The Historical Significance of the 4.4 Independence Movement in Dangjin
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- blog.naver.com
In the spring of 1919, residents of Daehoji-myeon in Dangjin took to the streets, shouting for independence.
This is a historic site where the independence movement began.
The movement, which started in Daehoji-myeon, marched approximately 7 km to Cheonui Market in Jeongmi-myeon.
At that time, the head of Daehoji-myeon and local officials participated alongside residents, expanding the movement into a large-scale demonstration.
Today, you can explore this history at the Changui Shrine and the 4.4 Independence Movement Historical Park.
The first place to visit is the original site of the Changui Shrine.
The shrine was established to commemorate the patriots who participated in the 4.4 Independence Movement.
Although it served as a memorial space for many years, the building became outdated and the area too small, leading to its relocation as part of the historical park development project.
Currently, if you search for 'Changui Shrine' in navigation, it may direct you to the previous location, so it's advisable to check the new location before visiting.
While the original shrine is no longer accessible for tours, you can view the small shrine over the wall.
It is said that a total of 579 tablets of the deceased were enshrined here.
Seeing the small shrine makes the fact that 579 tablets were housed in one space even more profound.
This moment encourages reflection on the sacrifices made during that time.
About 800 meters from the original shrine, you can find the newly established Changui Shrine and the 4.4 Independence Movement Historical Park.
It's a short one-minute drive or a 15-minute walk, making it convenient to explore both locations together.
Each location also has parking available, making it easy to visit by car.
Upon entering the historical park and passing through the main gate, the newly built Changui Shrine comes into view.
The new shrine continues the memorial significance of the original, honoring the patriots who participated in the 4.4 Independence Movement.
As you explore the shrine, it’s valuable to learn about the 4.4 Independence Movement.
The movement began on April 4, 1919, when residents gathered in Daehoji-myeon.
Following a speech by Mayor Lee In-jeong, Nam Ju-won read the Declaration of Independence, followed by the singing of the national anthem by Lee Dae-ha.
Later, Song Jae-man led the chant for independence, and the residents marched toward Cheonui Market.
As the procession traveled approximately 7 km from Daehoji-myeon, more participants joined, and the movement continued even after reaching Cheonui Market.
However, it resulted in injuries and casualties due to the suppression by Japanese police.
The 4.4 Independence Movement is known as a joint anti-Japanese movement involving local residents and officials, and it is remembered as a representative independence movement in the Dangjin area.
The 4.4 Independence Movement Historical Park was created to reflect on this history in one place.
Dangjin City has promoted the historical park project to commemorate the significance of the 4.4 Independence Movement and honor the patriots who participated in the independence movement.
In this process, the original Changui Shrine was relocated, and a new shrine was built, along with the development of the surrounding area into a historical park.
The park allows visitors to explore the new Changui Shrine as well as the history of the independence movement that occurred in the area in 1919.
Annual commemorative events are held to remember the 4.4 Independence Movement.
In 2026, the 35th commemorative ceremony and reenactment event will take place.
The events include memorial services, readings of the Declaration of Independence, reenactment marches, and flower offerings, providing a time to reflect on the history of that period.
Especially, the reenactment march takes place around the areas where the movement actually occurred, allowing participants to experience the historical site firsthand.
While Changui Shrine and the 4.4 Independence Movement Historical Park may seem like separate locations, understanding the transition from the original shrine to the new one helps to grasp the history of this place more concretely.
If the original Changui Shrine was a space of remembrance for many years, the current shrine continues that significance, serving as a place to inform and remember the history of the 4.4 Independence Movement within the historical park.
Following the traces of the independence movement that began on April 4, 1919, in Daehoji-myeon and continued to Cheonui Market allows us to reflect on the determination and sacrifices of the local residents for independence.
If you are exploring the history of the independence movement in Dangjin, visiting both the original Changui Shrine and the 4.4 Independence Movement Historical Park is a meaningful way to do so.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/224424767071
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