Exploring the Han-Hoon Memorial Hall in Gyeryong City
Gyeryong City is renowned as a defense city, housing the headquarters of the three armed forces, Gyeryongdae. Although it is the smallest city in Chungcheongnam-do, it surprisingly holds many traces of independence activists who fought for Korea's independence during the Japanese colonial period. Among these, the Han-Hoon Memorial Hall is recognized as a significant space for honoring veterans' history in Gyeryong. I took the time to visit the Han-Hoon Memorial Hall with my wife on Saturday.
Q1. What is the purpose of the Han-Hoon Memorial Hall?
☞ The Han-Hoon Memorial Hall was established to honor the dedication of the local independence activist, Han Hoon, and to promote a culture of patriotism among future generations. Its significance is heightened as it was built on the site of the late activist's former residence, serving as an important space for remembering the region's history and identity. The memorial hall opened on August 15, 2021, coinciding with Liberation Day, symbolically reflecting the life and spirit of Han Hoon.
Q2. Who is Han Hoon?
Han Hoon may be a somewhat unfamiliar name to many. His birth name is Han Woo-seok, and he became involved in the anti-Japanese movement early on, participating in the Daehan Gwangbokdan and Gwangbokhoe. He is particularly known for his efforts to revive the Gwangbokdan after liberation, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to the independence of his country.
Q3. Can you elaborate on his independence activities?
☞ Han Hoon was born in 1889 in Cheongyang, Chungcheongnam-do, and began his anti-Japanese struggle by joining the Hongju Uibyeongjin in 1906. In 1907, he organized a secret society in Sindoan to prepare for the punishment of the Eulsa Five Traitors, and in 1913, he formed the Daehan Gwangbokdan in Punggi, working to expand the activities of the Gwangbokhoe. He engaged in armed struggles against pro-Japanese factions in the Boseong and Beolgyo areas and endured several imprisonments. After liberation, he continued his activities by reviving the Gwangbokdan but was tragically kidnapped by North Korean forces during the Korean War in 1950.
Q4. How is the memorial hall structured?
☞ The Han-Hoon Memorial Hall is a space that combines exhibitions with experiential and community engagement features. The first-floor exhibition begins with a video showcasing the activities of Dr. Han Hoon, allowing visitors to explore the timeline of independence movements from the Daehan Gwangbokdan and Gwangbokhoe to the post-liberation revival of the Gwangbokdan. Personal artifacts, including a pistol and a diary, are displayed, with the handwritten resume and diary being registered as cultural heritage in Chungcheongnam-do, holding significant historical value. The second floor offers experiential programs every Saturday, benefiting family visitors.
Q5. What significance do the handwritten resume and diary hold?
☞ Han Hoon's handwritten resume is a document he created during the process of reviving the Daehan Gwangbokdan in 1945, providing a significant record of his anti-Japanese activities. The diary, which contains notes about the weather, names of people he met, and brief information, is valued for its ability to vividly reflect the atmosphere of that era and his activities.
Q6. Is there an experiential space in the exhibition hall?
☞ Yes, the exhibition hall includes interactive sections where visitors can participate. These include a photo zone to take pictures with Han Hoon and fellow independence activists, a recreated Japanese prison where activists were tortured, and a space to leave comments and thoughts after the visit, encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with the experience.
Q7. What are the visiting hours and usage guidelines?
☞ The Han-Hoon Memorial Hall is now open for visits on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays, Mondays, public holidays, and substitute holidays. Guided tours are available, providing insights into Han Hoon and other local independence activists. Anyone can visit for free without prior reservation. A multipurpose room for about 20 people is available for rental at a fee. Additionally, an open library operates outdoors from April to November, offering books related to history and figures.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/sinmunman/224165282174
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