Changes in Pyongyang and Kaesong after Liberation... Introduction to the Process of Building Unique Symbolism

Highlighting Changes in Pyongyang and Kaesong
After Liberation through the 'Modern City Chronicles' at the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History announced on July 23 that, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of Liberation, it will hold the final session of its serial talk concert series, "Modern City Chronicles," titled "Changes in Urban Life in Pyongyang and Kaesong after Liberation," at 2 p.m. on July 25 in the multipurpose hall on the third floor of the museum.

Poster for the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History's 80th Anniversary of Liberation Talk Concert 'Modern City Chronicles: Pyongyang and Kaesong Edition'. National Museum of Korean Contemporary History

"Modern City Chronicles" is a serial talk concert that explores the changes in cities and the restructuring of urban life immediately after Liberation. The journey through post-Liberation cities will conclude with the session on July 25. This talk concert, which brings together regional history experts and the public to discuss this pivotal turning point in modern Korean history, has garnered significant attention for its blend of accessibility and expertise.

The final talk concert will offer an in-depth examination of the changes in urban life in Pyongyang and Kaesong, two major cities in North Korea, immediately after Liberation. Presentations will be given by North Korean history researchers Kim Taeyoon (Seoul National University) and Lee Junhee (Yonsei University), followed by a discussion with Park Changhee (Sungkyunkwan University).

After Liberation, Pyongyang adopted a socialist system and established a new model of a socialist city on the framework of the former colonial city. Kim Taeyoon will introduce the process by which Pyongyang, as a socialist city, developed both continuity from the colonial period and its own unique symbolism and structure. After Liberation, Kaesong, which shifted between South and North Korean territories, was one of the cities that suffered relatively little damage during the Korean War. Lee Junhee will focus on the process of urbanization and changes in the population structure experienced by Kaesong within the framework of North Korea's "Newly Liberated Areas" policy, as well as the transformation of the traditional ginseng cultivation industry under socialism.

This event is open to all museum visitors, and a special commemorative gift will be provided to those who attend at least two out of the three sessions in the series.

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