Made during anti-Japanese resistance in the Jirisan area
Artifact kept at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan
Donated after persuading the owner
Jeollanam-do Province announced that on the 25th, in accordance with the wishes of its owner, the "Bulwonbok Taegeukgi" of militia leader Go Gwangsun, which had been kept at the Independence Hall of Korea in Cheonan for 40 years since 1986, was donated to the Namdo Militia History Museum.
This donation is the valuable outcome of Jeollanam-do's sustained communication with the owner to bring the Taegeukgi back to Namdo, the homeland of the anti-Japanese militias, explaining the purpose of establishing the museum and persuading the owner to make the donation. With the 107th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and the March 5 opening of the Namdo Militia History Museum just ahead, it is highly meaningful that the most symbolic cultural heritage of the militias has returned.
The "Bulwonbok Taegeukgi," designated as a National Registered Cultural Heritage in 2008, is a Taegeukgi that militia leader Go Gwangsun personally made and used during his anti-Japanese struggle in the Jirisan area. Above the Taegeuk emblem, he clearly embroidered in red the phrase "不遠復" (Bulwonbok), meaning that the restoration of national sovereignty is not far off.
It fully embodies the intense patriotic spirit of the people of Namdo, who were determined to sacrifice their lives to save the nation.
Militia leader Go Gwangsun was a descendant of militia leader Go Gyeongmyeong, who distinguished himself during the Imjin War, and is regarded as a representative patriotic hero of the Korean Empire era, having died in battle in 1907 during a fierce and bloody fight against the Japanese army at Yeongoksa Temple on Jirisan.
Jeollanam-do plans to make the Bulwonbok Taegeukgi, which has returned to its hometown after 40 years, a core artifact in the permanent exhibition hall of the Namdo Militia History Museum, and to develop a variety of cultural products (museum goods) utilizing it, so that residents of the province can easily encounter and remember Namdo's righteous history in their daily lives.
Park Junghwan, head of the Namdo Militia History Museum Opening Preparation Team, emphasized, "The homecoming of the Bulwonbok Taegeukgi is a symbolic and historic moment that once again awakens the pride of Namdo, the land of righteousness, in our residents," adding, "We will actively use it as educational material for future generations so that the museum can carry on the spirit of the militias and establish itself as a hub for education in 'righteousness' with broad participation from residents."
On the day of the Namdo Militia History Museum's opening ceremony, Jeollanam-do plans to receive the Taegeukgi from its owner and present a donation certificate conveying the deep gratitude of the province's residents.
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