The Historic Site of the First Independence Movement South of the Han River

• List
• More options
  • Edit
  • Delete

• Facebook
• Twitter

September, with its cool autumn breeze, is a perfect time to feel the deep breath of history amidst serene landscapes. Today, we embark on a meaningful historical journey to Gunsan Guam Park, the site where the first independence movement south of the Han River began.

Guam History Park, located in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, is not just a simple urban relaxation space but a place of significant historical value. On March 5, 1919, it became the historic site of the first independence movement in Jeollabuk-do and south of the Han River, known as the Gunsan 3.5 Movement.

This park commemorates the noble spirit of those who dedicated themselves to restoring national sovereignty against Japanese oppression during the colonial period. It serves as a valuable educational space that connects our past with the present and is beloved as a peaceful walking path.

The park, built along the gentle slopes of Guam Hill, offers a pleasant stroll with various attractions. Key features include the Gunsan 3.1 Movement 100th Anniversary Memorial Hall, which replicates the exterior of the old Yeongmyeong School, and the Gunsan Mission History Museum that highlights the contributions of missionaries in modern education and medicine.

As you enter the themed mural street leading to Guam History Park, you will first notice the vibrant murals depicting the passionate moments of the independence movement on March 5, 1919, where residents and students gathered with the national flag.

The murals artistically reinterpret scenes of secretly printing independence declarations, drawing the national flag, and the expressions of the people shouting for independence against Japanese oppression. Walking quietly through the alley while appreciating these murals offers a profound emotional experience as if stepping back in time over a century ago.

The Gunsan Mission History Museum, which documents the activities of missionaries, is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Sundays and Mondays, and free of charge. As you ascend Guam Hill, you will spot the exotic building of the museum, which opened in 2025, showcasing the activities of American missionaries who established hospitals and schools in the late 1890s.

Inside the museum, the first floor presents the history of the establishment of the 'Gunsan Mission Station' through historical documents and photos. The second floor vividly recounts the activities of missionaries and the first Western-style hospital in the region, providing insights into their crucial support for the independence movement.

Continuing deeper into the park, you will find the Guam Church, established by American missionaries in 1899, which played a pivotal role in modern education and Western medicine. This church is a historical site where the Gunsan 3.5 Movement was organized.

Finally, the Gunsan 3.1 Movement 100th Anniversary Memorial Hall replicates the old Yeongmyeong School, offering interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience the fervor of the independence movement firsthand.

In September, with its beautiful blue skies, if you plan to visit Gunsan, do not miss the historical and cultural exploration route from Guam History Park to the mural street, the mission history museum, and the 3.1 Movement memorial hall.