KPC3448: The 100th Anniversary of the Victory at the Battle of Bongodon

Many people recognize the period of Japanese colonial rule in Korea as a history of victimhood and humiliation. However, it must be noted that even during the 35 years of Japanese colonial rule, there exist historical records that bear testament to the hard fight against imperial Japan and the priceless victory to protect our national identity. The Battle of Bongodong (Fengwudong), also known as the `1st Round in the War of Independence,` is one of the greatest military victories in Korea`s history of independence movement. Honoring its centennial anniversary, Korea Post is issuing the commemorative stamp 100th Anniversary of the Victory at the Battle of Bongodong.

The independence army in Manchuria grew in size and developed its organization after the March 1st Movement in 1919. The independence army crossed the Duman and Amnok Rivers and launched an attack into the Korean Peninsula. In the early hours of the morning on June 4, 1920, independence troops of Daehan Sinmindan crossed the Duman River and reached Gangyang-dong in Jongseong-gun, Hamgyeongbuk-do, destroying the guard posts of the Japanese Army, then returned to Samdunja near the Wolshin River in Helong County. Although the Nanyang Garrison of the Japanese Army crossed the Duman River and went after the independence army, they could not find any troops and slaughtered innocent civilians instead. In response, the independence army staged a sudden attack against the Japanese army and gained victory. The Battle of Samdunja, where the independence army preemptively struck the Japanese army, was a prelude to the Battle of Bongodong.

Upon hearing its defeat in the Battle of Samdunja, the 19th Division of the Japanese Army organized a river crossing pursuit group to go after the independence army. The independence army, who kept an eye on their move, crossed the Duman River on June 7 and lured the group into Bongo Valley in Wangqing County, Jilin Province where they fought fiercely. According to a report by 《Tongnip Sinmun》, a newspaper run by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, the Independence Army killed 157 Japanese soldiers and injured 300 in the Battle of Bongodong. By contrast, only 4 of the independence army were killed and 2 critically injured.

The commemorative stamp for the 100th anniversary of the victory at the Battle of Bongodong comprises General Hong Beom-do`s Battle of Bongodong, a national documentary painting by the Western style painter Yim Jik Soon (1921–1996), and news articles from Tongnip Sinmun–Shanghai (Jun. 22, 1920) and Maeil Shinbo (Jun. 21, 1920). With this commemorative stamp, we hope you remember the independence army who strived to protect our national sovereignty, and appreciate that you are their proud descendants.