From Yellow Pinwheels to Silent Tribute at Paengmokhang
On the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, commemorative events to honor the victims are being held throughout Gwangju and Jeonnam. In this eleventh spring, with the shock of the accident still lingering, the local community once again takes time to remember and reaffirm their commitment.
On the 14th, two days before the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, a citizen is looking around the memorial space at Paengmok Port in Yeondong-ri, Imhoe-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do. Photo by Yonhap News
The Gwangju Office of Education has designated the period from the 14th to the 18th as Sewol Memorial Week and held memorial events at its affiliated institutions. On this day, the East and West District Education Support Offices watched memorial videos and installed yellow pinwheels in the flower beds around their buildings to mourn the victims. Superintendent Lee Jungseon and other education office executives visited Mokpo New Port, where the Sewol ferry is located, to pay tribute with flowers and a moment of silence.
During Memorial Week, activities include wearing yellow ribbon badges by all staff, leaving messages in the Sewol online memorial, and broadcasting educational videos.
On the 15th at 3 p.m., Jeonnam Province and Jindo County will hold an official memorial event at Paengmokhang (now Jindo Port), which served as the "space of waiting." The event will consist of a moment of silence and a sea flower offering to honor the 304 deceased and missing. Approximately 70 people, including Jeonnam Governor Kim Yungrok, Jeonnam Provincial Council Chairman Kim Taegyun, and Jindo County Governor Kim Heesu, are expected to attend.
On the 7th, eight days before the 11th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, employees from the Human Rights Education Department of Bukgu District Office in Gwangju installed pinwheels and yellow ribbons in the square's flower bed at Bukgu District Office plaza. Provided by Bukgu District Office, Gwangju. Photo by Yonhap News.
On the same day at 5 p.m., Gwangju Nam-gu will host the "Memory Culture Festival" at the plaza in front of Yangwoo Naeanae, Baegun Square. About 200 people, including Nam-gu Mayor Kim Byungnae and local residents, will participate in activities such as making yellow ribbons and reciting memorial poems. Bereaved families of the 10/29 Itaewon disaster will also join, giving free speeches expressing hopes for a safer society.
On the 16th, the actual anniversary, Nam-gu will also set up a citizen memorial altar at the same location to honor the Sewol victims.
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