SEOUL, Aug. 14 (Korea Bizwire) – As South Korea prepares to celebrate its Liberation Day on August 15, an unusual event in Seoul’s Seodaemun district is capturing public attention: a chance to shoot water guns at actors portraying Japanese colonial-era police officers.
The event is part of the Seodaemun Independence Festival, which kicked off on August 13 at the Seodaemun Prison History Hall and Seodaemun Independence Park and runs until August 15. Among the various festival programs, the Independence Army Combat Experience has sparked particular interest online.
Scheduled for August 14 and 15 in front of the former women’s prison’s auxiliary warehouse, the combat experience allows participants to engage in a playful water gun battle against actors dressed as Japanese police officers.
The activity is open to children aged 7 and above, with sessions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on both days. Participation is limited to 60 people per session and requires online pre-registration.
The innovative approach to historical education has garnered mostly positive reactions from internet users. Many praised it as an intuitive way to teach history, with comments such as “It’s a creative way for children to naturally learn about history” circulating online.
However, the event has also drawn some criticism. Some worry that it might trivialize the serious nature of the independence movement.
One online commenter expressed concern that “Japanese police officers, who brutally oppressed our country, might be perceived as playmates instead.” Another critic lamented that the activity seemed to be “letting children experience a childish form of revenge.”
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
