Site of the Declaration of Independence Distribution

Just across the street from Unhyeongung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, you will find a small marker stone that reads 'Site of the Declaration of Independence Distribution.' During the March 1st Movement in 1919, independence activists gathered here to review and distribute the Declaration of Independence. Even today, a stone inscribed with the names of the 33 national representatives and the victims of the Japanese military sexual slavery stands before the marker, evoking a solemn atmosphere. It is said that the March 1st Declaration of Independence was printed at the nearby Boseong Printing Office and then stored in the yard of the under-construction Cheondogyo Grand Church (right next to the current distribution site) before being handed out to religious and student representatives. Located beside a street where people pass by indifferently, it is easy to overlook, but it is a special and precious place where one can feel and reflect on the pride of the spring of 1919, when people risked their lives for the nation's independence.