Seoul's Yongsan-gu announced Tuesday that it has put up promotional banners to mark the 81st Liberation Day and UNESCO's designation of 2026 as the "Year of the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Kim Koo," honoring the patriotic spirit of independence activist Baekbeom Kim Koo and the historical significance of Korea's liberation.
The banners have been installed at 20 designated low-rise public display sites across the district and will remain up throughout Liberation Day week. Each banner carries the message "Baekbeom's dream lives on through Yongsan-gu," inviting residents to reflect on Kim Koo's life and ideals while raising awareness of the UNESCO commemorative year marking the 150th anniversary of his birth.
Hyochang Park, where Kim Koo was interred following his death in 1949, has since stood as a symbol of Korea's independence movement. Visitors can explore Kim Koo's burial site alongside the tombs of three patriots, the graves of key figures from the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, the Uiyeolsa shrine and the Baekbeom Kim Koo Memorial Hall — all bearing witness to the sacrifices of independence fighters and the history of the provisional government.
The 43rd UNESCO General Conference last year officially designated 2026 as the "Year of the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Kim Koo."
"Yongsan-gu, which is home to Hyochang Park where Baekbeom Kim Koo rests, bears a special responsibility and mission to carry forward the history of the independence movement," district Mayor Kim Gyeong-dae said. "On the occasion of the 81st Liberation Day and the UNESCO commemorative year marking Kim Koo's 150th birth anniversary, I hope more people will visit Hyochang Park and remember the sacrifices and dedication of those who came before us."
ikson@heraldcorp.com
