Anseong City Holds Anseong 4·1 Independence Struggle Commemoration... Citizens Join in Manse Movement

Reenacting the Manse Movement Through a Street March
Reflecting on the Shouts of 1919
Remembering Noble Sacrifice and Courage

Anseong City in Gyeonggi Province held various events commemorating the Anseong 4·1 Independence Struggle over three days from March 31 to April 2.

Anseong City has been holding various events commemorating the Anseong 41 Independence Movement over three days, from March 31 to April 2. Photo by Anseong City

The Anseong 4·1 Independence Struggle was a representative popular uprising in which local residents of Anseong rose up in protest against Japanese colonial rule, amid the nationwide spread of the March 1st Movement in 1919. In particular, the struggle holds significant national meaning as thousands of residents, mainly in the Wongok and Yangseong areas, participated in an organized and fierce resistance, occupying township offices and local police stations.

On the first day of the event, March 31, citizens joined a street march that began at Nakwon Historical Park and passed by the sites of the old Eumnae Township Office, the old marketplace, and the former police station, reenacting the Manse (Independence) Movement.

On April 1, a Manse event traced the historical sites of the 1919 struggle, starting from Iljuk Elementary School and continuing to the former Juchon Police Station site, Iljuk Township Office site, and Juchon Market. Participants deeply reflected on the shouts and spirit of that day, chanting “manse” three times, and took time to personally experience the courage and sacrifice of their forebears.

Anseong City has been hosting various events commemorating the Anseong 41 Independence Movement over three days from March 31 to April 2. Photo by Anseong City

On April 2, the highlight of the festivities—the 107th Anniversary Commemoration of the April 1 Independence Struggle—was held at the March 1st Movement Memorial Hall.

The day featured a reenactment of the Manse demonstration, readings of the Declaration of Independence and the 4·1 Manse Declaration, commendations for those who contributed to the movement, and a creative musical performance. There were also experiential programs that allowed participants to follow in the footsteps of key figures in Anseong’s independence movement, drawing much attention.

This year, a new event called the “Anseong 4·1 RUN”—a run up Manse Hill—was held to remember the unwavering determination and resolve of ancestors in this noble history, and it was met with an enthusiastic response.

Spanning three days, the event became a meaningful occasion for citizens to vividly experience the sites of the uprising, connect the spirit of that day to the present and future, and strengthen the solidarity of the local community.

Anseong City has been hosting various events commemorating the Anseong 41 Independent Resistance over three days from March 31 to April 2. Photo by Anseong City

An official from Anseong City stated, “Anseong is not just a city of the Manse Movement, but a proud city of struggle that achieved two days of liberation. We will join hands with citizens to put into practice the justice, solidarity, and love for the nation shown by our forebears in our daily lives.”

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