Special Exhibition

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A Special Exhibition of Ahn Junggeun’s Patriotic Deed at Harbin <The Writings of Ahn Junggeun>

Period : Octpber 24th (Thur), 2024 ~ March 31th (Mon), 2025

Venue : National Museum of Korean Contemporary History 3rd Floor

Price : Free

Hours :10:00 – 18:00
Opening hours will be extended to nine o’clock in the evening on Wednesdays and Saturdays. (Last admission is one hour before the closing time.)
For additional inquiries call : +82-02-3703-9200

Opening Special Exhibition

On October 26, 1909, Korean patriot Ahn Junggeun performed his righteous act in the interest of independence for his fatherland and peace in Northeast Asia. One hundred and fifteen years have passed since then, and yet the spirit of Ahn Junggeun still resonates with many people.
The National Museum of Korean Contemporary History has joined with the Ahn Junggeun Memorial Association and Ahn Junggeun Memorial Museum to present a special exhibition called The Writings of Ahn Junggeun in commemoration of that fateful October day more than a century ago.
This rare event is designed to recall the life and philosophy of Korea’s patriotic hero through the prose and calligraphy he left behind. Importantly, the Korean viewing public will once more get to see Ahn’s powerful calligraphic rending of the word “independence”, expressing his longing and determination for Korea.
Ahn Jungguen was a noble-minded patriot and a courageous man who was perpetually concerned with the state of affairs in those turbulent times. This special exhibition is an opportunity for you to come to know the intense life, beliefs, and will of Ahn Junggeun, who yearned to see his country remain free.

Section 1: Ahn Jungguen’s Upbringing

Ahn Jungguen’s writings express his values and religious beliefs. Here we can see the values he wished to instill in the children of his clan, which produced numerous independence activists. We can infer that Ahn Junggeun and his family were devout Catholics.

Narrative 1: Family After Ahn Junggeun died for his country, numerous family members dedicated themselves fully in support of the Independence Movement, including his mother, Jo Maria; two brothers, Ahn Jeonggeun and Ahn Gonggeun; as well as multiple cousins and nephews of Ahn’s. The family tradition is most likely the reason why the youngster known as Ahn Eungchil grew up to become the heroic patriot Ahn Junggeun and why so many of his fellow clan members emerged as independence activists after his death.

Treasure
A single lesson for your children is worth more than a million ounces of gold	National Museum of Korean Contemporary History \| Treasure

Narrative 2: Religious Faith The Catholic faith was one of the most important values that Ahn Junggeun cherished throughout his life. He received the name of Thomas at his baptism and was called Thomas Ahn Junggeun as a Catholic thereafter.

The Bliss of Heaven is an Eternal Joy
The Bliss of Heaven is an Eternal Joy	Ahn Junggeun Memorial Association

Section 2: Ahn Jungguen’s Righteousness

Korea was faced with grave danger after the Protectorate Treaty was signed between Korean and Japan in 1905 followed by the Korea-Japan Treaty in 1907. These developments prompted Ahn Junggeun to devote himself entirely to the cause of protecting Korean sovereignty.

Narrative 3: Patriotism Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War in 1905 and the signing of the Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty that same year were stark signals that Korea’s sovereignty was about to be lost. Ahn Junggeun saw these signs and immediately joined the Patriotic Enlightenment Movement. He traveled around China, where he met Father Le Gac and came to realize the importance of the domestic movement to cultivate the abilities of the Korean people.

I belabor my heart and brood anxiously over our nation’s security
I belabor my heart and brood anxiously over our nation’s security	Ahn Junggeun Memorial Association \| Treasure

Narrative 4: Righteous Army The Korea-Japan Treaty was concluded in 1907, resulting in the dissolution of the Korean military and the forced abdication of Gojong from the throne of the Daehan Empire. These developments caused Ahn Junggeun to head for Vladivostok in the Maritime Province, held by Russia. He called for the solidarity of ethnic Koreans scattered about the Maritime Province, mustering and training a collection of volunteers. They launched assaults on areas inside Korea.

It is the duty of a soldier to offer his life for his country
It is the duty of a soldier to offer his life for his country	Ahn Junggeun Memorial Association \| Treasure

Narrative 5: Companions Ahn Junggeun gathered like-minded companions around him. Twelve of them formed a tightknit group who swore loyalty to the cause of Korean independence. In October 1909, Ahn Junggeun joined with fellow patriots Woo Duksun, Jo Doseon, and Yu Dongha in a pact to assassinate the Japanese statesman, and they left for Harbin.

Even if a heroic man faces death, his mind is as hard as iron Even if a righteous man faces danger, his spirit is as high as the clouds
Even if a heroic man faces death, his mind is as hard as iron Even if a righteous man faces danger, his spirit is as high as the clouds	Korea Christian Museum at Soongsil University \| Treasure

Even if a heroic man faces death, his mind is as hard as iron Even if a righteous man faces danger, his spirit is as high as the clouds
Independence	Gansenji \| Ryukoku University

Section 3: Ahn Jungguen’s Thought

For Ahn Junggeun, writing these calligraphic pieces was a way to mull the concept of East Asian peace in the face of Japan’s imperialist stance. You can understand the philosophy and feelings of a noble-minded patriot who maintained within himself a commitment to self-sacrifice and benevolence as he resolved to carry out the Patriotic Deed at Harbin.

Narrative 6: East Asia During the Patriotic Deed at Harbin on the morning of October 26, 1909, Ahn Junggeun was pointing his weapon at Japanese imperialism, which was taking sovereignty away from nations and threatening peace in East Asia. He insisted his fatherland was engaged in the war to defend its independence as well as peace in East Asia.

안중근 전시회 관련내용
The situation in the East is foreboding, young men of purpose, how can you sleep peacefully? My righteous anger burns because peace does not reign in our country, it will be a pity if this wicked policy is not set right	Korea Christian Museum at Soongsil University \| Treasure

Narrative 7: Peace The courtroom had been moved from Russian-controlled Harbin to Lishun. Ahn cried out for the independence of his fatherland and peace in East Asia, and he continued to fight vigorously inside the courtroom.

A Scholar with a Noble Spirit and a Virtuous Man Sacrifice Their Lives for Humanity
A Scholar with a Noble Spirit and a Virtuous Man Sacrifice Their Lives for Humanity	Ahn Junggeun Memorial Association \| Treasure

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