Visit to the Gochang Incident Memorial Park
During a visit to the Gochang Incident Memorial Park to see the hydrangeas, I had the opportunity to participate in the certification event for the 2026 Gochang Incident pilgrimage.
At the end of June 2026, the park was in full bloom with hydrangeas and zinnias.
The memorial hall for the victims of the Gochang Incident was open for visitors, allowing for a moment of reflection.
The memorial hall houses the tablets of 719 victims who lost their lives in areas such as Cheongyeon Village, Tanyang Valley, and Baksan Valley in 1951.
The park features a Hibiscus garden with a total of 4,200 plants. Although the flowers have not bloomed yet, it is said that they are at their most beautiful between mid-July and mid-August.
There is a fountain that activates when people walk by, adding a refreshing touch to the experience.
Along the path to the History Education Center, beautiful hydrangeas are also in bloom.
The History Education Center at the Gochang Incident Memorial Park is open year-round, and I highly recommend visiting it during your trip.
The center provides detailed information about the background, process, and consequences of the Gochang Incident.
In February 1951, the 3rd Battalion of the 9th Regiment of the 11th Division of the Army carried out a large-scale massacre of civilians in the area of Sinwon-myeon, Gochang County.
Survivors and families of victims continue to fight for truth and honor against the distorted history of the incident.
On the first day of the Gochang Incident, February 9, 1951, Major Han Dong-seok and his troops set fire to the village and indiscriminately fired rifles and machine guns at the residents, resulting in 84 casualties and 6 survivors.
On the second day, February 10, soldiers rounded up residents in Tanyang Valley, separating families and firing upon the remaining residents, causing 100 casualties and 1 survivor.
On the third day, February 11, soldiers confined over a thousand residents in a classroom and tortured them overnight. They then led 517 residents, excluding family members, to Baksan Valley for execution, resulting in 517 casualties and 3 survivors.
Although the incident was exposed by then-member of the National Assembly Shin Joong-mok, the government did not make any official announcements.
Subsequent trials of the soldiers involved did not yield proper investigations due to political changes.
In 1996, a special law was enacted to restore the honor of victims of the Gochang Incident and promote memorial activities.
As I left the History Education Center, I noticed that the first certification event for the 2026 Gochang Incident pilgrimage was underway. The staff encouraged me to participate, and I decided to take on the challenge.
To participate, I installed the mobile app 'Walk On' and joined the official Gochang community. By visiting at least 6 designated locations related to the Gochang Incident, I could earn a 10,000 won gift certificate.
It seemed daunting at first, but since the History Education Center counted as one of the locations, I only needed to visit 5 more, making it manageable.
Photo verification was required at one location, and I completed this at the Barefoot Path within the park. I also verified my visit at the memorial tower, which is close to the History Education Center.
Upon reaching the memorial tower, I was automatically verified through GPS.
Next, I verified my visit at the Tanyang Valley site.
The memorial site for child victims in Hongdong Valley is located across the street from the Gochang Incident Memorial Park, requiring more walking than I anticipated.
Finally, I completed all Walk On stamps at the Baksan Joint Cemetery at 5:02 PM. Fortunately, the staff was still there, and I was able to receive my gift certificate.
The first certification event for the Gochang Incident pilgrimage runs until July 7, 2026, so I encourage everyone to participate via Walk On.
Since the gift certificates may be limited in quantity, I recommend checking with the History Education Center before participating.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/geochanggun/224338614251
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