[KS] Independence Gate (Tongnipmun) during Japanese Colonial Rule?

in cho insoocho at usc.edu
Wed Nov 10 18:45:40 EST 2004


The Independence Arch (Dong-nip-mun) has often been misunderstood as a monument to symbolize Korean independence from Japan. 
A quote from an English abstract of Soohyun Mok's article "The Independence Arch: Korean modern monument and the 'invented' memory" published in Misulsa wa sigakmunhwa (Art History and Visual Culture) vol. 3 in 2003.

---At the site of the Independence Arch, there had been a memorial gate named Young-en-mun, a meaning of thanks to the blessing of Chinese Emperor. It was destroyed in February 1895, just after the defeat of China to Japan. Therefore, the construction of the Independence Arch at this site means that 'the Independence' is not from Japan but from China. 

They (Koreans?) say often the meaning of 'independence' is that from Japan. It is partly because people didn't remember correctly the meaning of the situation around the construction of the Independence Arch, and partly because they wanted seriously to liberate from Japan. Most of all, it is because the Independence Arch was included in Seodaemun Independence Park, unexpectedly. The Independence Arch was moved from the site where the Sungsan highway passed by in 1997.---


********************************
Insoo Cho
Assistant Professor
Department of Art History
University of Southern California
Von KleinSmid Center 351
Los Angeles, CA 90089-0047
(213) 821-5354
(213) 740-8971 Fax
insoocho at usc.edu
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----- Original Message -----
From: Kirk Larsen <kwlarsen at gwu.edu>
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 2004 11:33 am
Subject: [KS] Independence Gate (Tongnipmun) during Japanese Colonial Rule?

> The discussion of destroyed buildings reminded me of a question I 
> have been long meaning to ask: what happened to the Indpenedence 
> Gate (Tongnipmun) during the period of Japanese Colonial Rule? Was 
> it allowed to stand as is? Was it taken down and subsequently re-
> constructed after liberation (only to be moved later to make room 
> for tunnel construction)? 
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Kirk W. Larsen
> Korea Foundation Assistant Professor of
> History and International Affairs
> Phillips 330
> The George Washington University
> Washington DC, 20052
> (202) 994-8115
> 
> 
> 





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