Feature Special "Path of Suwon Independence Movement 100 Years Ago"... Revived by the Power of Citizens Remembering Its Nobility

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-seong] Simply hearing the name "Seven Independence Activists Who Illuminated Suwon" evokes a sense of dignity. In Suwon, which was the site of fierce anti-Japanese resistance a hundred years ago, the spirit and resolve of patriots dedicated to independence are once again bearing righteous flowers. Citizens determined to remember the history of the independence movement and not forget the noble sacrifices of their predecessors voluntarily created the "Path of Suwon Independence Movement." Suwon citizens and local organizations took the lead in sowing seeds to remember the independence movement, nurturing its growth, and strengthening it to more vividly preserve the meaning of the 81st Liberation Day. We preview that path.

◇The Spirit and Figures of Suwon's Independence Movement Revived at 17 Landmark Locations

In June of last year, a special graffiti mural appeared in Haenggung-dong, one of Suwon's hottest destinations.

Unique and distinctive murals painted on fence walls stand out particularly in neighborhoods with many murals scattered about.

This is because the faces of seven independence activists from Suwon are depicted with vivid life.

The significance was further heightened as the mural was painted on the wall of Maehyang Girls' Information High School, a major hub of the independence movement that produced Suwon's independence activists.

This mural was created by LEODAV, a first-generation graffiti artist presenting works on the theme of the independence movement.

From left to right, independence activists Yi Ha-yeong, Park Seon-tae, Kim Hyang-hwa, Kim Se-hwan, Lim Myeon-su, Yi Seon-gyeong, and Cha In-jae are depicted with vitality.

Around the figures, languages from countries around the world inscribed with the meaning "peace" convey the value of peace.

The independence activists, reinterpreted in contemporary style, gaze upon Suwon today, where citizens enjoy freedom and prosperity.

Earlier this year, a reenactment of the independence march led by citizens drew attention.

The March 21 event titled "Path of Suwon Independence Movement, Walking Through 1919" was an event where nearly 1,000 citizens together experienced the major routes of the independence movement.

They walked along the path of the independence movement passing through Yeonmudae, Samil Technical High School, Maehyang Girls' Information High School, and Hwaseong Haenggung.

A spectacular scene unfolded with citizens dressed in white jeogori as they were a hundred years ago and students in school uniforms waving Taegeuk flags as they walked.

It was a time for participants who witnessed the reenactment of the Declaration of Independence reading, three cheers for independence, and the singing of independence army patriotic songs to engrave the meaning of independence in their hearts.

◇Promotion Committee and Civic Promotion Group Shining Through Voluntary Fundraising and Participation

Introducing independence activists through graffiti murals and reenacting the independence march were the result of voluntary citizen participation combined with support from Suwon City.

The central hub was the Promotion Committee for the Path of Suwon Independence Movement, which came together in unity last year during the 80th anniversary of liberation.

The promotion committee consists of 17 experts from academia, descendants and bereaved families of independence merit awardees, religious circles, civic organizations, and media fields, and is currently active.

Beginning with the first meeting in June of last year, it has played a central role in presenting the direction of the project, developing major figures and landmark locations into content, and concretizing fundraising and civic promotion group events. The Suwon Volunteer Center is advancing this process as a culture of sharing project, and the Suwon Green Trust Foundation has taken on the role of fundraising subject.

The project expanded more widely by combining with the will of citizens seeking to remember Suwon's independence movement.

In a civic promotion group for the Path of Suwon Independence Movement recruited by the Suwon Volunteer Center in early this year, a total of 1,033 citizens submitted applications and participated.

Divided into publicity team, support team, sponsorship team, and explanation team, they are engaged in activities that go beyond simple participation to preserve the memory of the independence movement and create citizen connections.

The funds necessary to create the Path of Suwon Independence Movement were also raised through citizen fundraising.

Over six months from February, a total of 52.78 million won was collected.

252 individuals registered their names in the official sponsorship account, and participation of various sizes from 33 regional companies and organizations followed, allowing them to exceed the initial goal (50 million won).

In particular, the donor list included students and employees of Samil Technical High School, adding further meaning.

Descendants of the national school founded by independence activists Yi Ha-yeong and Lim Myeon-su voluntarily participated in the fundraising to inherit the national spirit, raising and delivering 1,711,000 won in donations.

Lee Ju-hyeon, Promotion Committee Chair of the Path of Suwon Independence Movement, said "Suwon civil society has been working since last year to connect the history of the independence movement through space," and "We will create a living educational venue for remembering history and widely publicize the spirit of the independence movement through various programs."

◇Following the Footsteps of Seven Independence Activists Who Illuminated Suwon

The Path of Suwon Independence Movement is designed to trace the footsteps of the independence movement in Suwon. The course connects a total of 17 landmark locations.

Upon exploration, one can naturally encounter the traces of seven representative independence activists from Suwon.

This is a path bearing traces of Kim Se-hwan (Independence Service Medal, 1889–1945), one of 48 national representatives; Park Seon-tae (Love of Country Medal, 1901–1938), who stood at the forefront of the Suwon independence movement; Lim Myeon-su (Love of Country Medal, 1874–1930), who contributed his personal wealth to support the independence movement; Yi Ha-yeong (Founding of the Nation Plaque, 1872–unknown), a Suwon Christian nationalist activist; Kim Hyang-hwa (Presidential Commendation, 1897–unknown), a righteous gisaeng; Yi Seon-gyeong (Patriotism Medal, 1902–1921), Suwon's Yu Gwan-sun; and Cha In-jae (Love of Country Medal, 1895–1971), a female educator who carried on the spirit of independence in America.

The starting point is Yeonmudae, where hundreds of people held fierce independence movement demonstrations on March 16, 1919.

Crossing a small path from Yeonmudae leads to Samil Technical High School, the "grave site of teacher Lim Myeon-su," the second landmark.

Continuing down a downhill path to meet Suwon Stream is "Banghwa Suryu Pavilion," which was the ignition point of Suwon's independence movement where torch demonstrations were held under Kim Se-hwan's direction.

Turning left and going downhill reveals the "Samil Girls' School Site," where Kim Se-hwan served as academic dean and Cha In-jae worked as a teacher.

This is the current Maehyang Girls' Information High School, where the independence activist graffiti wall is located.

Right next door at Samil Middle School stands the red brick two-story "Adams Memorial Hall," a building whose construction was supervised by Lim Myeon-su.

The site with an alley between is the "home site of female independence activist Cha In-jae (Maehyang-dong 99-1)."

Crossing Maehyang Bridge over Suwon Stream, the current Buksudong Cathedral is the site of the "Buksudong Cheondo Church," where followers of the Cheondo religion who led the March 1 Movement during Japanese colonial rule were active, the seventh landmark of the course.

Within the Buksudong alley, one can pass the "birthplace of Lim Myeon-su (Buksudong 283)" and "home site of Yi Ha-yeong (Buksudong 281)," where different buildings now stand.

Next, "Suwon Jongno Church" opposite Hwaseong Haenggung is the site of Suwon Samil School, where 1920s students of Suwon Samil School conducted secret society activities and student strikes.

Heading toward Paldal Gate Market, one can pass the "Suwon Commercial Training Center Site (Paldalro 2-ga 28)," markets such as "South Gate, Yeongdong, and Jidong Markets" where stores closed in solidarity with the independence movement, and the "Suwon Youth Alliance Office Site (Yeongdong 10-10)" that led social movements.

Particularly at the 14th landmark "birthplace of Kim Se-hwan (Paldalro 2-ga 18-3)," a café commemorating and remembering him operates, so a visit is recommended.

Heading back toward Hwaseong Haenggung and passing "home site of Kim Hyang-hwa (Paldalro 1-ga 11-10)" and "home site of Park Seon-tae (Paldalro 1-ga 7-5)," the final destination of the course, Hwaseong Haenggung, appears.

One must not forget the history of independence demonstrations conducted by Suwon gisaeng including Kim Hyang-hwa at this landmark location.

◇Suwon City to 'Continue' Efforts to Remember Noble Sacrifices Hand in Hand with Citizens

Going forward, the Suwon Volunteer Center plans to operate exploration programs to widely publicize the Path of Suwon Independence Movement to citizens.

Sixty-one tour guides selected after receiving historical education and going through guide training process since June are scheduled to engage in volunteer activities starting in September.

They plan to vividly convey the region's independence movement history, figures, and meaning to Suwon citizens and tourists.

For smooth exploration, Suwon City is planning to support the installation of information signs at major landmark locations.

Suwon City is planning a commemorative event for the completion of the "Path of Suwon Independence Movement," promoted through citizen participation and fundraising.

On Liberation Day, August 15, at 2 PM in the lecture hall of the Kim Se-hwan Hall at Maehyang Girls' Information High School, it will be a time to share the results and significance of the project with citizens.

The commemorative event will be attended by the Promotion Committee for the Path of Suwon Independence Movement, civic promotion groups, donors, and citizens.

A fundraising transfer ceremony and a mural unveiling ceremony will be held, and citizen tour guides will receive certificates and announce the start of the full exploration program.

All participants are expected to jointly shout three cheers for independence and rekindle the spirit of independence.

In particular, children of Suwon will deliver letters of gratitude to independence activists, adding to the emotion.

Letters from class-level participants in the "We Want to Participate Too" event using Suwon Saebit Talktalk state, "We will fully enjoy the freedom that martyrs preserved with their lives and always keep in our hearts their noble sacrifices and firm resolve."

There are high expectations for a beautiful scene where the future generation will express their resolve to pass on the dignity of the independence spirit with gratitude and respect.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun of Suwon Special City said, "I sincerely thank the citizens, including the civic promotion group, for coming together in the work of discovering independence activists in Suwon and remembering their noble legacy," and "I ask for your continued interest and participation in the path to remember and create our proud history."