The First Student-Led Independence Movement in Chungnam
In Myeoncheon, Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do, there is a special place that commemorates the first student-led independence movement in the province.
This is the Myeoncheon Public Elementary School 3.10 Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall.
What is the Myeoncheon 3.10 Student Independence Movement?
The 'Myeoncheon Public Elementary School 3.10 Student Independence Movement' refers to the event on March 10, 1919, where students of Myeoncheon Public Elementary School planned and executed an independence rally without the guidance of adults or local leaders.
This movement is recognized as the first student-led independence movement in Chungnam and is considered a pioneering example in the history of national student independence movements.
Although it is not a grand exhibition hall, upon entering, one can feel the weight of the stories it holds.
This space was created to commemorate the independence rally planned and executed by the students on March 10, 1919.
What struck me the most is that this movement began not under the leadership of adults or local figures, but solely from the determination and actions of the students. The story of a fourth-grade student, Won Yong, who went to Seoul to attend the funeral of Emperor Gojong and was inspired to declare, 'We must shout for independence in our hometown,' is still heartbreaking to think about.
Inside the memorial hall, one can calmly examine the preparation process of the rally, its development, and the subsequent records.
The image of students secretly preparing by making the national flag and hiding flagpoles in the woods lingered in my mind as I read the exhibition descriptions.
On the afternoon of March 10, 1919, more than 130 students gathered in the woods outside the East Gate of Myeoncheon and marched to the Myeoncheon Police Station, shouting 'Long live Korean independence.' Despite being a short sentence, the tension of that moment was palpable.
The story of how the protest was dispersed by the Japanese police and how student leaders Won Yong and Park Chang-sin went to the police station to protect their fellow students kept me engrossed during the exhibition.
It was remarkable that these 17-year-old students faced expulsion and imprisonment just two weeks before graduation.
The memorial hall is not large, and it can be explored in about 30 minutes. The fact that admission is free, combined with the quiet atmosphere of Myeoncheon village, made the experience even more poignant.
The Myeoncheon 3.10 Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall conveys the value of freedom and independence that the students held dearer than their own lives.
If you are traveling to Dangjin or Myeoncheon, taking a moment to visit this place and learn about that day’s story would be meaningful.
This is a significant space to include in your itinerary when exploring Dangjin or pursuing historical journeys.
Nearby attractions include Dangjin Myeoncheon Castle, the 3.10 Student Independence Movement Memorial Tower, Goljeong Reservoir, and the former Myeoncheon Agricultural Cooperative warehouse, which is now a café.
✅ Operating Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM
✅ Closed on Mondays
✅ Admission: Free
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224169967701
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