225 National Heroes at Daegu Prison... 'Please Create a Daegu Independence Movement Memorial Hall'
There is a movement among Daegu's civic society to establish a branch of the Independence Hall in Daegu, spurred by the recently proposed amendment to the Independence Hall Law.
In Daegu, a growing movement led by civic groups is advocating for the establishment of a branch of the Independence Hall, following a recent legislative proposal by Democratic Party representative Jeong Cheong-rae. The proposal aims to include a branch of the Independence Hall dedicated to the city's significant role in the independence movement, which has seen ongoing efforts to honor local heroes. Specific plans have already begun to emerge, including the restoration of Daegu Prison, which is noted for having recorded a higher number of national heroes who perished during their fight for independence than the more widely known Seodaemun Prison.
A recent forum held by the Independence Movement Spirit Inheritance Association discussed the necessity of a memorial hall in Daegu, which historically has played a key role in Korean independence movements. The city was significant in initiating the National Debt Compensation Movement in 1907 and was home to important independence figures such as Lee Yuk-sa, Jang Jin-hong, and Park Sang-jin. This rich heritage provides a pivotal argument for the establishment of an Independence Memorial Hall in Daegu, aligning with broader efforts to preserve and promote the history of Korean national struggles against Japanese colonial rule.
The Daegu Prison, recognized as one of Korea's 'three major prisons' alongside Seodaemun and Pyongyang prisons, serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made during the independence struggle, with 225 martyrs recorded to have died there. This number surpasses the casualties reported at Seodaemun Prison, highlighting Daegu's historic significance in the independence movement across the country, including the regions of Yeongnam and Honam. This context underscores the urgency for a memorial facility to honor the legacy of these sacrifices and educate future generations about the important role Daegu played in Korea's fight for freedom.