The Son Yang-won Memorial Hall: A Tribute to Faith and Sacrifice
Son Yang-won Memorial Hall
Address: 39 Deoksan 4-gil, Chilwon-eup, Ham-an, Gyeongsangnam-do
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM (Lunch break: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM, Closed on Sundays)
The Son Yang-won Memorial Hall in Ham-an is a space dedicated to honoring the life and faith of Pastor Son Yang-won. Although it may be easily overlooked, stepping inside reveals a thoughtfully arranged exhibition that allows visitors to reflect on his life through various displays. The internal exhibitions flow naturally along the timeline of Pastor Son's life, providing context about the historical background of his time. As I wandered through the quiet atmosphere, my curiosity about the stories this space sought to convey deepened.
Located at 39 Deoksan 4-gil, Chilwon-eup, Ham-an, the memorial hall operates from 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM, with a lunch break from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM. It is closed every Sunday. As I explored the various exhibits, I found myself contemplating the significance of sacrifice and dedication shown in modern Korean history. The overall calm atmosphere made it an ideal place for reflection.
Through books, I was able to delve into Pastor Son's life, education, and career. Born and raised in Ham-an, he was imprisoned in 1940 for refusing to participate in the Shinto shrine worship mandated by the Japanese government, but was released in 1945. After his release, he continued to care for patients at the Ye-yangwon in Yeosu, embodying a life of love and service, which resonated deeply with many people.
The memorial also provides insights into the Shinto shrine worship policy enforced by the Japanese during their occupation, which sought to justify their colonial rule over Korea. This policy caused significant conflict and hardship for many individuals at the time.
Pastor Son strongly criticized the Japanese government and the institutional churches that supported the shrine worship, advocating for non-participation and strengthening the bonds within the church community. Key figures in this movement included Pastor Ju Gi-chul and Pastor Lee Gi-seon, whose choices and actions to uphold their faith are highlighted.
This movement led to Pastor Son's imprisonment, and there are exhibitions recreating those experiences. The displays provide a more tangible understanding of the hardships he endured in a cramped prison cell, as well as the mental fortitude required to maintain his beliefs under such conditions.
Letters he sent to his son Dong-in from solitary confinement and prayers from Gwangju Prison further illuminate the struggles he faced. These artifacts convey his unwavering faith during dark times and reflect the spirit of the Korean people striving to preserve their identity.
The memorial hall allows visitors to contemplate the fervor for independence demonstrated during the March 1st Movement and other significant events in Gyeongnam, such as the Uiryeong Market Incident and the Chilwon March. Exploring these events naturally prompts reflection on the mindset of those who fought for independence.
Personal letters written by Pastor Son to his father, wife, and son express deep longing and love for his family, alongside his steadfast faith, which is profoundly moving.
Photographs of individuals afflicted by leprosy during that era evoke a deep sense of sorrow. The Japanese government's efforts to control and isolate leprosy patients in the 1970s only add to the weight of this history.
Pastor Son's prayers reveal the depth of his faith, showcasing his commitment to prayer and belief even in challenging times, making his life and convictions resonate more profoundly.
The memorial hall features an exhibition that interprets Pastor Son's quotes through art, transforming written words into visual expressions that allow for a deeper connection to his message and life.
Overall, the Son Yang-won Memorial Hall provides a serene space to reflect on Pastor Son's life and faith, offering insights into the historical context of his choices. It is a meaningful place to visit during a trip to Ham-an.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224328624679
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