Site of Independence Declaration Distribution

About this place

Just across the street from Unhyeongung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, stands a small marker stone inscribed 'Site of Independence Declaration Distribution.' During the March 1st Movement of 1919, independence activists gathered here to review and distribute the Declaration of Independence. In front of the stone are stones recording the names of the 33 Representatives of the Nation and the comfort women victims. The Declaration of Independence was printed at the nearby Boseongsa Press and stored in the courtyard of the Cheondogyo Great Temple (then under construction, right next to this site), before being distributed to religious and student representatives. Though easy to pass by unnoticed alongside a busy road, this is a special and precious place where one can feel the pride of the spring of 1919, when people risked their lives for national independence.