Gangbuk-gu Holds Event Commemorating the 105th Anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement

March 1st Independence Movement Origin Site Bonghwanggak Event on March 1st... Cheongsubongjeon, Independence Declaration Reading, Three Cheers for Independence... Exhibition of 3,100 Taegeukgi and Drawings by Daycare and Kindergarten Children... Performances and Experience Programs at Uidong Meeting Plaza

Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Soon-hee) will hold the ‘3·1 Independence Movement Commemoration Event’ at Bonghwanggak, the birthplace of the independence movement, on March 1st to mark the 105th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement.

Every year on March 1st, the district holds this event to widely promote the historical significance of the March 1st Independence Movement, which had a great impact on Korea’s independence movement, and Bonghwanggak, the starting point of the movement.

This year’s 21st ‘3·1 Independence Movement Commemoration Event’ will be held under the theme ‘The Cry of That Day.’ It reflects the courage of our ancestors who fought to regain the freedom we enjoy today and symbolizes the cry that resonates once again in the Republic of Korea, where freedom was reclaimed.

The event will begin at 9:40 a.m. with a visit and flower offering at the tomb of Ui-am Son Byeong-hee, one of the 33 national representatives who led the March 1st Independence Movement. Following this, at 10 a.m. at Bonghwanggak, the ceremony will proceed in the order of ▲Cheongsubongjeon (a Cheondogyo ritual offering with clear and pure water) ▲National salute ▲Commemorative speech ▲Reading of the Declaration of Independence ▲Singing of the March 1st Independence Movement song ▲Three cheers for independence.

The district will distribute white traditional overcoats and Taegeukgi flags to all participants and display a Taegeukgi tunnel around the Bonghwanggak area. Additionally, 3,100 Taegeukgi and freedom-themed drawings created by children from daycare centers and kindergartens in Gangbuk-gu will be exhibited, providing an opportunity to cultivate historical awareness among the younger generation.

After the ceremony, at 11 a.m. at the Uidong Meeting Plaza, a variety of performance programs will continue. First, a guest performance will take place where Mayor Lee Soon-hee, Chairman Choi Chi-hyo of the Gangbuk-gu Council, council members, and other dignitaries will plant Taegeukgi flags on a map of the Korean Peninsula marking key sites of the March 1st Independence Movement as they enter.

Next, various performances will be held, including the ‘March 1st Independence Movement Reenactment Play’ to feel the passion and determination of the movement, a performance by the Gangbuk-gu Children’s Choir, a special invited performance by musical actress Bae Da-hye, and a gala concert by the musical ‘Hero’ team.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Uidong Meeting Plaza, experiential programs related to the March 1st Independence Movement will also be offered, including ▲Photo events with independence activist mascot costumes ▲Face painting ▲Photo booth with four-shot strips ▲Independence activist costume experience ▲Making Taegeukgi-themed goods.

The ‘3·1 Independence Movement Commemoration Event’ is open to everyone, not just Gangbuk-gu residents. For more details about participation and other inquiries, please contact the Gangbuk-gu Culture and Tourism Division.

Mayor Lee Soon-hee of Gangbuk-gu said, “We have prepared this event in a participatory way so that many residents can learn about the historical significance and spirit of the March 1st Independence Movement,” adding, “I hope many people will join the event and once again hear the cry of that day at Bonghwanggak, the birthplace of the March 1st Independence Movement.”