PHOTOS: Seodaemun Prison echoes Korea's path to liberation
By Kim Dong-wooPosted : August 14, 2024, 17:41Updated : August 14, 2024, 17:56
SEOUL, August 14 (AJU PRESS) - On August 15th, South Korea celebrates Liberation Day, marking the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. Seodaemun Prison in Seoul, built in 1908, during the Japanese occupation (1910~1945), once held numerous Korean independence activists. Today, it stands as a museum and memorial, its cells and exhibition halls telling stories of resistance and resilience.
The prison serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for Korea's independence and the value of freedom and democracy. Its preservation allows visitors to connect with a crucial chapter of Korean history.
As people walk through the prison's corridors, they are encouraged to reflect on Korea's journey from colonial subjugation to its current status as a vibrant, modern nation. This site offers a unique opportunity for both Koreans and foreign visitors to bridge the past and present, providing a deep and emotional understanding of Korea's path to independence.
Children pose for photos at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
People visit Seodaemun Prison located in Seodaemun District in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors look into prison cells at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors view exhibits in the exhibition hall at Seodaemun Prison, Seoul, on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors view exhibits in the exhibition hall at Seodaemun Prison, Seoul, on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
A visitor waves the national flag of Korea while experiencing the "narrow room torture" exhibit at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors tour Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
A child peers into a prison cell at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Prisoners' clothes and poems pieces are displayed in a cell at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors pose for a photograph at a photo wall showing key independence activists at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Visitors read the explanation of the statue of Ryu Gwan-sun on display at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
The statue of Ryu Gwan-sun is displayed at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
The March 1st Independence Declaration memorial is displayed at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
The March 1st Independence Declaration memorial is displayed at Seodaemun Prison in Seoul on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
Dongnimmun Arch is located in Seodaemun, Seoul, on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo
The nameplates on the front and back of the Dongnimmun Arch, located in Seodaemun, Seoul, are displayed differently on Aug 14, 2024. AJU PRESS Kim Dong-woo