KPC3359: 100th Anniversary of the March First Movement

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the March 1st Movement, which were a series of demonstrations for Korean national independence from Japan that began on March 1, 1919. In celebration of the centennial anniversary of the Independence Movement, Korea Post will issue a series of commemorative stamps to honor the noble sacrifice of our martyred ancestors and the spirit of the Movement.

In 1910, Korea was annexed by the Empire of Japan. Subsequently, the Korean people suffered greatly under Japan s tyrannical rule for decades. After the end of the First World War, a number of movements for self-determination swept across many parts of the world. Korea s own strong will for independence was marked by a series of vigorous independence movements that occurred not only in Korea, but also in other parts of the world.

On March 1, 1919, a group of independent activists read the Declaration of Independence. Following that, mass demonstrations took place simultaneously in many parts of the country, including Seoul, Pyongyang, Jinnampo, Anju, Euiju, Sunchon and Wonsan. In the two months following the declaration, these protests quickly spread across the nation to engage other cities and rural villages. Protestors of all genders, ages, and walks of life from different parts of the country joined the nationwide protests (also known as the Manse Demonstrations) to ensure that Korea s desire for independence was heard all over the world.

The March 1st Movement, which demonstrated the spirit of democracy, peace, and non-violence, provided a catalyst for the successive independence movements and the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in Shanghai in 1919. It also inspired other national movements for independence throughout the world, including China s May 4th Movement.
The Constitution of the Republic of Korea states, We, the people of Korea uphold the cause of the Provisional Republic of the Korea Government born of the March First Movement of 1919 and the democratic ideals of the April Nineteenth Uprising of 1960. This clearly indicates that the Independence Movement laid the foundation for the Republic of Korea. Thus, in commemoration of the centennial anniversary of the March First Movement, we shall not forget that the sovereignty that we enjoy today would not have been possible without the noble sacrifices made by our countless forefathers, who took to the streets to gain national independence.