Jongno-gu Holds March 1st Anniversary Commemoration Ceremony at Tapgol Park, a Sacred Site of the Independence Movement

Jongno-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jeong Munheon) will hold the ‘106th Anniversary 3.1 Movement Commemoration Ceremony’ on March 1 at Tapgol Park (Jongno 99).

Last year's March 1st Movement Day ceremony. Provided by Jongno-gu.

Co-hosted and organized by Jongno-gu, the Liberation Association, the Incorporated Association of the 33 National Representatives’ Descendants, and the Jongno Cultural Center, and sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, the event will begin at 2 p.m. with a Taegukgi (Korean national flag) march, followed by the reading of the commemorative address, commemorative performances, reading of the Declaration of Independence, bell ringing, and a performance for the relocation and restoration of the west gate of Tapgol Park.

The Taegukgi march, which will open the ceremony, reenacts the historic moment of March 1, 1919. The 56th Infantry Division’s color guard will carry a large replica of the Taegukgi that was hoisted at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York during the Korean Independence Dinner hosted by President Syngman Rhee in 1942, emphasizing the historical significance of the independence movement. Participants will also follow the color guard, waving handheld Taegukgi flags as they march together from Samilmun to Palgakjeong.

The ‘Resonance of the Republic of Korea’ bell-ringing performance honors the ancestors who dedicated themselves to independence and expresses the descendants’ determination to further develop the nation. Just as the March 1st Independence Movement spread nationwide starting from Tapgol Park, the ringing of the bell symbolizes the hope that the sound will resonate beyond Tapgol Park throughout Jongno and across the Republic of Korea.

The reading of the Declaration of Independence will be performed by a descendant of independence activist Jeong Jaeyong and Jongno-gu’s public relations ambassador, actor Gong Hyeongjin. Just as Jeong Jaeyong read the Declaration of Independence at Tapgol Park, his descendant Jeong Seonghwa will read the declaration, adding respect and tribute to the patriotic martyrs.

During the ceremony, a performance for the relocation and restoration of the west gate of Tapgol Park will also take place. This is part of the Tapgol Park improvement project, announcing the promotion of the west gate restoration and sharing the direction and current status of the project. A wooden model of the west gate to be restored will be created and installed at its original location, demonstrating that Tapgol Park is regaining its former appearance.

Mayor Jeong Munheon stated, “We intend to hold the commemoration ceremony at this meaningful site where the March 1st Movement began and to reexamine the historical and cultural value of Tapgol Park,” adding, “We will restore and improve Tapgol Park, which holds precious memories and lessons of our nation, and develop it into a clean and pleasant public park open to all citizens.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.