Must-Visit Place in Jeonbuk: Kimje Mangyeong Church Martyr Memorial
Kimje Mangyeong Church Martyr Memorial
January is a cold month where strong wind warnings are issued across the inland regions of South Korea, making the perceived temperature drop below freezing. Today, we visited the Kimje Mangyeong Church Martyr Memorial, established to commemorate the Christian martyrs who were victims of hostile forces during the Korean War, and conducted an interview with Pastor Jeon Cheol-hee.
Interview with Pastor Jeon Cheol-hee of Kimje Mangyeong Church
Q. Hello, Pastor Jeon! The wide plaza of the memorial is impressive. What does the martyr memorial plaza signify?
A. Hello, nice to meet you, reporter Lim Deok-ki! In Europe, many towns are built around a church plaza. The plaza is a space for anyone to come and converse, and it symbolizes unity. During the Korean War, not only church members but also around 60 individuals from the local community were victims of leftist and rightist forces. This plaza embodies the pain of all people and serves as a symbol of reconciliation.
Q. Could you explain the viewing order of the memorial and its historical significance?
A. You can pass through the martyr plaza and descend the narrow stairs. As you go down the narrow path, you will see the names of the 15 martyrs inscribed along the way. To the left, there is a space where you can bow your head. The floor features a plate known as the 'Imsa Stone,' representing the boundary between life and death. The martyrs are the deceased, and as the living, we enter their realm.
Q. What is the significance of the sculpture (work) in front of us?
A. This piece, titled 'The Waiting People,' was created by Italian sculptor Ignazio Campagna. The man looks at us, while the woman's gaze is directed towards the wall. This composition encourages reflection on the meaning of life, with the shadows representing the martyrs.
Q. The shadow representation of the martyrs is quite striking. Are there any points to be cautious about while viewing?
A. Since the shadows are shaped by the weather and time of day when you visit, you may or may not see them. The sun rises in the east, casting shadows on the west wall, which change position throughout the day. In winter, the sun is lower, causing shadows to be primarily cast above.
Q. The space they are heading towards seems to hold deep meaning related to the martyrs. What events occurred in the past?
A. Among the 15 martyrs, about 10 were killed by the People's Army and buried in a well. The area near Mangyeong Middle School was once the site of a police station where the People's Army was stationed during the Korean War. They used brutal methods to kill the martyrs and conceal their bodies.
Q. There are various artworks in the exhibition hall. Could you explain them?
A. The early missionaries of Mangyeong Church include missionaries Hwi-ryeom and Bu-ryeom, along with Korean pastors and elders who were martyred. The direct cause of their martyrdom was their involvement in anti-communist activities during the Incheon Landing operation.
Q. What does the sculpture in front of the plaza represent?
A. This sculpture, created by Andrea Logi from Italy, symbolizes unity and reconciliation, depicting a man and woman embracing. The olive tree, representing peace, signifies hope for true peace amid conflict and suffering.
We have explored the Kimje Mangyeong Church Martyr Memorial, a place that embodies the history of the martyrs. Thank you, Pastor Jeon, for the interview despite it being the weekend. If you're looking for a place to visit with children in Jeonbuk, I recommend the Kimje Mangyeong Church Martyr Memorial. Why not take some time to remember the sacrifices and history of the martyrs through light and shadow?
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224157031889
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