Sahmyook University Holds Commemorative Event for 'Jeokmok-ri Faith Community'

Samyook University announced on the 5th that it held a commemorative event for the 'Jeokmok-ri Faith Community' to mark its 118th anniversary.

Je Hae-jong, president of Samyook University, is delivering a commemorative speech at the 'Road to Jeokmok-ri' event held in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Samyook University

The event was held on the 1st at the Jeokmok-ri Faith Community historic site in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, to reflect on the historical significance of the faith community and to carry on its spirit.

The Jeokmok-ri Faith Community was a communal living space established in the 1940s by Seventh-day Adventist believers in Jeokmok-ri San 1-28 area, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, to escape Japanese oppression. They unconditionally accepted all who sought refuge in pursuit of religious freedom beyond denominations, and based on their conviction for independence, they dispersed to various regions to carry out national enlightenment and evangelistic activities.

The Jeokmok-ri Faith Historic Site is recognized as the only collective anti-Japanese faith community site on the Korean Peninsula and was designated as Gapyeong-gun Local Cultural Asset No. 13 in 2015.

Jaehae Jong, President of Samyook University, said, "The Jeokmok-ri historic site symbolizes the hope, courage, and faith of the Adventist believers who resisted the oppressive Japanese regime through the power of community," adding, "As we look at the monument our university erected here, we must continue to practice a lasting historical consciousness."