Gwangju Koryoin Village establishes itself as a site for youth history and peace education
Gwangju Koryoin Village is becoming a field education space for youth to learn about history, peace, and human rights, attracting visitors from across the country. In October, various groups including schools and local governments have visited to explore the history of Koryoin anti-Japanese independence movements, forced migration, and repatriation.
Gwangju Koryoin Village is being utilized as a field education space where youth can learn about history, peace, and human rights together, drawing visitors from all over the country. According to Koryoin Village on the 11th, since the start of October, visits from social organizations, local governments, schools, religious groups, and academic research institutions have continued, with schedules aimed at examining the history of Koryoin anti-Japanese independence movements, forced migration, and repatriation.
On the 9th, an expedition group for the ‘2026 Youth Gwangju Peace Tour,’ which included the boys' department of Seoul Sarangnuri Church and some of Purme, visited the village. Under the theme "In what form does faith manifest within society," they examined the faith and independence movement history of their Koryoin ancestors and reflected on the meaning of loving one's neighbor and social responsibility. They also looked into the flow of anti-Japanese independence movements that unfolded around Korean churches established in Primorye during the Japanese colonial period.
Previously, on the 8th, hundreds of people, including 3rd-year teachers and students from Gwangju Hanam Middle School and the principal and students from Sangil Girls' High School, visited Koryoin Village to participate in history and culture experiential learning. Students toured the Koryoin Culture Center, Hong Beom-do Park, and Moon Victor Art Museum to confirm the independence movements of their Koryoin ancestors and the history of the 1937 forced migration to Central Asia, and walked through the specialized streets to experience the living culture of the Koryoin compatriots who settled in Gwangju. As they directly witness the history of migration and repatriation, which is difficult to encounter in school settings, the educational effect appears significant. It is also expected to serve as an opportunity to understand the coexistence of the local community and immigrant communities.
As the demand for tours increases, the guides from the Resident Tourism Bureau have also become busy. The Resident Tourism Bureau operates programs that link historical commentary, village trail tours, and cultural experiences, tailored to the age and purpose of the visitors. A Koryoin Village official said, "We feel a great sense of reward seeing youth learn about the sacrifices and patriotic spirit of their Koryoin ancestors and reflect on the values of peace and sharing."
Covers K-pop for KSW Journal, and also writes about Culture and K-Variety.
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