The Korean-Russian village is home to descendants of independence activists who fought against Japanese colonial rule in Russia’s Maritime Province and Northern China.
GWANGJU, Aug. 15 (Korea Bizwire) – On the 79th anniversary of Korea’s Liberation Day, the Korean-Russian (Корё-сарам) village in Gwangju became a vibrant stage for a cultural festival that brought history to life and rekindled the spirit of national pride.
The event, titled “I am Korean,” was held on August 15 in the Wolgok-dong area of Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. It drew approximately 400 participants, including Korean-Russian residents, local officials, and students.
Participants, donning blue and red raincoats and wielding water guns, played the roles of independence fighters led by General Hong Beom-do.
The highlight of the festival was a reenactment of the Battle of Fengwudong, a significant victory for Korean independence fighters against Japanese forces in 1920.
Participants, donning blue and red raincoats and wielding water guns, played the roles of independence fighters led by General Hong Beom-do. They faced off against actors portraying Japanese soldiers, shouting slogans like “Long live Korean independence!” and “Retreat!” as they sprayed water.
Participants, donning blue and red raincoats and wielding water guns, played the roles of independence fighters led by General Hong Beom-do.
The Korean-Russian village is home to descendants of independence activists who fought against Japanese colonial rule in Russia’s Maritime Province and Northern China. Their presence at the event underscored the deep historical connections between Korea’s struggle for independence and the Korean diaspora.
After the reenactment, participants gathered around a bust of General Hong, waving Korean flags. A large banner reading “A country that remembers its heroes” and “Long live Korean independence” was dramatically revealed.
The festival also featured a video highlighting General Hong’s anti-Japanese struggles and the efforts of Korean-Russians to maintain their cultural identity abroad. A children’s choir from the Korean-Russian village performed songs with lyrics emphasizing the community’s efforts to preserve the Korean language.
This year’s event marked a significant shift in official attitudes. The Gwangju Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs co-organized the festival for the first time, a move seen as progressive given past ideological controversies surrounding General Hong.
Shin Jo Ya, a representative of the Korean-Russian village, expressed pride in the community’s integration into Korean society.
“When we settled in Korea about 20 years ago, we didn’t know how long we could stay. Now we know we must live on this land forever. We are proud to be living together, shouting ‘Mansei’ on holidays like this. All Korean-Russians will live as people of the Republic of Korea,” she said.
The festival concluded with participants joining in three cheers of “Mansei,” a common interjection that can be used in a number of different ways but in this context approximates to “Long live Korea”. Various hands-on activities, including making Korean flag pinwheels and calligraphy sessions, were also available.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
