BUS

I attended the "Follow the Stars" event at Seodaemun Prison which was organized by Funday Korea Networks. This was a very interesting and informative experience that deepened my understanding of Korea’s history during the Japanese colonial period. Seodaemun Prison, built in 1908 by Japanese imperialists as a modern prison, features a unique panopticon structure that allowed the watchmen to monitor the prisoners efficiently from a central point. This prison primarily housed anti-colonial activists fighting for Korea's independence. As a student of Social Sciences with a deep appreciation for history, I was truly impressed by how well the Korean government has preserved its past while rapidly developing as a modern nation. This was my second museum visit after the War Memorial of Korea, and both experiences left me in awe. My country Nepal is rich in history, and so is Korea. But what I realized is that Korea’s museums use the immersive storytelling approach, and go beyond displaying artifacts; they create a living, breathing connection to the past, allowing visitors to feel as if they are walking through history itself. The event kicked off with a small, intimate mini-concert by the indie band Manju Pocket (만쥬한봉지), which set a sort of reflective and emotional tone for the rest of the evening. The band’s song selections seemed to hint at the intensity of what was to follow. After the concert, we were given materials to make paper flowers. Although I am not particularly artistic, I decided to give it a try, and I was glad I did, as the flowers turned out to be a meaningful symbol tied to the event later. Our tour of Seodaemun Prison began shortly after, led by an English-speaking guide. As we explored the prison, actors performed skits reenacting scenes from a century ago. Their performances were so vivid that I felt as though I had been transported back in time, fully immersing me in the historical context. It felt surreal seeing the prison’s torturing devices, military personnel’s swords, solitary confinement cells, execution building, and even the bricks prisoners made during their confinements. As soon as I stepped into the Memorial Hall , I was overwhelmed with emotions seeing a hall filled with pictures of 5000 individuals who sacrificed their lives for the independence of their nation. The highlight of the event for me was learning about Yu Kwan-Su, a Korean national hero who led protests against Japanese colonial rule in 1919. At just 16-17 years old, she tragically lost her life from torture in the Seodaemun Prison. As a fellow student of Ewha Womans University, her story struck a personal chord with me, and I felt a strong sense of connection to her legacy. I applaud the Korean government for its commitment to preserving and creating opportunities for immersive learning in these historical sites. Events like these help us remember our ancestors’ strength and bravery during such challenging times. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Funday Korea Networks for organizing such a meaningful and educational experience.