Beomeosa Seongbo Museum Holds Traveling Exhibition "Republic of Korea Provisional Government Memory Box" in Commemoration of Samiljeol

Special Exhibition Sheds New Light on Beomeosa's Role in the March 1st Movement and the Provisional Government
Honoring the Independence Activities and Noble Achievements of Key Beomeosa Figures

Beomeosa Seongbo Museum (Director Sanhae Jeongo) is co-hosting a traveling exhibition titled "Memory Box of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea" with the National Provisional Government Memorial Hall of Korea from March 1 to April 13.

This exhibition commemorates the 106th anniversary of the March 1st Movement and the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, aiming to reexamine the historical significance of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and to highlight the history of the independence movement related to Beomeosa.

Beomeosa Seongbo Museum - National Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea Memorial Hall Co-hosted 'Memory Box of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea' Traveling Exhibition Poster.

The "Memory Box of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea" exhibition is divided into three parts.

The first part, "Beomeosa and the March 1st Movement," focuses on Beomeosa's role as a modern educational institution, the March 1st Movement, and the activities of related figures such as Baek Yongseong, Han Yongun, Oh Seongwol, and Kim Beomrin within the Provisional Government.

Beomeosa played a significant role in the independence movement, beginning with the March 7, 1919, Manse movement at Busan Dongnae Market. Key figures from Beomeosa, including Baek Yongseong, Han Yongun, Oh Seongwol, and Kim Beomrin, devoted themselves to activities for national independence beyond their Buddhist beliefs and closely cooperated with the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea.

The exhibition displays artifacts showcasing their independence activities, offering visitors a profound emotional experience.

Monk Baek Yongseong (1864?1940) was one of the 33 national representatives of the March 1st Movement who signed the Declaration of Independence, was sentenced to imprisonment, and served time in jail.

He preserved the national spirit through Buddhism, led the "Submission of the White Paper Incident" against Japan's temple ordinance, and spearheaded the Buddhist revival movement. He also contributed to national independence through translating Buddhist scriptures into Hangul and promoting public enlightenment.

Monk Han Yongun (1879?1944) was a significant figure in the Buddhist community as a national representative who left a legacy in both the independence movement and poetry.

In 1911, he led the Imjejong movement to prevent the invasion of Japanese Buddhism, formed a deep connection with Beomeosa, and participated in the March 1st Movement. In 1919, he signed the "Declaration of Independence of the Korean Buddhist Union," emphasizing that Buddhism must join the independence struggle.

Through Beomeosa’s Gyeongseong Mission Hall, he acted as a liaison between the Provisional Government and the Buddhist community and commemorated the achievements of Monk Yongseong through the "Preface to the Stele of Yongseong Daeseonsa’s Relics."

Declaration of Independence by the Korean Buddhist Monk Association. Provided by the Independence Hall of Korea.

Monk Oh Seongwol (1866?1943) was a pioneer of the Buddhist independence movement who supported the March 1st Movement and signed the Declaration of Independence of the Korean Buddhist Union.

He established the status of Beomeosa as the head temple of Seon Buddhism, founded educational institutions such as Myeongjeong School and local academies to foster national consciousness and nurture talent. The "Panoramic View of Beomeosa, the Head Temple of Seon Buddhism" is a work depicting Beomeosa during his tenure, reflecting the temple’s educational vision. Monk Oh Seongwol played a crucial role as an advisor to the Provisional Government and ensured that Beomeosa’s funds were delivered to the Shanghai Provisional Government to support the anti-Japanese movement.

Private Master Craftsmen School during the Japanese Colonial Period. Provided by Kim Dong-cheol

Kim Beomrin (1899?1964) went into exile in Shanghai, China, after the 1919 Manse movement and was active as a representative of the Korean Residents Union in Japan, engaging in the independence movement.

He attempted to connect the Provisional Government with independence organizations and published the "Hwasingongbo" to disseminate news of the independence movement. After studying in France, he represented Korea at the Congress of Oppressed Peoples worldwide, delivering a speech condemning Japan. Upon returning to Korea, he was arrested after being discovered by Japanese authorities.

The second part, "From a Kingdom to a Nation of the People," covers the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and its major activities.

The Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea was established on April 11, 1919, in Shanghai and began its activities as the first democratic republic government. It represented Korea in various fields such as diplomacy, military, and administration, leading the independence movement. The exhibition explores the role of the Provisional Government’s executive leaders and the challenges they faced during this process.

The third part, "From the Provisional Government to the Government," tells the story of how the government of the Republic of Korea, established in 1948, inherited important elements such as the constitution, national name, Taegeukgi flag, and national anthem from the Provisional Government.

After liberation, the Provisional Government returned to Korea and worked to establish a new nation amid chaos. It particularly reflects on the significance of the Provisional Government as a democratic republic and emphasizes the impact of the independence movement on the founding of the Republic of Korea.

The opening ceremony will begin with a commemorative event in front of the Beomeosa March 1st Movement Merit Monument, attended by Chief Monk Jeongo and other monks and laypeople, followed by the main event at the Beomeosa Seongbo Museum.

To celebrate the exhibition opening, special performances by tenor Kim Junyeon and soprano Park Hyunjin are scheduled. The two artists will deliver moving performances that reflect on the meaning of the Provisional Government and the independence movement, conveying deep emotions to visitors through arias embodying independence and sacrifice.

Alongside the exhibition, Beomeosa Seongbo Museum offers experiential materials and quizzes designed for children to enhance educational effects. Additionally, various resources are provided to deepen visitors’ understanding of the historical background of the independence movement and liberation after viewing the exhibition.

Kim Heegon, Director of the National Provisional Government Memorial Hall of Korea, said, "I am very honored to have the opportunity to promote the history of the Provisional Government at Beomeosa, where the spirit of the March 1st Movement and the independence movement lives on," adding, "We will make multifaceted efforts to ensure that many citizens remember and inherit the history of the Provisional Government."

Chief Monk Jeongo, head of Beomeosa and the museum, stated, "Independence activists are true bodhisattvas who endured hardships and sacrifices for the country and nation without yielding," and expressed hope that "everyone realizes the spirit of sacrifice of the independence activists and moves forward vigorously as one."

Through this exhibition, the Seongbo Museum expects visitors to not only revisit the history of the March 1st Movement and the Provisional Government but also to reflect once again on Beomeosa’s important role and the fervent desire for independence that blossomed there. It is also hoped that this exhibition will serve as an opportunity to remember the stories and sacrifices of various figures related to the history of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and to deliver a message of hope that continues into the future.

Commemorative photo in front of the Korean Liberation Army General Headquarters establishment ceremony hall. Provided by the Independence Hall of Korea

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