Exploring the Aunae Independence Movement Memorial Park

reply 0 hit 20 date 26-06-24 02:01

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I recently visited the Aunae Independence Movement Memorial Park, the perfect place to explain the independence movement to children.

I initially thought the kids would find the topic boring, but once we arrived, everything I needed to explain was right in front of us.

Standing in front of the sculptures, the words just flowed.

The park isn't very large, so a light stroll around it is sufficient,

and within that short path lies the story of April 1, 1919.

It's easy to find; just search for 'Aunae Independence Movement Memorial Park' on your navigation device, and it will lead you there.

It's conveniently located near the Byeongcheon Aunae Market, making it a great spot to visit alongside exploring the market.

The Byeongcheon Aunae Market is still right next to the park.

On April 1, 1919, people from not only the Cheonan area but also from Cheongju and Jincheon gathered here.

At 1 PM, a large Taegukgi was raised on a flagpole, and the declaration of independence was read aloud, with around 3,000 people shouting 'Long live Korean independence!'

Understanding the history in sequence deepens the experience of visiting the park.

After the March 1st Movement, when schools nationwide were closed, Yu Gwan-sun, a student at Ewha Haktang, returned to her hometown of Byeongcheon, hiding the declaration of independence in her clothing.

She traveled to nearby churches and schools to share news of the Seoul protests, and together with others, planned the independence movement to coincide with the market day on April 1.

Upon entering the park, the centerpiece sculpture immediately catches the eye.

Created by artist Park Min-seop, titled 'The Roar of That Day,' it embodies the passion and shouts of the crowd centered around Yu Gwan-sun.

The front depicts figures shouting in celebration, while the back clearly expresses the shape of the Taegukgi.

'The Wind of Peace' is a work by artist Kim In-tae, representing the struggles faced at a young age and the courageous cries of the martyrs.

Yu Gwan-sun boldly challenged the court when sentenced to five years in prison, stating, "If there is a crime, it lies with Japan, which illegally took another's country."

Ultimately, she received a three-year sentence and was imprisoned at Seodaemun Prison, where she continued to shout for independence until her death at the age of 18 on September 28, 1920.

Artist Lim Jeong-hyeok's piece 'United' expresses that the Aunae Independence Movement was not just the act of one individual but a nationwide movement involving various classes and regions.

On that day, 19 people lost their lives, including Yu Gwan-sun's parents, Yu Jung-gwon and Lee So-je.

The memorial stone at the park's entrance explains why this site was established.

It was completed on October 9, 2009, marking the 90th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, located at the very spot where the protesting crowd fell.

The park is designed in a square shape centered around the main sculpture.

Visitors can enter from the entrance and naturally proceed in a clockwise direction to see the sculptures, information boards, and memorial hall without needing to plan a route.

Near the memorial hall, there is a resting area and plaza.

After viewing the sculptures, families can sit here and share a moment together, making it particularly useful for visitors with children.

This place is worth visiting at any time.

When combined with the Byeongcheon Aunae Market and the Yu Gwan-sun Memorial Hall, it makes for an excellent half-day historical outing for children.

Be sure to include this in your plans for a visit to Cheonan.

Location: Aunae Independence Movement Memorial Park

Address: 12-23, Aunae Market 1-gil, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do

Opening Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free

Parking: Nearby public parking available

Established: October 9, 2009 (90th anniversary of the March 1st Movement)

Organizer: Cheonan City