GGC
Yangju_Josoang Memorial Hall
Piece of independence
The country of Korea was recovered thanks to lofty sacrifices and efforts of a countless number of independence fighters. But even today as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our independence, the agony of the time still continues. To remember the times and the people whom we must not forget, I visited a place that pays a tribute to Mr. Jo So-ang who worked diligently for expression of our sovereign citizens and independence of the country.
As I entered the park in front of the memorial hall, the statue of Mr. Jo So-ang greeted me. A pitifully extended hand seems to be telling me something. His earnest expression and gesture as if he is making his assertion made him look exactly like his old self. Mr. Jo is an independence fighter who served alongside Baekbeom Kim Gu and participated in the independence movement based on the principle of three equalities that seeks a balanced life between individuals, ethnicities, and countries.
In commemoration of Mr. Jo’s patriotic spirits and for a place of education, a memorial hall and a house that reproduced his old residence opened in Hwangbang-ri, Yangju in May 2016. Once you pass by a small ecological pond, there is an entrance to the memorial hall.
A video room is on the left side of the hall and, on the right side, the memorial hall continues as the life and independence movement of Mr. Jo can be seen. Exit the memorial hall and find the replica of his old residence on the right side, which is accessible. Though he was born in Paju, he was raised in Yangju which is why the memorial hall was built here in Hwangbang-ri. Gamaksan Mountain that surrounds the memorial hall and a magnificent zelkova tree have remained as they were for eight centuries.
Written and photos by Ko Yeon-joo
Website www.chosoang.kr
<Copyright(c)2002 GGC All rights reserved.>
Josoang Memorial Hall
Address/ 87, Yangyeon-ro 173beon-gil, Nam-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Contact/ 031-858-2288
Hours of operation/ March-October: 9:00-18:00 (last admission at 17:00) November-February 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:00)
Closed on/ Mondays, New Year’s Day, Korean New Year’s Day, Chuseok Day, other days designated by the director
Extra/ Free admission and free parking Commentary time 10:00-17:00 (available with reservation)
Website/ www.chosoang.kr