Unveiling Ceremony of the Monument at Gukcheonsa Temple Site, the Starting Point of Goseong-gun's First March 1st Independence Movement

The Starting Point of the Baedun Market Independence Movement Holds Great Historical Significance

The Goseong-gun 3.1 Movement Creativity Tower Preservation Committee in Gyeongnam held an unveiling ceremony for the Gukcheonsa Chief Memorial Monument at the Yongwari Small Park in Guman-myeon.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Song Jong-gu] On the 27th, the Goseong-gun 3.1 Movement Memorial Tower Preservation Committee held an unveiling ceremony for the Gukcheon Sajeong Monument at Yongwari Small Park in Guman-myeon, the starting point of Goseong-gun's first 3.1 Independence Movement.

About 120 people attended the unveiling ceremony, including Lee Sang-geun, the county governor, Choi Eul-seok, chairman of the county council, families of independence activists, heads of local veterans' organizations, and residents of Guman-myeon, making the event memorable.

Gukcheon Sajeong (菊川沙場) in Guman-myeon is the old name of the current Gumancheon and was the site where Goseong's first 3.1 Independence Movement protest took place.

Gukcheon Sajeong is a place imbued with historical significance from 103 years ago. Although the traces of the sandy beach have disappeared over time, the noble spirit of the passionate patriots of that day is a value that must be remembered forever.

At the unveiling ceremony, Jeong Haeryong, a local historian and writer who wrote the monument inscription, and Heo Kyung-mu (Ph.D. in Literature), a calligrapher from Guman-myeon who donated his talent for the monument's lettering, received plaques of appreciation.

Chairman Choi Geun-ho said in his congratulatory speech, “Since 2019, the 100th anniversary of the 3.1 Independence Movement, we began a petition to erect the Gukcheon Sajeong Monument to reflect on its historical significance. Thanks to the help of many meaningful people, we have come to today's unveiling ceremony. Although late, I feel very proud to have erected a monument at the historic Gukcheon Sajeong, and as the chairman of the 3.1 Movement Memorial Tower Preservation Committee, I feel relieved to have accomplished this important task.”

Governor Lee said, “We must correctly understand the history we have passed through to avoid confusion about the identity of the Republic of Korea. I hope the Gukcheon Sajeong Monument will serve as a place of lesson to never forget the unfortunate history of the past and to prevent its recurrence.”

Chairman Choi said, “I bow my head in gratitude for the courage and noble spirit of the patriots who reclaimed our country,” and added, “I express my respect for the sacrifices and efforts of the families of independence activists.”