The port city of Mokpo, located in the southwestern tip of Jeollanam-do, is more than just a fishing base; it is the hometown of the great figure Kim Dae-jung, who left significant footprints in modern Korean history. From Samhakdo Island, where the blue sea waves, to Manho-dong, where he nurtured his childhood dreams, and to his alma mater, Moksang High School, the life and spirit of President Kim Dae-jung are vividly present throughout Mokpo. Since his Nobel Peace Prize win, Mokpo has transcended its status as a simple provincial city, becoming a 'city of peace' and a 'sacred ground of democracy', attracting many visitors.
The Wish for Peace Embodied in a Grand Memorial Hall: The Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall
Stepping onto the outer harbor pier of Mokpo, the magnificent Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Prize Memorial Hall immediately captures attention. Opened in June 2013, this place has now established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Mokpo. The memorial hall commemorates President Kim Dae-jung's achievements in dedicating himself to the advancement of democracy and human rights in the Korean Peninsula and Asia, and to the development of inter-Korean reconciliation and cooperation through the Sunshine Policy, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000. In particular, the fact that significant moments of his life, from childhood to his entry into politics, were made in Mokpo, combined with its establishment on Samhakdo Island, a place where Mokpo's history and legends live and breathe, adds to its special significance.
Upon entering the memorial hall, the first thing that catches the eye is the black Cadillac ceremonial vehicle that President Kim Dae-jung used during the Armed Forces Day ceremonies. This vehicle served as his transportation for major events and was donated to the memorial hall after being stored in the 51st Logistics Support Group following his final inspection in October 2002. In a corner of the first-floor lobby, the sedan he actually used after his retirement is displayed, offering visitors a more vivid sense of his life. This vehicle was also donated to the memorial hall by First Lady Lee Hee-ho after his passing, allowing visitors to feel the traces of the presidential couple's life.
Moving to the second-floor exhibition hall, photographs documenting President Kim Dae-jung's eventful life and brilliant achievements are displayed chronologically. Walking along the corridor, one gets a profound impression of time-traveling through the history of South Korea during his presidency. In particular, the space inscribed with his poignant remark, "The day will come when those who slandered me as a communist and a regionalist will be ashamed," conveys a powerful message. Along with this, his certificate of election, handwritten statements, the glorious Nobel Peace Prize medal, and cherished personal belongings are exhibited, offering a glimpse of valuable materials not easily found elsewhere.
Outside the memorial hall, in the park, lies the symbolically significant tombstone of President Kim Dae-jung. This tombstone was originally installed at the Seoul National Cemetery after his passing, but was moved here to the memorial hall after the passing of First Lady Lee Hee-ho to be placed with the President's grave. Their actual remains are interred together at the National Cemetery. According to the memorial hall, these precious materials were gathered in one place through close cooperation with various organizations and bereaved families related to President Kim Dae-jung that were scattered across the country. This is a result of the efforts of many who wished to honor the life and spirit of President Kim Dae-jung.
Even more remarkable is the creation of a memorial gallery with photographs of President Kim Dae-jung taken with ordinary citizens, based on submissions from the public. The fact that even 15 years after his passing, people continue to contact the memorial hall to contribute their photos with him indicates the profound impact his life had on so many. This gallery, created through the voluntary participation of the public, vividly demonstrates the warm bond between President Kim Dae-jung and the people.
In addition, the memorial hall consistently hosts various commemorative events to honor his spirit, such as the National University Students' Speech Contest commemorating the 100th anniversary of President Kim Dae-jung's birth and exhibitions of his famous quotes. These diverse activities allow one to glimpse the deep respect and love that the citizens of Mokpo hold for President Kim Dae-jung.
The Place Where the Dreams of Young Kim Dae-jung Sprouted: The Boy Kim Dae-jung Study Room
In Manho-dong, Mokpo, lies the 'Boy Kim Dae-jung Study Room'. This is the site of the house where President Kim Dae-jung spent his childhood, and the attic where he devoted himself to his studies has been meticulously restored. On the first floor, various materials related to former President Kim Dae-jung are displayed, and his study room is recreated on the second floor.
In the study room of young Kim Dae-jung, who attended Mokpo Public First Elementary School (now Mokpo Bukkyo Elementary School), an inscribed plaque with his life's motto, 'Conscience in Action', is displayed along with his desk, clock, and the school uniform of the time, vividly conveying the atmosphere of that era to visitors. In his autobiography, President Kim Dae-jung wrote that the view of the Mokpo sea from his window was truly spectacular. Indeed, the beautiful scenery of Samhakdo Island unfolding beyond the large window of the study room evokes admiration and allows one to imagine the dreams that young Kim Dae-jung nurtured here. It is a space where one can feel the burning passion of the young Kim Dae-jung as he envisioned his future while gazing at the open sea.
A Name That Shines Forever at His Alma Mater: The Kim Dae-jung Statue at Moksang High School
At Moksang High School, President Kim Dae-jung's alma mater, stands a statue erected to commemorate his achievements and serve as an example for future students. Built on the first anniversary of his passing, this life-size, twice-as-large-as-life statue depicts President Kim Dae-jung standing with his left hand raised and a cane in his right hand. Around the statue, steles inscribed with his major quotes are arranged, offering visitors a profound resonance.
The pride in being the President's alma mater is evident even in the school's name. To honor the distinguished tradition of the school that produced Kim Dae-jung, a graduate of the 22nd class of Mokpo Public Commercial School, the school's name was changed back to 'Moksang High School' in 2001, after having been changed to Jeonnam First High School from Mokpo Commercial High School. The name 'Moksang (木商)' carries not only the meaning of 'commerce (商)' but also implies 'the best', embodying the aspirations of the school members to become the leading humanities high school.
Recently, students at Moksang High School even published a booklet titled 'Moksang Democracy and Peace Trail', highlighting the righteous spirit of the Jeonnam region and the value of co-existence. This book, completed through in-depth field research and data collection over a year by students in the school's history exploration club and their supervising teacher, introduces the history of Moksang High School and the prominent figures it has produced. This is a clear example of the great pride that both alumni and current students feel in being associated with President Kim Dae-jung's alma mater.
The journey of following the footprints of President Kim Dae-jung remaining throughout Mokpo is more than just sightseeing; it offers a precious experience of deeply understanding the life and philosophy of a great statesman and reflecting on his spirit. Regardless of political evaluations, the hearts of the Mokpo citizens who honor and love the president from their hometown have transformed the entire city into the 'City of Kim Dae-jung', and the trajectory of his life continues to be a captivating draw for many who still yearn for him, guiding their steps towards Mokpo. Mokpo will forever be remembered as a space where the spirit of Kim Dae-jung lives on and as a historical place to reflect on the values of peace and democracy.
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