Presbyterian Mission Agency korean independence Archives

korean independence

The March 1st Movement: 100 years later

Posted March 27th, 2019

Mansei! The shouts rang out in support of Korean independence on March 1, 1919. After nine years of Japanese colonial rule, 33 activists — including pastors of Korean Presbyterian churches and other leading Christians — gathered in Seoul to read aloud the newly drawn up Korean Declaration of Independence. That same afternoon, crowds filled the streets in locations around the country, waving Korean flags and shouting their support for independence.