Locations with Hidden Memories of the 3.1 Movement: Bukchon and Anseong

Samiljeol, known as March 1st Independence Movement Day, is one of the most well-known public holidays of South Korea. It is a memorial day to commemorate all the independence activists in the past who fought for Korea against the colonialism of Japan and to celebrate its liberation until the present day. March 1st is mainly known as the start of a national protest against the ruling of Japan in 1919. There were many locations where these movements happened which are not well known to even the citizens of Korea; Bukchon and Anseong are some of these cities that have deep history regarding the independence movement.

When it comes to the Independence Movement of Korea, Tapgol Park is one of the first places that come to mind, because it is the most symbolic place for the March 1st protest. On the night of February 27th, 1919, the Korean Declaration of Independence — signed by 33 national representatives — was secretly printed and sent out throughout the whole Korean territory. The first public reading of the declaration was held at Taehwagwan (태화관) and protest at the Tapgol Park. However, the hidden start of all of this came from Jongno-gu, Bukchon.

In the Bukchon area, there are many places that show the beauty of Korean history. We can see Choongang High School (중앙고등학교) which was one of the locations that was used to plan for the march of Korea. You can see the colonization period memorial site located inside the memorial hall. This high school is also one of the film sets of the famous Korean drama, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

Choongang High School

As you walk down the street along the side of Choongang High School, there are several Hanok houses shown in the side streets. These houses not only show the long traditional houses of Korea but also the home of one of the national representatives in the indepence march, Han Yongun. 

Furthermore, Anseong, the city where a critical demonstration for national independence was held, is also a location that cannot be forgotten. It was the one and only location in the south that successfully pushed the Japanese soldiers out of Korea, leading to a two-day independence. Because of this, this place remains as one of the three major sites of resistance during the independence march. People can visit the March 1st Movement Memorial Hall, which was built to commemorate this honorable event, and see many of the unknown Korean activists through artificial intelligence. With various memorial programs available, it is possible learn more about the deeply hidden facts of march and to honor the Korean citizens who fought for South Korea’s liberation.

Anseong 3.1 Movement Memorial Hall

Starting from then until now, the March 1st Independence Movement has been an honorable event for the people of Korea to protest against such a powerful country. Still, with the memories and traces from the colonization period, these places — Bukchon and Anseong city — are some of the locations that are recommended to be visited for commemoration. These historical sites, now as memorial halls and famous architectures, will guide you through the journey of Korea independence. Celebrating South Korea’s liberation, make your first tour site be a touching place in Bukchon or Anseong City.

As you walk through these documented sites, reflect on the spirit of Korean activists, shouting 대한 독립 만세!

Works cited

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‌봉원학 기자. “안성3.1운동기념관 아직 알려지지 않은 “안성 독립운동가 얼굴 찾기” 프로젝트.” 시사안성, 4 Jan. 2024, www.sisaanseong.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=19266. Accessed 17 Feb. 2025.