The National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government on April 11 was opened at the former presidential villa of Cheongnamdae, in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province.
By Lee Kyoung Mi and Yoon Sojung
Photos = Chungcheongbuk-do Province
The National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government on April 11 was opened at the former presidential villa of Cheongnamdae in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province. The date marks the establishment of the nation’s government in exile in 1919.
According to the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Government, the memorial is a two-story building with a basement displaying records, documents and remains related to the establishment and operation of the provisional government.
The two exhibition halls show records of the provisional government and Korean independence movement such as eight pictures of the history of the government and Cabinet members, provisional charter of the Republic of Korea, declaration of freedom fighter Yun Bong-gil and the Taegeukgi (national flag) with signatures of members of the Korean independence army.
The Special Exhibition Hall features 65 records including photos of the members of the provisional government from the province such as Sin Chae-ho and Sin Gyu-sik.
The memorial also has interactive facilities on the history of the provincial government such as a photo zone created like the government in Chongqing, China, ball game to rescue independence fighters and signature zone for the replica of the national flag with the signatures of independence fighters. A book cafe there also has scenic views of the villa with Daecheongho Lake and books on the independence movement.
Statues of the eight cabinet members stand near the memorial hall such as the nation’s first President Rhee Syngman and independence activist Kim Gu, whose pen name was Baekbeom.
Chungcheongbuk-do Gov. Lee Si-jong said, “The memorial is a meaningful place to learn about the history of the Republic of Korea,” adding, “This will be a place for history education where people can feel and appreciate the noble sacrifices of the leaders of the independence movement.”
Cheongnamdae, whose name means “Cheong Wa Dae of the south,” is the former presidential villa where presidents like Kim Young-sam and Kim Dae-jung went on vacation and had quiet time to ponder national governance. A pledge made by the late President Roh Moo-hyun had this place opened to the public from April 2003.
The National Memorial of the Korean Provisional Government on April 11 was opened at the former presidential villa of Cheong Nam Dae in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province.
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