2.6 km of Banners Featuring Independence Activists' Quotes Installed
Park Heeyoung, District Mayor: "We Will Reflect on the Spirit of Self-Reliant Independence"
Yongsan District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Heeyoung) is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day by hanging Taegeukgi flags and banners honoring the spirit of independence activists throughout the Hyochang Park area and various locations in the city center, reflecting on the meaning of self-reliant independence.
Yongsan District, marking the 80th anniversary of Liberation, hung Taegeukgi flags and banners honoring the spirit of the independence movement along major roads in the area to reflect on the meaning of self-liberation. Provided by Yongsan District.
The Taegeukgi flags and banners were produced based on materials from the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do. The banners feature portraits and quotes from eight independence activists enshrined at Hyochang Park: Yun Bonggil, Ahn Junggeun, Lee Bongchang, and Baek Jeonggi, as well as Kim Gu, Lee Dongnyeong, Cho Seonghwan, and Cha Reseok.
Hyochang Park was originally a royal burial ground where Crown Prince Munhyo, the eldest son of King Jeongjo, was buried, but during the Japanese colonial period, it was used as a cemetery for Japanese military officers. After liberation, under the leadership of Kim Gu, the remains of Yun Bonggil, Lee Bongchang, and Baek Jeonggi were brought back and interred here, and leaders of the Provisional Government gathered, making it a symbol of the national independence movement. Kim Gu, who passed away in 1949, is also buried here according to his will, which stated, "Bury me beside my comrades at Hyochangwon."
This year, to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, the district also hoisted the "Kim Gu Signed Taegeukgi," a Taegeukgi personally inscribed by Kim Gu, then president of the Provisional Government, in 1941. The banners include a quote from Baekbeomilji: "I want our country to become the most beautiful country in the world," leaving a deep impression on citizens. The Taegeukgi flags and banners were installed along a 2.6-kilometer stretch from Hyochang Park to Hyochang Park Station, and from Itaewon Station to Samgakji Station.
In addition, from August 4 to 17, the district is flying a total of 3,204 Taegeukgi flags along 36.5 kilometers of major roads in its 16 neighborhoods. A large Taegeukgi flag was also hung on the front of the district office building, and Taegeukgi pinwheels and a Taegeukgi tunnel were created to foster an environment where residents can naturally feel patriotic pride.
In celebration of Liberation Day, a special video titled "Thank You, Forgotten Village Dunjimi" will be released on the official Yongsan District YouTube channel on August 12. This video captures the hope of Dunjimi Village, which was used as a U.S. military site after liberation, returning to the hands of citizens.
Additionally, the district plans to collaborate with civic groups to hold a variety of citizen participation events, including the "Walking the Path of Peace and Taegeukgi Sharing Unification Campaign" organized by the Yongsan District Council of the National Unification Advisory Council, and the "Love for the Country Taegeukgi Hanging" event organized by the Yongsan Saemaul Association.
Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan District, stated, "To mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, we have promoted various projects to honor the noble spirit of the independence activists and to help citizens remember their sacrifice and contributions in daily life," adding, "We will continue our efforts to pass on the spirit of self-reliant independence to future generations and to remember those who contributed to independence."
A large Taegeukgi flag commemorating the 80th anniversary of Liberation hoisted at the Yongsan District Office building. Provided by Yongsan District Office.
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