A special exhibition commemorating the 100th anniversary of Han Yong-un's representative poetry collection, 'Silence of Love,' will be held in Manhae Village, Inje County. The exhibition will showcase first editions and handwritten materials, allowing visitors to explore his literary works and the spirit of the independence movement.
According to Inje County, the exhibition titled 'Places, People, Books, and Writings that Realize the Spirit of Manhae' will take place from August 14 to September 20 at the Manhae Literature Museum in Manhae Village.
This exhibition is organized to celebrate the centenary of 'Silence of Love,' published in 1926. It revisits Han Yong-un's life, thoughts, literature, and contributions to the independence movement, highlighting how his spirit continues to resonate today through various materials.
The exhibition is structured around nine themes, starting with his ascetic practices in his youth at Seoraksan and Geumgangsan, followed by Buddhist reform, literary activities, the March 1st Movement, and struggles during imprisonment.
It will also cover the birth of 'Silence of Love,' his involvement in the New Korean Association, participation in the secret society Mandang, and his life during the Simwoojang period.
Displayed items will include the first edition of 'Silence of Love,' Han Yong-un's handwritten notes and manuscripts, and photographs. Additionally, materials related to newspapers, magazines, Buddhism, and the independence movement from that era will be presented.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for August 14 at 3 p.m. in Manhae Village. Prior to the ceremony, a creative pansori performance titled 'The Roar of Silence' will take place at 2:30 p.m.
Han Yong-un was a monk, poet, independence activist, and Buddhist reformer. He was one of the 33 representatives of the Korean people who signed the Declaration of Independence during the March 1st Movement in 1919 and was subsequently imprisoned by the Japanese authorities.
Even after his release, he continued his anti-Japanese activities. In 1927, he played a leading role in the formation of the New Korean Association, serving as a central executive member and head of the Gyeongseong branch. He also participated in the anti-Japanese secret society Mandang.
Han Yong-un advocated for the reform and popularization of Buddhism, leaving behind works such as 'The Theory of Korean Buddhist Reform' and 'The Great Buddhist War.' He is regarded as a practical intellectual who combined literature, Buddhist thought, and a commitment to independence.
'Silence of Love,' published in 1926, contains a total of 88 poems. The titular work, 'Silence of Love,' and other pieces express themes of loss and separation through the language of love and longing. The term 'you' in the poems is interpreted broadly, representing not only a lover but also the nation, the people, and the absolute existence.
Inje County has a deep connection to Han Yong-un's life, as the Baekdamsa and Oseam temples, where he practiced asceticism, are located in Inje. It is also said that 'Silence of Love' was written at Baekdamsa in Naeseorak in 1925.
The county has been promoting Han Yong-un's thoughts and literature through the development of Manhae Village and support for the Manhae Festival.
Lee Ho-seong, head of the Cultural Education Department of Inje County, stated, "This meaningful exhibition allows us to encounter valuable materials that embody the life and spirit of Manhae Han Yong-un on the 100th anniversary of 'Silence of Love.' We hope it serves as an opportunity to reflect on Manhae's thoughts and literary value and to pass on that spirit to future generations."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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