Visit to the Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall

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Directions: 20, Market 1-gil, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall)

Parking Information: Market Parking Lot, Riverside Parking Lot: 487-1, Jungang-ri, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Hello.

On a bright spring day with forsythias in bloom, I visited the Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall in Gyeongnam.

This space was established to commemorate and educate about the anti-Japanese independence movement that continued during the Japanese colonial period, focusing on the lives and activities of local independence activists through various exhibitions, materials, and programs.

The Gochang anti-Japanese independence movement began with the spirit of patriotism, actively led by local scholars during the Wolsung Uprising and the Gajo and Gabuk March 1st Movement, later expanding as local residents, including farmers, participated.

Especially memorable was the explanation that from March 20 to the end of April 1919, the March 1st Movement spread widely around Gochang's marketplaces, including those in Gajo, Gochang, and Wicheon.

The memorial hall not only covered the “March 1st Movement” but also dealt broadly with various forms of anti-Japanese struggles that took place in Gochang.

As I followed the exhibition descriptions, it became clear that Gochang was not just a region but a strong base for resistance in various ways for independence.

Records of independence activists I encountered in the exhibition, such as those who participated in the Paris Declaration Movement, the Cheongsanri Battle, and those who resisted by refusing to worship at shrines, made their lives feel more tangible.

Notable figures included: Gwak Yoon, who participated in the Paris Declaration in 1919, and independence activists Junam Go and Junam Su, with a commemorative photo from their release from Pyongyang Prison on February 17, 1945.

Yoon Cheol-soo (1868–1942), who suffered imprisonment due to the Paris Declaration incident, was also featured.

Documents like the Oh Hyung-seon verdict and the Dong-A Ilbo hunger strike press release were displayed together.

Exhibits included the Cha So-dol verdict from the Daegu High Court on August 3, 1933.

The realization that each document and photo contained someone's life, beliefs, and suffering deeply resonated with me throughout the exhibition.

The bricks used in the construction of the Seodaemun Prison were made by anti-Japanese fighters forcibly mobilized during the colonial period.

On the second floor of the memorial hall, video materials on the activities of the righteous armies were available, making it easier to understand the historical scenes and the atmosphere of that time.

After reflecting on my impressions at the Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall, I signed the guestbook.

As part of the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement, I was pleased to visit the Gochang Cultural Center exhibition, which featured a student art contest and the 24th Gochang March 1st Folk Culture Festival.

The exhibition showcased handwritten materials from March 1st activists and statues of independence fighters.

A notable inscription by Dr. Yoon Bong-gil read, 'A man of great ambition does not return until he accomplishes great deeds.' It struck a chord with me.

The exhibition displayed a timeline of major events in Korea's independence movement from 1895 to 1945, summarizing significant incidents by year.

Key events included:

1895: Assassination of Empress Myeongseong (Eulmi Incident)

1905: Signing of the Eulsa Treaty

1910: Japanese annexation of Korea

1919: March 1st Independence Movement, establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea

1925: National Representative Assembly held

1935: Formation of the Gwangbokdan

1945: Liberation

Additionally, various information regarding the righteous army movements, activities of independence organizations, and changes in international circumstances were organized, providing an important resource to view key events in modern Korean history at a glance.

The Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall felt like a learning space that goes beyond viewing exhibitions, allowing us to reflect on the local history and sacrifices and pass them on to future generations.

I highly recommend visiting the Gochang Independence Movement Memorial Hall.

Today's visit made me reflect on the sacrifices and courage that underpin the daily lives we enjoy.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/geochanggun/224234856719

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