Yun Dong-uk studied at a village school from 1902 to 1911. On March 30, 1919 he moved from Sanhyeon-ri to Hwajeong-ri, and on hearing that residents of Neunggok-ri were shouting for independence, joined and helped lead the demonstration at Bipseok Street in Suam-myeon, Siheung. When the excited crowd tried to storm the police substation and township office, he urged a peaceful protest instead. He received a presidential citation posthumously in 1996.