In a poignant commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, the Independence Hall of Korea, under the directorship of Mr. Kim Hyung-seok, has announced the inauguration of a special weekend guided tour program. Commencing in April 2025 and extending through December, the program, aptly titled ‘The Independence Movement, All of Us Together,’ aims to illuminate the often-overlooked yet profoundly significant contributions of international figures who stood shoulder to shoulder with the Korean people in their arduous struggle for sovereignty and self-determination.

This newly conceived weekend program is meticulously designed to resonate with a diverse audience, particularly those visiting the hallowed grounds of the Independence Hall on Saturdays and Sundays. By focusing on the compelling narratives of foreigners who transcended national boundaries to embrace the cause of Korean independence, the program seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the universal yearning for freedom and peace that underpinned the Korean independence movement. Furthermore, it serves as a powerful reminder that the pursuit of justice and liberation is a global endeavor, often enriched and strengthened by cross-cultural solidarity.

The thematic core of the guided tour will delve into the remarkable lives and courageous actions of seven exemplary international individuals who, driven by conscience and a shared commitment to human dignity, actively participated in various facets of the Korean independence movement. These narratives will unfold within the historical context of Exhibition Halls 3 and 6, providing visitors with a tangible connection to the artifacts and exhibits that chronicle this pivotal period in Korean history.

Among the prominent figures to be featured is Mr. George Ashmore Fitch, an American YMCA missionary and humanitarian whose unwavering support for the Korean cause extended to providing crucial assistance to the aftermath of the Righteous Deeds of Patriot Yun Bong-gil in Shanghai. Fitch’s involvement went beyond mere sympathy; he actively lobbied for the international recognition of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, leveraging his extensive network and influence to advocate for Korean sovereignty on the global stage. His dedication underscores the profound moral and political support the Korean independence movement garnered from international allies.

Another central figure in the program is Dr. Frank William Schofield, a Canadian veterinary surgeon and missionary educator who served as a professor at Severance Medical College in Seoul. Dr. Schofield’s contribution to the Korean independence movement is particularly notable for his courageous documentation and dissemination of the brutal atrocities committed by the Japanese forces during the March 1st Movement in 1919. His eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence, smuggled out of Korea and shared with the international press, played a critical role in exposing the oppressive nature of Japanese colonial rule and galvanizing international condemnation. Dr. Schofield’s deep affection for the Korean people, evident in his adoption of the Korean name ‘Seok Pil’ (石弼), and his unwavering advocacy for justice cemented his legacy as a true friend of Korea.

The guided tours will also likely shed light on other significant international contributors to the Korean independence movement. While the provided text explicitly mentions Fitch and Schofield, further research reveals a constellation of individuals who, in various capacities, lent their support to the Korean struggle. These may include individuals involved in journalism, education, religious missions, and even covert operations aimed at undermining Japanese colonial authority. Their stories, often marginalized in mainstream historical narratives, offer a richer and more nuanced understanding of the global dimensions of the Korean independence movement.

The operational details of the program indicate that the weekend guided tours will be conducted twice each Saturday and Sunday, ensuring accessibility for a significant number of weekend visitors. The tours are designed to be engaging and informative for participants aged 10 and above (equivalent to the fourth grade of elementary school in the Korean education system), suggesting a pedagogical approach that caters to a broad range of ages and educational backgrounds. With a maximum capacity of 20 participants per session, the tours will likely offer an intimate and interactive experience, allowing for meaningful engagement with the guide and the historical content. Reservations for these highly anticipated tours can be conveniently made through the official website of the Independence Hall of Korea, under the ‘Exhibition Guided Tour Reservation’ section. This online reservation system ensures a streamlined and organized process for those wishing to partake in this unique commemorative program.

The initiative undertaken by the Independence Hall of Korea is particularly significant as it aligns with the national commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the nation’s liberation on August 15, 2025. By highlighting the contributions of international allies, the program underscores the universal principles of freedom, justice, and human solidarity that transcended national borders during Korea’s struggle for independence. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Korean independence movement was not an isolated endeavor but rather part of a broader global movement against oppression and for self-determination.

A representative from the Independence Hall articulated the institution’s aspirations for the program, expressing hope that weekend visitors will be inspired to cultivate a deeper interest in and appreciation for the history of the Korean independence movement during this momentous 80th anniversary year. By bringing to the forefront the compelling stories of these international heroes, the Independence Hall aims to foster a stronger sense of patriotism and a more profound understanding of the sacrifices and collaborations that paved the way for Korea’s liberation. The program promises to be an enriching and educational experience for all who participate, offering a fresh perspective on a pivotal chapter in Korean history and its interconnectedness with global movements for freedom and justice.