Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall

In order to pass down and develop the noble spirit of independence of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement that spread like wildfire amidst Japanese oppression, the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall was established in Hwanggeum-dong, Dong-gu in Gwangju city in 1967 to exalt the independent spirit. However, due to its small size and aging, the Gwangju Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall was newly constructed and moved to Hwajeong-dong, Seo-gu in Gwangju in 2004. In order to be a place of learning that could pass down the noble spirit of our ancestors the entire course of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement was three dimensionally displayed and newly opened in November 2005.

The Honam region gave its life to fight for the country when it was in danger.
10 years after the March 1 movement,
cries to save the nation sounded once again in Gwangju.
It was an expression of the will for independence against Japanese oppression,
exploitation and educational discrimination.
The start of the Gwangju Student Independence Movement started from a secret organization made with the purpose of ‘gaining independence from the Japanese Imperialists’.
They promoted the spirit for independence to fellow schoolmates and enforced several leave of absences from schools to strengthen their unity.
These efforts were driven to anti-Japanese demonstrations on November 3 when a Korean girl was harassed at Naju Station, and spread throughout the nation.
The Gwangju Student Independence Movement is a historical independence movement led by students and fully supported by different social classes.
Just as the star-lights beautifully embroiders the night sky,
Hoping that it will bloom in the hearts of descendents as the value of freedom,
I fill part of the cries for independence That these nameless stars once cried.