March 1st Movement in South Korea : Seodaemun Prison
The first time I arrived at Seodaemun prison, I was struck by the hulking brick façade, similar in many ways to the brick buildings of my own country, rare in Korea. These red bricks, out of place on Korean streets, tell the story of the dark past of tyrannical rule and occupation. They still stand, no longer working to trap the Korean people, but as a symbol of the strength of the activists and freedom fighters who met opposition with every breath and yet persevered in the hopes of freedom outside the prison walls for their people. As an American child, we learn about the yoke that our forefathers broke. About the secret meetings of rebels and activists constructing the Declaration of Independence and working in the face of a mighty foe. About the oppression of a nation and the small band of fighters and philosophers that demanded more for their people. It’s a David versus Goliath story and I’m certain every Korean person wo