This year marks the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Independence Movement and the establishment of the Korean Provisional Government in 1919. And to commemorate that anniversary, some historically meaningful places are to be restored. One such place is the home of renowned independence activist Lee Sang-ryong.
Lee Min-sun reports.
The traditional Hanok houses of Imcheonggak in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, were once the home of independence activist Lee Sang-ryong
Lee served as the first premier of the Korean Provisional Government and was one of the founders of Shinheung Military School or the Military School of the New Rising, which raised an army of independence fighters.
Built in 1519, Imcheonggak served as a cradle of Korea's independence movement during the Japanese occupation and is designated as a national cultural heritage site.
"Lee established the Military School of the New Rising and raised some 3,500 independence fighters. 11 people from his family have been distinguished as independence activists."
Imcheonggak used to have 99 rooms but now only about half remain. Many of the rooms were destroyed when Japan built a railway through part of the property.
After some 70 years, the government has decided to restore Imcheonggak. The railways will be removed and some of the rooms will be restored.
"Once the railroad is relocated and restoration is done... it will become a meaningful and educational place to teach patriotism."
The government will spend about 25 million U.S. dollars for the restoration which will be completed by 2025.
Lee Min-sun, Arirang News.