The Road of the March First Independence Movement

Samil-daero, meaning "March 1st Boulevard," commemorates the March 1st Independence Movement of 1919—one of the most significant events in Korean history. The name refers directly to the date: the 1st day of the 3rd month.

On March 1st, 1919, at 2 PM, student activist Jeong Jae-yong climbed a platform at Tapgol Park along this road and read aloud the Korean Declaration of Independence. As the words "We hereby declare that Korea is an independent state" rang out, thousands of gathered citizens erupted in cries of "Manse!" (Long live Korean independence!). The movement rapidly spread nationwide, with over 2 million people participating in peaceful demonstrations over two months.

Tapgol Park itself has deep roots: it was the site of Wongaksa Temple, founded during the Joseon Dynasty. The ten-story stone pagoda from that temple (National Treasure No. 2) still stands in the park as a silent witness to history. Relief murals along the park's outer walls depict scenes from the March 1st Movement, and a statue of independence leader Son Byong-hui stands inside.

The March 1st Movement was far more than a local protest. It inspired China's May Fourth Movement and India's non-cooperation movement, and directly led to the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government in Shanghai. Every year on March 1st, a ceremonial re-reading of the Declaration of Independence is held at Tapgol Park, keeping the flame of history alive.