March First Movement

The March First Movement is one of the most remembered and honoured events in the history of Korea. Inspired by the liberal and egalitarian teachings from Western and Christian scholars, Korean teachers and students organized a protest demonstration against the occupying Japanese forces on the 1st of March, 1919. The result was thousands of dead and wounded, imprisonment, and torture for anyone involved with the protest.

Over the last week or two I've noticed quite a few Korean flags along the roads. There is almost two flags for every pole on the streets. Curiously, I asked my co-workers if it was in remembrance of The March First Movement, since their appearance seemed to coincide with the beginning of March.



Apparently, it does have something to do with the event, but more importantly with a particular individual, Yu Gwan Sun.


She was a student at a women's missionary school, and had helped organize the protest. Both her parents were killed in the demonstration, and she was imprisoned and tortured to death. Even during her imprisonment she never stopped protesting, her resilience is revered amongst Koreans. The fact that she is female emphasizes her role in Korean history even more so.

So if you happen to be walking along the streets and see Korean flags everywhere, you'll know why.