Gyeongbuk Office of Education Independence Movement Pilgrimage Team Embarks on 5,000 km Journey from Shanghai to Chongqing, China

Exploring Sites of the Provisional Government's Anti-Japanese Resistance

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education’s Overseas Independence Movement Pilgrimage Team has embarked on a full-scale exploration of anti-Japanese historical sites, tracing the 5,000 km journey of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea from Shanghai to Chongqing in China.

On the first day of their itinerary, May 30, the Pilgrimage Team visited the Shanghai Provisional Government building, where the anti-Japanese independence movement began, as well as the residence at 10 Yongjingfang, the family home of Kim Gu, where traces of key figures of the Provisional Government remain. During these visits, they reflected on the footsteps of independence activists in history, fostering a correct understanding of history and inheriting the spirit of the independence movement.

The Gyeongbuk Office of Education Independence Movement Trail Pilgrimage Group is taking a commemorative photo as they embark on a 5,000km expedition.

The team also visited the Shanghai Provisional Government building and the Maehon Memorial Hall in Hongkou Park, the site of Yun Bonggil’s heroic deed. There, they expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of independence activists who fought to reclaim sovereignty lost during the Japanese occupation, even in the unfamiliar land of China. They held a solemn ceremony, laying flowers and observing a moment of silence to honor their spirits.

On May 31, the Pilgrimage Team will move to Nanjing to visit the headquarters of the Provisional Government’s currency delegation and the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. On August 2, they will visit the Chongqing Yeonhwa Provisional Government building and the Liberation Army Command building in succession, concluding their six-day journey on August 3.

Lim Jong-sik, Superintendent of Gyeongbuk Office of Education, said, “History is not something that is forgotten, but something that is engraved in our hearts. I hope that through the activities of the Independence Movement Pilgrimage Team, participants will deeply engrave the footsteps of independence activists in their hearts and find meaningful ways to love their country.”