Historic Site
This monument was erected at the request of Qing China in 1639, shortly after the Manchu invasion of 1636.
In late 1636, the Qing troops crossed the Amnokgang River. Six days later, King Injo (r. 1623-1649) and his ministers took refuge in Namhansanseong Fortress to defend themselves against the invaders. After withstanding 47 days of siege, King Injo went to surrender at the ferry dock of Samjeondo, where the Qing troops were staying, and was forced to accept vassal status to Qing. Later, the Qing Emperor Hong Taiji ordered a monument to be erected at Samjeondo, praising his excellent virtues.
The original name of this monument is "Stele Honoring the Merits and Virtues of the Emperor of Great Qing." Its inscription includes the reason why Qing came to Joseon, the results of the war, and words of praise devoted to the Qing Emperor.
The inscription on the front side is written in Manchu and Mongolian characters, and the back side is in Chinese characters.
This monument has been a target of vandalism for a long time, as it was regarded as a symbol of a humiliating history. It was once buried in 1895 and was re-erected in 1917. In 1956, it was buried again and was found after a flood in 1963. In the same year, the monument was designated as a historic site and was re-erected again. The structure housing this monument was built in 2010.