The An Jung-geun Peace Center: A New Space for Reflection and Learning
- Original source
- blog.naver.com
[Reporter Han Je-woo]
Imjingang Station view © Han Je-woo
When you think of 'Paju,' one place naturally comes to mind: Imjingak. Imjingak is a historical and security tourism site where visitors can closely experience the world's only divided area, receiving much love from both domestic and international tourists.
A new space has emerged here to reflect on historical significance: the An Jung-geun Peace Center. I visited the newly established center at Imjingak to revisit the life of An Jung-geun, his independence movement, and the meaning of peace he strived for throughout his life.
The An Jung-geun Peace Center is a multi-cultural space created by remodeling the existing Imjingak Peace Nuri Park waterfront café. It seamlessly connects exhibition areas with a café and a souvenir shop, allowing everyone to comfortably engage with the meanings of history and peace.
On the opening day, September 19, banners announcing the inauguration of the An Jung-geun Peace Center were easily spotted throughout Imjingak. It was a refreshing experience to encounter the name 'An Jung-geun' in a place symbolizing peace.
On the first floor of the An Jung-geun Peace Center, there is a café, a 'Peace Store' selling souvenirs, and a collection of books related to An Jung-geun. The layout encourages visitors to take a break at the café while naturally coming across books or souvenirs relevant to An Jung-geun.
The Peace Store offers a variety of items themed around An Jung-geun. From small collectibles like badges and stickers featuring his signature to clothing, eco-bags, and framed calligraphy works, visitors can cherish symbols and messages that represent An Jung-geun.
Given the previous lack of comfortable café spaces at Imjingak Peace Nuri Park, the new café's role is highly anticipated. The existence of a space where visitors can relax and enjoy a cup of tea while exploring the site is expected to enhance convenience.
Unlike the first floor, the 'An Jung-geun, Room of Remembrance' on the second floor offers a different atmosphere. It features exhibitions that delve into An Jung-geun's life and independence movement, allowing visitors to reflect on historical significance through walls of text and media art that convey the weight of history.
Particularly eye-catching in this exhibition are two pieces of An Jung-geun's writings: 'Independence' and 'Jangtan Ilseong, the Ancestor of Japan.' Although there were plans to display the original of 'Independence,' difficulties in negotiations with a Japanese collector prevented its return, which is disappointing. The two exhibited writings are reproductions.
Nonetheless, the establishment of the An Jung-geun Peace Center near his hometown of Haeju is significant. The symbolism of division and peace embodied in Imjingak, combined with An Jung-geun's spirit of independence and peace, transforms this space into a place that encourages contemplation on how we should view peace today, not just a remembrance of the past. I hope that this center serves as a starting point for spreading An Jung-geun's noble spirit and dedication to independence to a wider audience.
In the future, the An Jung-geun Peace Center plans to operate various programs, including a permanent exhibition of An Jung-geun's writings, interactive experiences, and a café dedicated to him. I hope that visitors can meet the life and spirit of An Jung-geun while cherishing the importance of peace in this harmonious space.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeonggi_gov/224424593968
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