Special Coverage 'Path of Suwon's Independence Movement' from 100 Years Ago... Revived Through the Power of Citizens Honoring Its Nobility

[News S=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Just hearing the name 'Seven Independence Activists Who Illuminated Suwon' evokes a sense of nobility. In Suwon, which was the site of fierce anti-Japanese resistance over 100 years ago, the spirit and resolve of patriotic figures dedicated to independence are once again bearing righteous flowers. It was citizens themselves who, remembering the history of the independence movement and unwilling to forget the noble sacrifices of their predecessors, voluntarily created the 'Path of Suwon's Independence Movement.' Centered on Suwon citizens and local organizations, they planted seeds to commemorate the independence movement, nurtured its growth, and strengthened it, giving clearer meaning to the 81st Liberation Day. Let us trace that path in advance.

◇The Figures and Spirit of Suwon's Independence Movement Revived at 17 Hubs

Last June, a special graffiti mural appeared in Haengung-dong, one of Suwon's hottest destinations.

While unique and distinctive murals are found on walls in many neighborhoods, this particular mural stands out.

This is because the faces of seven independence activists from Suwon are captured with vitality.

The wall's significance is enhanced by its location at Maehyang Women's Information High School, a major hub of the independence movement that produced independence activists from the Suwon region.

The mural was created by LEODAV, a first-generation graffiti artist, who works on pieces featuring the independence movement as a theme.

From left to right, independence activists Yi Ha-young, Park Sun-tae, Kim Hyang-hwa, Kim Se-hwan, Im Myeon-su, Yi Sun-gyeong, and Cha In-jae are vividly depicted.

Around the figures, the word 'peace' is inscribed in languages from countries around the world, conveying the value of peace.

The independence activists, reinterpreted in modern form, gaze upon today's Suwon, where people enjoy freedom and prosperity.

Earlier this year, a reenactment of a cheering march led by citizens drew attention.

On March 21, an event titled 'Walking the Path of Suwon's Independence Movement, Walking 1919' brought together nearly 1,000 citizens to experience the major routes of the cheering movement.

They walked the path of the independence movement, passing through Yeonmudae, Samil Industrial High School, Maehyang Women's Information High School, and Hwaseong Haenggung.

A spectacular scene unfolded as citizens dressed in white jeogori like 100 years ago and uniformed students waved Taegeuk flags and walked together.

Observers witnessed reenactments of the Declaration of Independence being read aloud, three cheers shouted, and patriotic songs sung by independence soldiers—a moment for participants to engrave the meaning of independence in their hearts.

◇Promotion Committee and Civic Task Force Shining Through Voluntary Fundraising and Participation

Publicizing independence activists through graffiti murals and reenacting the cheering march were made possible through voluntary citizen participation combined with support from Suwon City.

The core was the Suwon Path of Independence Movement Promotion Committee, which came together with shared purpose during last year's 80th anniversary of liberation.

The promotion committee consists of 17 experts from academia, families of independence merit awardees and their descendants, religious sectors, civic organizations, and media fields, conducting active work.

Since their first meeting in June last year, they have played a central role in providing project direction, creating content around key figures and hubs, and concretizing fundraising and civic task force events. The Suwon Volunteer Center proceeded with this project as a sharing culture project, while the Suwon Green Trust Foundation took on the role of fundraising entity.

The project spread more widely as it combined with citizens' determination to remember Suwon's independence movement.

A total of 1,033 citizens submitted applications and participated in the Suwon Path of Independence Movement civic task force, which the Suwon Volunteer Center recruited in early this year.

Divided into publicity, support, sponsorship, and commentary teams, they perform activities that go beyond simple participation, serving roles that preserve the memory of the independence movement and create citizen connections.

Citizens themselves also raised funds for the costs necessary to create the Suwon Path of Independence Movement.

A total of 52.78 million won was raised over six months starting in February.

252 individuals had their names registered in the official sponsorship account, and participation from 33 companies and organizations in the region, large and small, enabled the project to exceed its initial goal of 50 million won.

Notably, the donor list included students and employees of Samil Industrial High School, adding additional meaning.

Descendants of the national school founded by independence activists Yi Ha-young and Im Myeon-su voluntarily participated in fundraising to inherit the national spirit, raising and donating a total of 1.711 million won.

Lee Ju-hyun, chair of the Suwon Path of Independence Movement Promotion Committee, stated, "Suwon civil society has been pursuing work to connect the history of the independence movement as a space since last year," adding, "We will create a living educational venue to remember history and widely publicize the spirit of independence through diverse programs."

◇Following the Footsteps of Seven Independence Activists Who Illuminated Suwon

The Suwon Path of Independence Movement is structured to trace the footsteps of the independence movement in the Suwon region. The course connects a total of 17 hubs.

Those who explore the path naturally encounter traces of seven representative independence activists from Suwon.

This is a path where the footsteps remain of Kim Se-hwan (Order of Independence Merit, 1889–1945), one of the 48 national representatives; Park Sun-tae (Order of Patriotic Service, 1901–1938), who led the Suwon cheering movement; Im Myeon-su (Order of Patriotic Service, 1874–1930), who supported the independence movement with his personal wealth; Yi Ha-young (Founding Medal, 1872–unknown), a Christian nationalist activist in Suwon; Kim Hyang-hwa (Presidential Commendation, 1897–unknown), a righteous gisaeng; Yi Sun-gyeong (Order of Patriotism, 1902–1921), known as Suwon's Yu Gwan-sun; and Cha In-jae (Order of Patriotic Service, 1895–1971), a female educator who continued the cause of independence in America.

The starting point is Yeonmudae, where hundreds of people held fierce cheering demonstrations in the Suwon region on March 16, 1919.

Crossing a small street from Yeonmudae, Samil Industrial High School appears as the 'Tomb Site of Teacher Im Myeon-su,' the second hub.

Walking down the slope and meeting the Suwon Stream, 'Banghwa Suryujeong' at that junction was the ignition point of the Suwon regional cheering movement where a torchlit demonstration was held under Kim Se-hwan's direction.

Turning left down the street, the 'Site of Samil Girls' School' appears, where Kim Se-hwan served as headmaster and Cha In-jae worked as a teacher.

This is the present-day Maehyang Women's Information High School, where the graffiti mural of the independence activist stands.

The 'Adams Memorial Hall,' a two-story red brick building at nearby Samil Middle School, is a structure where Im Myeon-su oversaw construction.

Separated by an alley is the site of 'Cha In-jae's House (Maehyang-dong 99-1),' a female independence activist.

Crossing Maehyangyo Bridge over the Suwon Stream, the present-day Buksudong Catholic Church sits where the 'Buksudong Cheondogyo Church' once stood, where Cheondogyo forces leading the March 1st Movement were active during Japanese colonial rule, marking the seventh hub of the course.

Within the Buksudong alley, one can pass the 'Birthplace of Im Myeon-su (Buksudong 283)' and 'House Site of Yi Ha-young (Buksudong 281),' now replaced by other buildings.

Next, 'Suwon Jongno Church' across from Hwaseong Haenggung is where Samil School stood, where students in the 1920s conducted secret society activities and collective school strikes.

Heading toward Paldalmun Market, one passes the 'Site of Suwon Commercial Training Institute (28 Paldal-ro 2-ga),' the 'Namun, Yeongdong, and Jidong Markets' where shops were closed in participation in the independence movement, and the 'Site of Suwon Youth Alliance (Yeongdong 10-10),' an office of youth leading social movements.

Notably, at the 14th hub, the 'Birthplace of Kim Se-hwan (18-3 Paldal-ro 2-ga),' a café operates in his memory and honor, which is recommended to visit.

Heading back toward Hwaseong Haenggung and passing the 'House Site of Kim Hyang-hwa (1 Paldal-ro 1-ga 11-10)' and 'House Site of Park Sun-tae (7 Paldal-ro 1-ga 7-5),' the final destination of the course, Hwaseong Haenggung, appears.

This is a hub where one must not forget the history of Suwon gisaengs, including Kim Hyang-hwa, conducting cheering demonstrations.

◇Suwon City Continues Efforts to Remember Noble Sacrifices Hand-in-Hand with Citizens

Going forward, the Suwon Volunteer Center plans to operate exploration programs to widely publicize the Suwon Path of Independence Movement to citizens.

Starting in June, 61 docents were selected after receiving history education and undergoing docent training courses and are scheduled to volunteer starting in September.

They plan to vividly convey the region's independence movement history, figures, and significance to Suwon citizens and tourists.

To facilitate smooth exploration, Suwon City plans to support the installation of guidance signs at major hubs.

Suwon City is planning a commemorative event for the creation of the 'Suwon Path of Independence Movement,' which was pursued through citizen participation and fundraising.

On Liberation Day, August 15, at 2 p.m. in the Kim Se-hwan Hall auditorium of Maehyang Women's Information High School, the city will share results and significance of the project creation with citizens.

The commemorative event will be attended by members of the Suwon Path of Independence Movement Promotion Committee, the civic task force, donors, and citizens.

A fundraising delivery ceremony and mural unveiling will take place, and civic docents will receive certificates and announce the beginning of full-scale exploration programs.

All participants will shout three cheers together and recall the spirit of independence.

In particular, children from Suwon will deliver letters expressing gratitude to the independence activists, adding emotional resonance.

Letters submitted by entire classes through 'Let's Participate Too' using Suwon Saebit TalkTalk state, "We will enjoy the freedom that you martyrs protected with your lives and always remember in our hearts your noble sacrifice and firm resolve."

A beautiful scene is expected to unfold, with the younger generation expressing their commitment to carrying on the nobility of the independence spirit with gratitude and respect.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun of Suwon Special City stated, "I sincerely thank all citizens, including the civic task force, who participated in discovering independence activists from the Suwon region and remembering their will," adding, "I ask for your continued interest and participation in the path of remembering and creating our proud history."