Seoul is commemorating the 106th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement with events across the city, honoring those who fought against Japanese colonial rule.
Reenacting history at Seodaemun Prison
The main event, "Seodaemun,1919: Echoes of Freedom" (direct translation: "Seodaemun 1919: The Cry of That Day") is taking place at Seodaemun Independence Park and Seodaemun Prison History Hall—once a detention site for Korean independence activists.
Participants in period costumes reenact key moments of the movement, including a reading of the March 1st Declaration of Independence and a collective manse (Long live Korean independence!) chant. A 350-meter march from the prison to the Dongnimmun Arch (Independence Gate) recreates the spirit of the historic protests.
Visitors can also engage in interactive activities, such as history quizzes and caricature drawing of independence leaders. A special concert at Yonsei University’s Centennial Hall on Sunday will round out the commemorations.
Citywide tributes and Taegukgi displays
In Jung-gu, a month-long exhibition at the district office honors Yu Gwan-sun, a leading female independence activist. A 55-meter-high Taegukgi—the tallest displayed in Seoul—will be raised, while over 100 descendants of independence fighters take part in ceremonies.
Seongbuk-gu hosts Secret Resistance Group, an interactive program at Cultural Space Yi Yuksa, allowing participants to transcribe the Declaration of Independence and learn about poet-activist Yi Yuksa.
Eunpyeong-gu lines major roads with 2,000 Taegukgi banners, continuing a decade-long tradition of commemorative flag displays.
mjh@heraldcorp.com
