top of page
KHEPA Logo Only.png

Travel Back In Time: Why You Must Visit Tapgol Park



The 3.1 movement happened in 1919 as a resistance to Japan's brute colonial rule. During that time, Japan colonized Joseon (Korea) and used military forces to violently restrict and exploit areas such as politics, economy, and culture. Also, they would often slaughter or imprison anti-Japanese activists and oppress any forms of anti-Japanese acts, taking Joseon's freedom of media, assembly, and association. Oppression like this occurred frequently during the 1910s, making the lives of people more miserable. This intensified anger and determination to resist Japan's colonial rule. To free themselves from the Japanese, the independence movement became popular, and people regardless of their age or gender participated. And those who did not directly participate in the movement still contributed to Korea's independence by providing economic support and doing what they could within their abilities. The 3.1 movement holds great historical significance as the largest anti-Japanese movement, where people from all walks of life, including students, workers, farmers, and merchants, participated. It not only demonstrated Korea's will for independence internationally but also allowed the people to raise their sense of nationalism and political awareness through their participation in the movement. This provided the foundation for the growth of various social movements and organizations in the 1920s.

Tapgol Park was where the 3.1 movement happened. There were 4000 to 5000 students who were above the age of 14 at the park, waiting. When it became 2 P.M., a young man whose identity is unknown ran up to the floor and recited the Declaration of Independence. When the recitement neared to an end, the students threw their hats up into the air and yelled: Long live Korean independence! Then they began to protest by marching. A famous independence activist, Yu Gwan-sun, was also here, who was shortly sent to prison after her participation in the 3.1 movement. Yu Gwan-sun was born in 1902 and led the Aune Independence Movement at Byeongcheon Market on April 1st. Even while being imprisoned after being arrested, she carried out a prison independence movement. She later passed away at the age of 18 due to repeated torture and malnutrition.



There was a temple called Wongaksa before Tapgol Park was built. But there was a fire that turned the temple into ashes, and the park took over the place. The area is called Tapgol in the sense that it was the place where the pagoda of Wongaksa stood. It took the Korean word for pagoda, '' 탑'—which is pronounced tap. Also, Tapgol Park's old name, Pagoda Park, also runs along the same line of naming.

Tapgol Park is a nice and serene place to visit. There is a commemoration of the 3.1 movement every year on March 3rd, where people wear traditional Korean cloth, Hanbok, and hold the Korean national flag to represent the event. It will be a meaningful day to honor the intentions of patriotic activists and actively participate by walking along with them and feeling how it would have been at that time. At the commemoration, there are many activities, such as reciting the declaration of independence, commemorative performance, and singing a song related to the 3.1 movement. Besides the commemoration, there are so many things you can see, such as the octagonal pavilion where the declaration of independence was recited by leaders of the 3.1 independence movement, or the Praise Monument of the 3.1 movement and commemorative relief.

The Declaration of Independence was made on March 1, when Wilson's principle of self-determination was announced. The leaders of the March 1st Movement saw this as an opportunity to begin the independence movement. The declaration emphasized the nation's desire for independence and presented a method for achieving self-determined freedom based on humanitarian principles through nonviolent and peaceful means. The movement had a significant influence, and it was referred to as a revolution without weapons, even though Japan responded with violent repression. This not only demonstrated the people of Joseon's will for freedom but also their preference for peaceful methods.



The Independence movement is very important even in Korean history since it not only faithfully served the role of uniting the hearts of the people during difficult times, but it also became an opportunity to make the world recognize that Korea's goal is the independent sovereignty of the Republic of Korea, enabling a more active national movement. Tapgol Park, where the movement happened, was famous as a resting place for tired people during the Japanese Colonial Period. So why don't you take a walk around the park and find peace in your mind, too?




Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet
Add a rating
bottom of page