Here, at Jeju-buk Elementary School, history echoes. This place was not always a haven of learning alone. It was once a focal point of Jeju’s struggle for independence. Today, we delve into the story of Jeju-buk Elementary School. This schoolyard witnessed a pivotal moment in Jeju’s history.
On March 1, 1947, a vast assembly gathered here at Jeju-buk Elementary School. It was the 28th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement. An estimated 25000 to 30000 people attended. Imagine one in ten Jeju residents uniting on this very ground. They expressed a deep desire to expel foreign powers. They wished to establish an independent and unified democratic nation.
The commemoration was not confined to Jeju Island alone. Left-wing and right-wing groups held separate events across the peninsula. They opposed the U.S. military government. Before the event, Jeju residents prepared extensively. They formed the March 1st Commemoration Struggle Jeju Committee on February 17. Ann Sehun chaired the committee. The Jeju Committee decided that Jeju-eup, Jocheon-myeon, and Aeweol-myeon would unite here at Jeju-buk Elementary School. Other villages held ceremonies in their own towns.
The police learned about the planned commemoration. They declared their intention to prevent protests. They suggested the event be held near the airfield, outside the town. Yet, at 11 a.m. on March 1st, the ceremony commenced at Jeju-buk Elementary School. Tens of thousands gathered. The police checks proved ineffective against such a crowd.
Around 2 p.m., the commemorative event concluded. As participants dispersed, a tragic incident occurred. The police shooting at Gwandukjeong yard took place. This event would later trigger the Jeju 4.3 Uprising and Massacre. The March 1st Shooting Incident marked a turning point.
In Seoul, left-wing and right-wing groups held separate ceremonies. But in Jeju, a unified ceremony took place at Jeju-buk Elementary School. The absence of political conflict allowed for an unprecedented gathering. People called for unequivocal independence and a better society.
Following independence, people struggled to overcome hardship. They rekindled the spirit of resistance against Japanese rule. This was the atmosphere when the March 1 Independence Movement ceremony occurred here. About 30000 people gathered at Jeju-buk Elementary School. Their slogan was clear. “Let’s achieve unification, independence in the spirit of March 1.” The Korean people felt they suffered due to lingering foreign control. With the Soviet Union and the U.S. controlling the north and south, Koreans feared division. They called for unification and independence to resolve social conflict.
Jeju-buk Elementary School is more than just a place of education. It stands as a symbol of Jeju’s resilient spirit. It reminds us of the people’s unwavering desire for freedom and unity. As we stand here, remember the voices that echoed. Remember the dreams that were shared. Consider the lessons of history etched into this ground.