Eom Heung-do

Eom Heung-do (; 1404 – 26 February 1474) was a local official during the Joseon dynasty. He is remembered as a figure of loyalty for secretly retrieving and burying the body of the deposed King Danjong in 1457 despite King Sejo's threats.

Burial of King Danjong and exile Eom Heung-do served as the hojang (local headman) of Yeongwol. In 1457, King Danjong was demoted to Prince Nosan and exiled to Yeongwol after being dethroned by his uncle King Sejo. He was later killed but the cause of his death is disputed: some say that he died from drinking poison

Danjong's body was later thrown into Dong River. After the funeral, he fled to Yeongnam and spent the rest of his life in seclusion. Eom's tomb is thought to be in Uiheung, Gunwi.

Posthumous honors In 1516 (11th year of the reign of King Jungjong), Danjong's grave was found and a burial mound was established. In 1698 (24th year of the reign of King Sukjong), Danjong's royal status was restored and the grave Eom had created became the royal tomb Jangneung.

The Joseon government later honored Eom for his loyalty. During King Sukjong's reign, he was posthumously appointed Gongjo Chamui (Third Minister of Public Works). Under King Yeongjo, a jeongmun (gate of honor) was built in his memory, and his rank was raised to Gongjo Panseo (Minister of Public Works). He was also given the posthumous title Chungui (忠毅, "Loyal and Resolute") and was enshrined at Changjeolsa Shrine in Yeongwol alongside the Sayuksin (Six Martyred Ministers).

In popular culture Eom is the main historical figure portrayed in the 2026 South Korean film The King's Warden. After the film's success, the National Library of Korea held a special exhibition from March to May 2026. The exhibition featured the original 1733 Wanmun document issued to Eom's descendants, marking its first public display.