Jeongju

Jeongju became the final stronghold of Hong Gyeong-nae's rebellion in 1811–1812. The rising drew strength from resentment of discrimination against northwestern Koreans and restrictions on the region's merchants and miners. Rebels initially occupied several towns in Pyeongan; after defeats elsewhere, their forces gathered behind Jeongju's walls.

The ensuing siege lasted for months. Government assaults failed to secure a quick victory, while dwindling food and weapons drove the defenders to attempt an unsuccessful sortie. The besiegers finally breached the walls with gunpowder. Hong was shot dead, surviving leaders were taken away for execution, and government troops executed the adult male captives while sparing women and young children. Jeongju's fortress thus became the place where a movement against regional exclusion and powerful court families ended in a devastating repression.