who had unified Japan in 1590 was never satisfied with the island country and decided to begin the invasion of the continent to stabilize internal political situation after unification. Hideyoshi intended to conquer Myeong China, 명 (明, Ming in Chinese accent), thought that Joseon was not a foe worthy of his steel and requested it to allow undisturbed passage into China. Joseon was the name of Korea during the period of Joseon dynasty(AD 1392 to 1910). Joseon refused the demand totally, and Hideyoshi finally ordered to launch the invasion of Joseon. Japanese forces invaded Joseon in 1592 and battles had continued on the peninsula till 1598. Myeong Dynasty also dispatched army and navy a total strength of about 100,000 to assist Joseon while Japan invaded Joseon.
Most Koreans don't know what or who Du Sachung is, even most citizens of Daegu don't know either. But history should not be ignored or forgotten. This is the story of a foreigner who lived in Daegu in 16't century. His life was closely related to the war that Hideyoshi started on the peninsular in 16th century.
두사충, 杜思忠, Du Sachung was the name of a General from Myeong, served as a staff officer under the direction of an Admiral, and offered counsel on battle position and encampment. Actually, he was well acquainted with 풍수, Pung su (風水, Feng shui in Chinese accent), the theory of divination based on topography. 풍 Pung literally means the wind and 수 Su water. During his stay in Joseon, he distinguished himself in battles against Japanese forces and held a favorable image of Joseon called "Eastern Nation of Decorum."
When Hideyoshi died in 1598, the seven-year war also ended, resulting in numerous losses of human life and irrevocable damage to historical and cultural legacies. Troops from Japan and Myeong also returned home. But Du Sachung and his two sons didn't and decided to stay in Joseon instead. Later they became naturalized in Joseon and settled in Daegu. For his distinguished services to Joseon, Joseon government donated them the land which is presently the area of Gyeongsang gamyeong.
He had also ordinary emotions and feelings like others. He longed for his country and family in Myeong when he got older. So, he made a move to the place at the foot of the southern mountain of the valley, which is presently the area of 대명동 Daemyeong Dong in Namgu district. He then named the area Daemyeong Dong meaning Great Myeong. He built an altar for the worship and on the first day of lunar month, he wore an official robe and saluted in the direction of the emperor of Myeong so far away.
After death, he was buried at the foot of a mountain which is presently near Nambu(Southern) bus terminal or Manchon subway station. When he was alive, he had already located the site where he was buried. Momyeong Jae, a traditional Korean pavilion for performing sacrificial rites for Du Sachung and his descendants can be seen on the way to his grave. Momyeong is his pen name and means longing for Myeong. His and his descendants' tombs are scattered around the nearby hill. Two stone statues of scholars, generals, and animals lined up in rows facing each other in front of two tombs symbolize that they protect the departed, which is derived from the Confucian tradition.
The photo depicts one of two stone statues of the scholar in Momyeong Jae, which was previously located in front of one of the tombs.
