Daegu Alleyway History Tour

Daegu Alleyway History Tour

A Walking Tour Storytelling Guide

English book translatorsJeongsub Nam 남정섭 Editor, proofreader, translatorAlex D. Johnson ProofreaderWonjeong Kim 김원정 Editor, translatorYoungmi Lee 이영미, Jeongsuk Kim 김정숙, Myeongsook Lee 이명숙, Bichna Kim 김빛나, Donghyun Lee 이동현, Hyunji Choo 추현지 Translators

Korean book authorsJingyu Kim 김진규, Seungwoon Baek 백승운, Hojung Choi 최호중, Hyunjeong Park 박현정, Jung-gu Office of Daegu Metropolitan City 대구광역시 중구청

Published ByThe Yeungnam University Press2014

280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 712-749, Republic of Korea

First Published31 August 2014

ISBN 978-89-7581-000-0 00000

Copyright ⓒ 2014 by The Yeungnam University Press All Rights ReservedNo Part of this Publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any from or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying,recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.

Daegu Alleyway History Tour

A Walking Tour Storytelling Guide

Yeungnam University PressYeungnam University PressYeungnam University Press

This translation project started as a graduate course in Fall

2013 at Yeungnam University. I designed and led the course

with the sincere help from Daegu Jung-gu Office, which

provided me and my students with the Korean walking tour

storytelling book, image files, relevant materials, and expert

tour guides. Alex D. Johnson, my colleague in the

Department of English Language and Literature at Yeungnam

University, joined us as a native speaker of English

proofreader.

He actually had walking tours on his own several times to

get a better understanding of the history tour.

The entire twelve chapters of the original Korean

storytelling book tell stories in relation with the second

course, among the total five courses of the Daegu Alleyway

History Tour, which was developed as a city walking tour by

many citizens who love Daegu.

The most important person among them is Ms. Sun-young

Yoon, mayor of Jung-gu Town Office, who had insightfully

envisioned the long and rich history of Daegu and the

multicultural elements in the city, permeated in the buildings

along the alleyways and even in the stones of walls and roads

that cover the alleyways at Jung-gu, which literally means

central town of Daegu.

The second course is the most popular among tourists

because it is crowded with historic sites and cultural

attractions, which are closely connected to the modern history

and culture of Daegu. The second course includes twelve

destinations starting from Dong-san Cheong-la Hill and

ending at the Chinese Residents Association.

I walked the course with my students and read the Korean

storytelling book together; the students translated the Korean

text into English; I compared their English translations with

the original Korean text, corrected their translations, and

sometimes replaced theirs with my own translation; Alex

meticulously proofread the English translation several times;

and I finally proofread and edited the entire chapters.

Through this process, this book has come to light.

I, on behalf of all the students who participated in the

translation and Alex who willingly took efforts in

proofreading it, show my deep gratitude to those who devoted

their time and efforts to developing the alleyways into history

walking tour courses and composed the Korean storytelling

book about the second course.

In addition, I must confess that I owe many thanks to all the

student translators and Alex for their hard work. Finally, I d

like to thank a student translator, Wonjung Kim, for her help

while she was assisting me in editing texts, arranging images,

and changing translated expressions to reflect the suggestions

and corrections of me and Alex many times.

Jeongsub Nam Associate ProfessorEnglish Language and Literature, Yeungnam University April, 7, 2014

PREFACE

•Dong-san Missionary Houses

•A dream of medical mission in a straw-roofed house in Daegu

•My Friend, a beloved Korean song

Dong-san Cheong-la Hill 10·11Chapter

01

•“Long Live Korean Independence!”

The Road for the March 1st Independence

Movement 34·35

Chapter

02

•Wedding of President Chung-hee Park and First Lady Young-soo Yuk

•Why was an artist In-sung Lee obsessed with the persimmon tree?

Gyesan Cathedral 48·49Chapter

03

•A great resistant poet, Sang-hwa Lee

•Sang-don Seo, a patriot of the National Debt Repayment Movement

Sang-don Seo’s house and Sang-hwa Lee’s house 60·61Chapter

04

•A Chinese Feng-Shui expert naturalized in Daegu

Mulberry Street 74·75Chapter

05

•The first protestant church in Daegu spread the Gospel

The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu 84·85Chapter

06

•Why was the Medicine Market open in Daegu?

Yangyeongsi Medicine Market Museum of

Oriental Medicine 96·97

Chapter

07

•The old road to Seoul, used by merchants and scholars

The Yeongnam Great Route 106·107Chapter

08

•Two Gisaengs with the same name two hundred years apart

•The forlorn fate of the Yeongnam First Gate

Jong-ro 114·115Chapter

09

•A woman’s society at Jin alleyway led the National Debt Repayment Movement

•Jeong pediatric clinic at the first two-story western house in Daegu

•Mido tea house, a resting place for elders

Jin alleyway 134·135Chapter

10

•A novelist Won-il Kim’s memories of youth in Daegu

House with a Sunken Courtyard 152·152Chapter

11

•The first generation of Chinese immigrants planted Chinese

architecture in Daegu

Chinese Residents’ Association 160·161Chapter

12

CONTENTS

START

200m

Dong-san Cheong-la Hill The Road for the March 1st Independence Movement

Gyesan Cathedral

100m

160m100m

120m

40m

350m

70m

300m

200mEND

Chinese Residents’ Association

The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu

Yangyeongsi Medicine Market Museum of Oriental Medicine

The Yeongnam Great RouteJong-ro

Jin alleyway

The Yeongnam Great Route

Mulberry Street Sang-don Seo’s house and Sang-hwa Lee’s house

1st (red) line: Banwoldang Station, Gate 18

2nd (green) line: Sinnam (Seomun Market) Station, Gate 5

Eldis Regent Hotel bus stop: 305, 405, 414, 609, 840,

909, 북구2

Maeil Newspaper Company bus stop: 420

Seongmyeong Middle School bus stop: 840

To The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu (대구 제일교회)

START Dong-san Cheong-la Hill The Road for the March 1st

Independence Movement Cyesan Cathedral Sang-dong Seo’s house

and Sang-hwa Lee’s house (Gyesanyega Modern Culture Experience

Center) Mulberry Street (Sa-choong Doo) The First Presbyterian Church

of Daegu The Museum of Oriental Medicine at Yangyeongsi the Medicine

Market The Yeongnam Great Route Jong-ro Jin alleyway Chinese

Residents’ Association (Chinese Elementary School) END

Subway

Bus

Taxi

The second course map

(1.64km, takes about 2 hours)How to Get to Dong-san Cheong-la Hill, the 1st

attraction of the 2nd Course of the Daegu Alleyway

History Tour using public transportation

Dong-san Cheong-la Hill

Chapter 01

Location Introduction

Dong-san (East Hill) is a significant

place in Daegu’s early modern history.

It is the location of the first settlement

of Protestant missionaries,

the backdrop of a popular song of the

times, and the location of historical

events during the independence

movement against the Japanese.

13CChhaapptteerr 11.. Dong-san Cheong-la Hill12 Daegu Alleyway

▲A picture of the missionaries of Daegu and their families.① Chamness ② Adams ③ Henderson ④ Blaire ⑤ Hedburg <from The 100 year History of Dongsan Medical Center>

▲Blair House. It is now a museum of education and history.

On Dong-san stands three missionary houses which are named the

House of Blair, Chamness, and Switzer and they became the

primary base for missionary work in Daegu. The missionary houses

were built from 1906 to 1910, and each house is named after the

missionary who lived there. This was the beginning of Dong-san

Medical Center, currently one of the largest medical hospitals in

Daegu.

❶

❷

❸ ❹

❺

Dong-san (East Hill) Missionary Houses

During the 100th anniversary of Dong-san Medical Center in

1999, the houses were turned into museums. The Switzer House is

a Missionary Museum, the Blair House a museum of Education and

History, and the Chamness House a Museum of Medicine.

●●The Blair House

The Blair House is a two story red brick building that is now an

Education and History Museum. The house is located in the

southern area of Dong-san. The Museum displays materials about

the March 1st Independence Movement in Daegu and the Japanese

Occupation Period. It was designated as the 26th tangible cultural

property of Daegu.

●●The Chamness House

The Chamness House is a two-story red brick building, featuring a

living room, a study and a dining room on the first floor. The

primary residents were the second principal of Keisung School in

1911, R. O. Reiner, and the Missionary Chamness. Since 1948,

14 15Daegu Alleyway CChhaapptteerr 11.. Dong-san Cheong-la Hill

Missionary Moffett, the 7th director of

Dong-san Hospital, lived in the house.

Dr. Moffett still visits the house once a

year.

The Chamness House is now a

Medical museum which houses the

oldest stethoscope in Korea, and

Eastern & Western medical devices of

the 19th and 20th centuries are on

display.

Also, there is an ivory stethoscope and

germiculture tube which are more than

200 years old. At that time medical

branches such as ophthalmology,

obstetrics, nephrology and obstetrics

were of great importance.

●●The Switzer House

The Switzer House was built at the

similar time when the Chamness House

was built. Missionary Switzer wanted to

become close with the people of Daegu.

He brought stones from the destroyed

Daegu City Wall and used them as

foundation stones for his house. He

thought the stones from Daegu City

Wall resemble the people of Daegu.

They were unpolished, unrefined but

humane and reliable.

Switzer took a step further to blending

Asian and Western styles by building

the roof in a Korean traditional style.

She wanted her house to be a symbol of

the combination of East and West.

Due to her intent, the Switzer House is

the only missionary house roofed with

traditional Korean roof tiles. In 1920 the

4th principal of Keisung School, H. H.

Handerson, had lived in the house

before Archibald Campbell, the first

president of Keimyung University,

moved there.

The Switzer House is now the Mission

-ary Museum. Various missionary relics

and old bibles are displayed in the

museum.

▲Chamness House is nowa Museum of Medicine.

▼Missionary Houses arepopular to tourists of theDaegu Alleyway HistoryTour. In the picture, students arelistening to the tourguidance about theMissionary Houses. TheSwitzer House in the pictureis unique because it wasfinished with the brick wallsand roofed with Korean rooftiles. It is now a MissionMuseum.


●●Mysterious Occurrence

Marking the 100th opening anniversary of Dong-san Medical

Center in 1999, something incredible occurred. Bamboo shoots,

which had been plowed over during the building of the missionary

houses, started to bloom and began to grow after 100 years of being

dormant. The bamboo shoots grew and started to form a thick forest.

●●The Garden of Grace: Cemetery

In front of the missionary houses sits Enu-hye Garden (the Garden

of Grace). This is the location of the first foreigners’ graves in

Daegu. The missionaries with family members who devoted

themselves to carrying out missionary works are buried here. In

Enu-hye garden is the carved phrase in Korean “I have been in love

with them,” which is a heartwarming sight that shows the love of

the missionaries and their families to this land. Switzer, an

unmarried woman, who devoted herself to education and

missionary work, is buried at ‘Eun-hye Garden.’She passed away

due to poor health at the age of 49.

▲The Garden of Grace is the grave yard for the first missionaries of Daegu and theirfamilies.

Drama, Movie set

These days the Missionary Houses on Dong-san have become a

popular tourist spot because the houses were used in famous

Korean movies and dramas. For example, movies such as “Modern

Boy”(2008), “Diary of June”(2005), “Les Formidables”(2006),

and the dramas such as “Hanbando,”“Gaksital,”and “Love Rain”

were filmed at the site. Also, the houses were part of a popular

Korean television program “2 Days and 1 Night”.

At the bottom of the March 1st Independence Movement street

leading to Gyesan Cathedral, you can find a music cafe called “C’

est La Vie,”which was used as a set for the drama “Love Rain”and

it also became a favorite meeting space for the main characters

during the filming. After the drama finished, the drama set was

preserved for tourists and sightseeing.

▲“C’est La Vie”a music cafe. It was used as a set for the TV drama “Love Rain.”

1918 Daegu Alleyway CChhaapptteerr 11.. Dong-san Cheong-la Hill

▲ The Missionary houses have becomefamous since they have been used as a setfor Korean dramas and films thatcontributed to spreading the KoreanWave. The number of foreign visitors isgradually increasing.

▲ The main actor (Geun-sukJang) and actress (Yuna of theGirls’Generation) of the TVdrama “Love Rain.”

▲“Ces’t La Vie”appearing inthe drama “Love Rain.”

▲Chamness House was on the TVShow “2 Days and 1 Night”in 2010.One of the cast of the show, Ho-dongKang, took a tour to Chamness Houseat this episode.

Dong-san Medical Center was established by a

missionary and doctor named Woodbridge

Odlin Johnson (1869-1951). His dream was to

become a medical missionary. In college, he

spent most of his time doing volunteer work. He

was especially impressed with the sermons by a

Reverend Moody during his college years and

decided to devote the rest of his life to medical

missions. It was Daegu city that he chose to

move to after his graduation. Johnson and his

pregnant wife stepped through the South Gate of the Daegu City

Wall to realize their dream of a medical mission on Christmas day

in 1897.

After the arrival, he followed his dream step by step. First, he

bought a thatched-roof house to sow the seeds of the medical

mission. He hung a signboard that read ‘American Pharmacy.’ It

was built on the place where the old building of the First

Presbyterian Church in Daegu was. It is said that they had only sold

medicine before they started to practice medicine. To get prepared

▲Dr. Johnson, theestablisher and thefirst president ofDongsan MedicalCenter.

The first missionary: A dream of a medical mission in a straw-roofed house in Daegu...

became a miracle


for medical practice, Johnson changed the name of the signboard to

Jaejungwon (house for rescuing people), and it became a small

infirmary. This place is the predecessor of Dong-san Medical

Center where western medicine was first introduced in Daegu.

Johnson and Adams who established the First Presbyterian

Church in Daegu, started to consider moving to ‘Dong-san’ (East

Hill), because ‘Jaejungwon’was a poor environment to live.

‘Jaejungwon’was located inside the 7 meter high walls of the

town and therefore not airy enough. Also, it was narrow and had a

low ceiling, Johnson used to say, “Doctors can't work here without

taking risks with their own health.” The odor and smoke from

private houses were terrible and it is said that the sounds of barking

dogs, laundry bats, and the conducting rituals were also awful.

Johnson and Adams thought Dong-san was a great place for

Jaejungwon, so they bought a western part of Dong-san outside of

the City Wall from the Dalsung Seo family. After that, in 1906

Jaejongwon was moved into the current place which became the

present day Dong-san Medical Center.

Apple Trees

Johnson imported 72 apple trees from America, while conducting

his medical mission, but only the Missouri breed of apple could

survive in Daegu. He gave out apple trees to people around him;

therefore Daegu became a home for apples. The apple trees on the

hill of Dong-san nowadays have grown from the seeds produced by

the originally planted trees. These trees have been designated as the

first protected species of Daegu.

The second generation apple tree of the Johnson’s apple tree

still remains.

There remains an apple tree tottering next to the Switzer House on

Dong-san. It is the second generation apple tree of the Johnson’s

first apple tree in Daegu. It is over 80 years old. Although it stands

enduringly with thin branches, it shows powerful vitality by bearing

fruits during summer.

▲Dongsan was almost empty without any trees before Jaejungwon moved in. After Johnson and Adams bought Dongsan, it changes its entire appearance. <from The 100 year History of Dongsan Medical Center>

▲The second generation apple tree of Johnson’s apple tree. The age of thetree is estimated about 80 years. The third generation tree was grafted andplanted in 2007.

‘Hope for preaching the Gospel’...

able to see the bell tower.

Right behind the apple tree, there is a

short bell tower. It was built to celebrate

the 100th anniversary of Dong-san

Medical Center and to celebrate the

removal of a boundary wall. The bell

tower is made with the pillar and wall

from the old main gate and middle gate

of Dong-san Medical Center. The bell

tower implies the desire for the Gospel

to be spread more widely. The two

pillars which give support to the bell

mean love for patients.


●● Fictionalized account of the

Missionary Johnson

He came to Daegu on December 25,

1897

“Reverend Moody, now I want to go

my way with my wife, which I decided

a long time ago.”

The 29-year-old, blue eyed man,

Johnson, sailed into Busan harbor in

Korea which was a very different place

for him. Some curiosity and tension

were interchanged in his pregnant

wife’s eyes.

In three days, they arrived in Daegu.

That day was Christmas. Johnson felt it

was a good sign. And his feeling was

right. Soon, his wife delivered a healthy

baby. Johnson held the baby’s hands

and prayed. “Thank God. Give me

strength to do many things for the sick

so that my baby can be proud of me.

But the reality was tough. Wailing

cries continued day after day. Far from

being cured properly, people were only

engrossed in exorcism. Johnson felt an

urgent need to do something for them.

He bought a straw roofed house to set

up his pharmacy. He displayed western

▲ Before opening Jaejoong-won Dr. Johnson started thehospital with the name“American Pharmacy.” It isinteresting that the sign waswritten on a scroll. <fromThe 100 year History ofDongsan Medical Center>

▲Bell tower celebrating the100th anniversary of theopening of Dong-sanMedical Center.


medicine he had brought from America and hung out a signboard

‘American Pharmacy.’

After that, he installed medical equipment and replaced the

signboard with a new one ‘Jaejung-won’(House for rescuing

people). But he did not get favorable responses from the town's

people. “What is it? I’m afraid now we are going to be possessed

by a western evil spirit?” the people thought.

The infirmary was a horror to everyone in those days. Johnson

turned to people who suffered from Hansen's disease (leprosy). He

himself visited them and cleaned their pus with his bare hands. He

treated them with love. Caring for patients, he studied Korean and

Korean culture whenever time allowed. In the meantime, the

Jaejung-won became famous among people.

“They can even cure leprosy, to say nothing of common

diseases.” After a few days, the hospital was crowded with many

patients who wanted to be treated. “Next patient, come in please.”

Shortly after the call, a young man rushed into the medical office.

“I heard the rumor and came here. It depends on you whether you

cure or kill me.”

He, a leper, wailed while grasping Johnson’s legs. His eyes were

watery. Johnson neglected nobody. He did not care about social

status or the kind of the illness the patients had. People of all status

were equal to him, as a patient who needs his help. It took one year

to treat the leper completely. One day, the leper came to see

Johnson and kneeled down. “I am the notorious criminal Soon-

myung Lee from the South. I committed many crimes but now I

want to be a minister. I will help other people like you, Dr.

Johnson.”

▲A photo of Jaejung-won in December 1899. The house was remodeled from athatched cottage. Since many bystanders crowded around, the center had to make awire fence to keep bystanders away from the operating room. <from The 100 yearHistory of Dongsan Medical Center>

▲ Jajuong-won rebuilt in 1906. The former house was damaged by a typoon in 1905.


Johnson buckled down to the nursing business for lepers. This

will be the matrix of ‘Daegu Aerak Health Hospital.’ He succeeded

in not only the treatment of leprosy but also caesarean operations in

Daegu for the first time. He was busy examining radiographs and

giving people vaccinations.

Plant apple trees

One sunny day in the fall, Kim’s son who had a cataract operation

a few years ago came hurriedly. “Doctor, doctor! We picked six

apples this year.” The basket was filled with red apples. Johnson

planted apple trees in 1899, when the hospital changed its name to

Jaejung-won. In October, after he came back from a Seoul

missionary banquet, he began to ponder on a possible way to give

some financial support to the citizens in Daegu.

After careful consideration, he finally slapped his lap. “Yes, I can

plant apple trees!” He placed an order of 72 apple seedlings with a

nursery in America. Only the trees of Missourian cultivar

blossomed. People around him tried to dissuade him from planting

apple trees. “Doctor Johnson, there is a lot of work to care for

patients and you have no experience in apple farming.” But he

insisted. “Do you think apples can grow in this soil?”

However, no one could bend his will. He considered apple

farming as highly as doing medical missionary work, and the result

proved that he was right. Daegu turned out to be a perfect place for

growing apple trees due to its hot and humid weather. As time

passed, the apple became a specialty of Daegu.

Johnson was the father of a medical mission as well as the pioneer

of the Daegu apple. He took care of the sick instead of caring for

himself. So he got weaker and weaker during the 15 years he stayed

in Korea.

Johnson said, “Although I have a lot of things to do, it is time to

go back now.”

The day, when he left Daegu, people gathered in the front yard of

the missionary house to see him off.

“Doctor Johnson, Don’t go.”

“Please come back.”

Johnson left Daegu on November 15, 1912 with the people’s

warm cheers.

The apple tree on Dong-san(East Hill) glittered under the late

autumn’s sunshine as if the apple tree was seeing him off.

▲Dr. Johnson operating surgery. He is holding a wooden stick which came out fromthe patient’s body. In those days, people would stick a wooden stick into their throat ifthey had a upset stomach. <from The 100 year History of Dongsan Medical Center>


“My Friend,” A popular Korean Song

A popular Korean song, “My Friend” was composed by Tae-joon

Park. The setting of the song is Dong-san, also called the Green Ivy

Hill (Cheong-la Hill), which exactly is a part of Dong-san where

green ivy grows.

Born in Daegu, Tae-joon Park was a student at Keisung School

located near the Green Ivy Hill (Cheong-la Hill).

At that time Adams Hall, Macperson Hall of Keisung School and

Dong-san Medical Missionary Center located on the Hill were

covered with thick, green ivy. Today, the area is called

‘Montmartre of Daegu,’ and is still known for its beautiful scenery.

The setting for the song's title originated from a love story based

on Cheong-la Hill. While in school, Tae-joon Park fell in love with

a girl named In-kyung Yu. He roamed restlessly up and down

▲The lyrics of ‘My Friend’ is written on the monument celebrating Tae-joon Park,located on the Green Ivy Hill.

around the hill looking for her. However, he was shy and did not

tell her how he felt and lost his chance at love.

Later, as a music teacher in Masan, South Gyeongsang Province,

he told his love story to his colleague, Eun-sang Lee, a poet. They

became close friends and spent their time together talking about

music, literature, and life. After hearing Park’s love story, Lee

wrote the lyrics, and Park’s song “My Friend” was released

nationwide in 1922.

This song about a shy young man’s unfulfilled romance was so

popular that it spread quickly throughout the country, appealing

especially to the youth. While most songs during the period of

Korea's colonization by Japan were unhappy and melancholy, this

song had a warm and sentimental feel. It was remarkably popular

among the country’s youth and it became a national favorite and is

known as a national song.

In the song’s lyrics there is a lily on Cheong-la Hill, but it is said

that the lily in the song cannot be found at Cheong-la Hill. It

seemed that the lily in the song was the very one he had been

longing for in his heart.

The song “My Friend” was used to create the story of 90 stairs.

Let's look at the first and last parts of the story in which Tae-joon

Park used to go around the hill so as to see his lover.

The 1st stair

Ten days already passed since he saw her, every minute seemed

like a lifetime. Although he got tired from waiting for her, he

consistently aspired to her and missed her, looking up the hill

covered with ivy in vain.


The 90th stair

On the top stair. However, he did

not accept that all is over. If he

could not see her, he would create

her on his own. It could be a

painting, a poem, and even a song.

Anyway, he never gave up waiting

for her, dreaming that she would

love him someday. He did not care

about how long it took to achieve

his dream.

Now a popular place

for remembering first love

It was revealed that the location of

My Friend was based on Dong-san,

Daegu in 2009. A monument for

this song was built in front of the

Dong-san Missionary House on

June 17, 2009.

‘Dong-san’ now is a place to

remind us of our first love. Since the

placement of the monument it has

attracted a lot of visitors and has

become an increasingly popular

course of the Daegu Alleyway

History Tour run by Jung-gu Office,

Daegu Metropolitan City.

▲A music drama “Tae-joonPark and Cheoug-la Hill”was performed in October2012 at the Hill.

▲An interview with Tae-joon Park in Donga DailyNewspaper on November 7th1961. The title of theinterview is ‘Dr. Tae-joonPark, revive the spirit ofKorea by his music’ and it isabout Park’s memories afterhis retirement from Yon-seiUniversity and his musicincluding his much-lovedsong ‘My Friend.’


▲Children visiting Dong-san is listening to the explanation of Tae-joon Park and hissong from a tour guide.

The opera “The memory of Cheong-la Hill” which is the

storytelling of Park’s life, music and love was performed as the

opening play of the Daegu International Opera Festival in 2012. In

addition, the musical, “Tae-joon Park and Cheong-la Hill”

produced by the Daegu Cultural Foundation was performed in front

of the monument from October 19 to 26 in 2012.

My Friend

Written by Eun-sang Lee,

composed by Tae-joon Park

1

When lilies bloom

on the hill of green ivy

where the symphony of spring is played

midst the fragrance of the lilies,

I sing a song for you for you.

You are the lily

blooming on the green ivy hill

When you bloom in my heart,

all my sadness fades away.

2

When white birds fly

o’er the evening tide

that rushes to the soft sands of shore.

looking at mountains far away,

I sing for you for you.

You are the white bird

flying o’er the evening tide of my heart!

When you fly in my heart,

all my sadness fades away.

The Road for the March 1st

Independence Movement

Chapter 02


This road is an important place for a

revolt during the Independence

Movement against the Japanese in

Daegu. It is the place where lots of

fighters for national independence

came and went to avoid the

surveillance of the Japanese police

while preparing for the revolt.

An uphill path with 90 stairs is next

to the fence of the First Presbyterian

Church of Daegu (Jae-il church)

across from Gyesan Cathedral.

The 90 stairs are flanked by

photographs and full descriptions of

Daegu city of the time.

37CChhaapptteerr 22.. The Road for the March 1st Independence Movement36 Daegu Alleyway

March 1st is a national holiday in Korea. Koreans all over the

country know that this day commemorates the March 1st

Independence Movement of 1919. From 1910 to 1945, the Korean

empire was under Japanese military occupation. However, on

March 1, 1919, after nine years of Japanese colonization, 33

activists of the March 1st Independence Movement convened

together and declared their nation’s independence from Japan by

proclaiming a Declaration of Korean Independence in Tapgol Park,

Seoul, after which the Independence Movement spread to the rest

of the country.

●● March 8th, 1919. The road is the secret path for a

revolt.

The March 1st Independence Movement started in Seoul on

March 1, 1919 and spread to the rest of the country like wild fire.

The historic revolt started in Daegu on March 8, 1919. It was also a

market day outside the West Gate in Daegu. Many leaders in Daegu

led the March 1st Independence Movement. They were Gab-seong

Lee, one of the 33 independence activists, who signed the

Declaration of Independence, minister Man-jip Lee, and several

school teachers. Additionally, many high school students had an

integral part in the movement, which is why the March 1st

Independence Movement in Daegu is called “the student

movement”. Moreover, it became one of the reasons why the

movement spread to other cities in North Gyeongsang Province

(aka Gyeongsangbuk-do) and in other provinces.

There was a dense pine forest on Dong-san (East Hill). The forest

was not only an important place to avoid the Japanese police’s

surveillance, but also the shortest connecting road to the West Gate

(Seomun) of the market in which all people would come together

for the movement. The forest doesn’t exist now, but “the 90 steps,”

which are part of the road in the pine forest, still exist.

The following story is about the movement which occurred in

Daegu on March 8, 1919.

●●Unite minds for the country

“There will be a revolt against the control of the Japanese in Seoul

after a few days,” declared Gab-sung Lee seriously. He was one of

the people who signed the Declaration of Independence, and a

young representative of a youth group so that he knew the value of

the March 1st Independence Movement better than anyone else. He

met local leaders living in Daegu such as minister Man-jip Lee of

Nam Seong Jung church (the First Presbyterian Church of Daegu at

present), Tae-ryun Kim who helped missionaries, and many

teachers. Gab-seong Lee conveyed the plan of the independence

movement of Seoul to them and he persuaded them to rise in

protest. Everybody strongly agreed with his suggestion. Everything

The March 1st Independence Movement


went smoothly and fast.

Finally, the definite date and place were determined. “It will be at

1 o’clock on March 8. The assembly place will be the entrance of

the West Gate market (At that time, the West Gate market was

located at Dong-san police station square across from the current

textile center). I hope that you will prepare everything perfectly for

that day.” The day for the revolt was a market day. It was a suitable

day to gather a big crowd. After that, Man-jip Lee, Tae-ryun Kim

and Ju-il Hong, a minister of the Cheondoism, took to the streets to

gather people and students for a revolt.

On March 2, Man-jip Lee had received the Declaration of

Independence from Yong-sang Lee who was a student of Yonsei

medical school. Everything was secretly progressing. The

Declaration of Independence was copied in the house of Tae-ryun

Kim. They also made Korean flags in the basement of Adams hall

in Keisung school.

However, an unexpected accident happened. The Japanese police

were tightening their surveillance for the spreading of the

movement. The surveillance was especially strong in Daegu. That’s

why the participants for the movement in Daegu were less than

those in other cities.

A few days before the revolt, on the 4th and 7th, Minister Ju-il

Hong and Teacher Nam-chae Baek were arrested. However, other

people couldn’t give up nor stop. All the people were in a struggle

to the death for the independence of their country.

Students from Keisung, Shinmyung and Daegu schools actively

took part in the movement because the movement was quickly

gaining momentum.▲The March 1st Independence Movement commemoration event, sponsored byJung-gu Office, was held at the Dong-san Green Ivy Hill. One thousand Daegucitizens participated in the event were re-enacting the March First Movement.


●●The fateful day, the secret path of Dong-san

The day of March 8 arrived. The weather was clear. It seemed that

heaven had helped everything. Students came out of the schools.

Students from Keisung school changed into Hanbok (traditional

Korean clothes) and then headed for the assembly place disguised

as marketers. Girls from Shinmyung school also headed for the

place pretending to do the washing. Students went straight up

Dong-san hill. This place was fully covered with pine trees, making

the path from the hill to the West Gate market a perfect place to

escape the surveillance of Japanese police. As soon as they came

out from the forest, they could see the place in the distance. People

were flocking from various places.

●●The shouts covered all parts of Daegu.

“Long Live Korean Independence!”

Daegu school students who were supposed to arrive didn’t appear

until noon. The revolt couldn’t commence without them. After 1

o'clock, about 200 students from Daegu school were running up to

the place through the Japanese police’s blockade. At the same time,

students from Dong-san seminary school were coming out.

About 1,000 people gathered in a short time. Most of them were

students. They took to the streets for their country. Tension filled

the atmosphere. There was a stir here and there. At that time, Tae-

ryun Kim started to read “The Declaration of Independence.”

Everybody could feel his profound conviction. His reading of the

Declaration of Independence lit the fuse of the Korean people, and

became a turning point for the success of the movement.

Unfortunately, Tae-ryun Kim could only read up to the 3rd part of

the pledge of the Declaration of Independence before being

restrained by the Japanese police. The Japanese police mercilessly

dragged him out while he was standing on a cart.

But Tae-ryun Kim resisted to the end. “This is a good time for our

country’s independence. Let’s shout to our deaths ‘Long live

Korean Independence, Long live Korean Independence!” Minister

Man-jip Lee stood on the cart, replacing Kim in a flash. By then, a

mass of people tried to take out Korean flags which they had

concealed. The movement, which started in the West Gate market,

finally began showing signs of expansion.

About 1,000 people, as if by common consent holding Korean

flags, marched along with their leaders. The Japanese police

restrained the crowd, but the people’s spirit had been unleashed.

The parade of shouting “Long live Korean Independence!!”

continued for over 1km. The Japanese police continued watching

the parade closely instead of blocking the masses by force.

◀Bum-il Kim, mayor of Daegu,and Sun-young Yoon, head ofJung-gu office, and other publicofficials are walking down the 90stairs.


Clamorous shouts for independence

covered all parts of Daegu. Finally, a

potentially explosive confrontation took

place near the Daegu police station. Gun-

toting soldiers on the roof of the police

station were pointing at the demonstrators.

However, they couldn’t open fire. Because

rash fire could also lead to uncontrollable

confusion. The independence demonstration

parade changed the course from the Daegu

police station to Gyeongjung (now Jong-

ro).

A great number of people participated in

the protest including peasants, merchants

and Gisaengs and so on. The Japanese

police were perplexed over the situation. At

last, to avoid more outbreaks, the Japanese

police made a barricade near the Dalseong

county office (currently, it is near Daegu

department store) with military police. The

parades of independence demonstration

went on to the Medicine Market Street and

central police division system.

The Japanese police fired indiscriminately

with guns and wielded swords. Blood-

stained Korean flags fell to the ground.

Nevertheless, shouts toward independence

didn’t die down easily.

◀The house ofAdams, the firstAmericanmissionary inDaegu. On theIndependenceMovement day ofDaegu (8th March),citizens of Daegumade Taegeukgi(the national flag ofKorea) at thebasement of thishouse.

◀An eventcelebrating the 94th

anniversary of theMarch 1st

IndependenceMovement was heldin the Green Ivy Hillon March 1st 2013.


Yong-hae Kim, son of Tae-ryun Kim fainted with a severe

beating. Man-jip Lee who was a minister was taken away by the

Japanese police after receiving a severe blow to the head. However,

when he saw a great number of students who were fighting for their

nation’s freedom, a smile came across his face.

●●From that day... under the sentence of imprisonment...

the Independence Movement fanned out in all directions...

The Independence Movement lasted one more day. Citizens

uncaught by the Japanese police caused a revolt. About two

hundred citizens shouted out for Korean independence and waved

the Korean flag. They were brutally dispersed and some of them

were arrested and sent to prison. This incident made the resistance

movement spread to all parts of North Gyeongsang Province.

Although many schools were closed, students formed a secret

organization.

A path and memorial of the

March 1st Independence Movement

An uphill path with 90 stairs is next to

the fence of the First Presbyterian

Church in Daegu (Jae-il Church) across

from Gyesan cathedral.

This path was the shortest way to the

meeting place in the West Gate (Seo-

mun) market.

Nowadays, this path is called March

1st Independence Movement path.

Both sides of 90 stairs have

photographs with descriptions showing

Daegu city of the day.

In those days, this path was overgrown

with pine trees although they are gone

now.

This path played a vital role leading to

the secret passage. A large number of

students participated in the

Independence Movement of their own

free will. Therefore, this movement is

sometimes called a student movement.

For this reason, a memorial honoring

the students was built at Shinmyung

Girls’ Middle & High School in 1972.

A memorial was built in Keisung

school, too.

▲The students and tutors of Daegu Shinmyung School. Jae-in Lee is the person onthe back row first from left. Sun-ae Lee is on the back row third from left. Bong-sunIm is on the front row third from right.

▲ Shinmyung March 1st

Independence Movementmonument celebrates thepatriotism of the students ofShinmyung school.


Father led the movement... his son

died from torture...

“Get up early in the morning and raise the

rose of Sharon (the national flower of

Korea) with lots of love every day. The

only way for our nation to survive is Jesus

Christ...”

This is a testament of Tae-ryun Kim who

led the March 8th Independence Movement.

He was born in Namsan-dong in Daegu.

When he was young, he lost his parents

and became an orphan overnight. He

studied Chinese classics by age 20 but he

entered Pyongyang seminary at age 41.

But he dropped out of college and devoted

himself to the independence movement

with Man-jip Lee who was a minister.

Yong-hae, his eldest son who had a

daughter, actively participated in the

movement with his father.

However, the father and the son were

arrested because they took part in the

movement. Yong-hae Kim died from a

severe beating and torture by Japanese

police. He was the first victim of the

independence movement in Daegu.

After releasing, Tae-ryun Kim inscribed

an epitaph before the grave of his son.

Whenever people lamented for the death of his son, he said “It is

natural for a man to dedicate his life to his country.”

He became stubborn. When he was called as a defendant during

the trial, he said “I just tried to get back my land. Why am I a

defendant?” When he was tortured by the Japanese police to pick

out leaders, he never had a say in the matter except saying “God is

behind me.”

After being released, he was troubled with dozens of domiciliary

visits. He established a church in Japan. He also taught the Korean

alphabet and Bible. Accordingly, he would be deported several

times from Japan.

Though some Christian leaders were involved in the pro-Japanese

activities, he refused to pay a visit to a Japanese shrine and kept his

faith. Both Yong-hae and his son were buried in a park for patriotic

martyrs for the country in Sinam-dong, Daegu.

▲The farther Tae-ryun Kim (upperpicture) and his sonYong-hae Kim.

◀March 1st Independence MovementMemorial Monument in front ofAdams Hall at Keisung School.

Gyesan Cathedral

Chapter 03


Gyesan Cathedral located in Gyesan-

Dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, has been known

for its antique European architecture,

featuring prominent twin towers outside

as well as classical decoration inside.

Gyesan Cathedral, which is more than

100 years old, has been designated as

Historical Place Number 209 for its

historic value. It has been said that a lot

of people inscribed on the stained glass

windows wearing Korean clothes signify

the Saints who suffered martyrdom

under the persecution of the Catholics

during the Joseon Dynasty. Also, it has

been known as the place where the late

Cardinal Suhwan-Kim was ordained as

a priest and the background for the

paintings of a genius painter, In-seong

Lee.

51CChhaapptteerr 33.. Gyesan Cathedral50 Daegu Alleyway

“Groom Mr. Young-soo Yuk and bride Miss Chung-hee Park...”

The late former President Chung-hee Park and his wife Young-

soo Yuk were married at Gyesan Cathedral on December 12, 1950,

during the Korean War. A traditional wedding was a common

practice among people at that time, but Park chose a modern

wedding ceremony as he put greater focus on the efficiency of

every aspect of life.

Some people that attended the ceremony were Daegu Mayor Eok

Huh in charge of officiating the ceremony, Young-gi Kim, his

respected teacher and Jae-cheon Song, who had arranged the

couple's meeting.

Surprisingly, the officiator was confused with their names, calling

the groom ‘Miss Park’ and bride ‘Mr. Yuk,’ which meant he had

switched their titles. The majority of attendants in the ceremony

and even the couple burst into laughter.

▲The scenery of Kyesan Cathedral in the 1950s.

▲The wedding picture of president Jung-hee Park and first ladyYoung-su Yook on December 12, 1950.

◀The inside of Kyesan Cathedral, which is apart of more than 100 years history ofmodern Daegu.


The couple spent their newly-married life living in Daegu. The

following is a fact-based-fictionalized account of Park and Yuk.

During the wedding at Gyesan Cathedral the bride did not look

happy compared to other brides because of her father’s absence

from the ceremony. The groom also became uneasy and stiff after

hearing the news that his father-in-law could not participate in the

event.

Jong-gwan Yuk, his father-in-law, indeed complained about Park

s serving as a soldier because he may be killed at anytime. When

asked if Park could be given permission to get married, Jong-gwan

Yuk said “I’ll never allow my daughter to marry a solider like you.”

Although Park was turned down, he did not give up getting his

father-in-law’s consent to the marriage, firmly saying that he would

never be killed. Despite his effort, Jong-gwan Yuk never gave

consent to their marriage, notifying some people of his absence.

It is known that, Mr. Yuk had five concubines and was very

exasperated as well as stubborn, so the couple had the wedding

with only Park’s mother-in-law and youngest sister-in-law in

attendance.

The bride expected her father to attend the ceremony, and hoped

to get a blessing. Unfortunately, her dream did not come true in the

end. The ceremony proceeded very quickly and afterwards most

attendants scattered in all directions due to the War.

The newly-married couple lived in Samdeok-dong which had

formerly been the location of Dong-in Hotel. Their house featured

three rooms: one for Park, one for Yuk and her mother, and one for

Park s subordinates. From the day after the marriage, Park, a

Lieutenant Colonel, commuted to headquarters everyday.

The bride, on the other hand, took care of her husband, boiling

water for him to wash with every morning, which was typical of a

good wife of the time.

▲The backyard of Gyesan Cathedral where President Jung-hee Park and Young-suYook s wedding reception was held (squared by white lines). The reception was verysmall and only three kinds of food were served: chestnut, jujube, and squid.


Samdeok-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, President Geun-hye

Park’s birthplace

President Geun-hye Park was born in Samdeok-dong, Jung-gu,

Daegu, where her parents had lived during their newly-wed period.

She was their eldest daughter. Born in 1952, President Park spent

her early childhood living in Daegu for a short time. After that, her

family moved to Busan and then Seoul to follow her father’s work

as he transferred to other cities. Currently, there remains no

evidence of Park’s birthplace because a nine-story building is at the

site now.More importantly, it is Daegu where she started her

political activities. Since the death of her father, Park had remained

out of spotlight for around ten years. However, Park was elected an

assemblywoman for Dalseong-gun, Daegu in April, 1998, and three

more times in the same electoral district. This was the beginning of

her official activity. Therefore, Daegu has been perceived as her

political hometown.

Ever since her presidential inauguration on February 25, 2013, the

number of visitors to the place has increased. Today, her family’s

permanent address is Sangmo-dong 171, Gumi, Kyungbuk, Korea,

where her father was born.

In-sung Lee has been acclaimed as a

gifted artist, who was one of the

greatest artists of Western painting in

Korea during the early 20th century.

Born in 1912, he grew up in a poor

family, so he had to enter school two

years later than his peers. After meeting

a painter named Dong-jin Seo, he began

to learn painting techniques.

In 1929, Lee’s works were selected for

the Joseon Art Exhibition, and

afterwards he was awarded several

prizes. Furthermore, he was appointed

as a recommended writer and judge.

Then, he went to Japan to acquire

artistic skills and relevant knowledge.

After returning to Daegu, he got

married to Ok-soon Kim, a daughter of

the director of North Hill Hospital, but

Why was the artist obsessed with the persimmon tree at

Gyesan Cathedral?

▲A self portrait of In-sung Lee.

▲Residents of Samdeok-dong visited Geun-hye Park’s birthplace, at Samdeok-dongJung-gu, on the Inauguration Day of the 18th president of Korea Geun-hye Park inFebruary 25, 2013.


she died soon after. Lee got married two more times but was not

satisfied with his married life.

On November 4, 1950, when the Korean War was at its height,

Lee became heavily drunk and started an argument with a

policeman. Unfortunately, he was killed by a gun shot at the age of

39.

Lee developed Western Impressionism and Post-Impressionism

into his own style. In addition, he was regarded as a painter who

recovered local lyricism describing the life of local people and local

landscapes. Here is a fact-based-fictionalized account about In-sung

Lee and Gyesan Cathedral.

One day, waking up with a slight headache, he came out to the

front yard and looked up to the sky. The deep-blue sky poured into

his eyes. He went back to his house and came out with a brush,

paper, and paints in his hands, running to East Hill. He seemed to

hear his father s voice. His father would talk to him, “Why on earth

do you want to be a poor artist!”

“I ll never allow you to become a

poor artist!” Nevertheless, his father

could not keep him from becoming a

painter. Despite his father s objection,

In-sung Lee went on painting, feeling

peaceful and dreaming of becoming a

great artist.

Dong-jin Seo, a prominent artist in

Korea those days, led In-sung Lee to the

world of art. After Lee met Dong-jin

Seo, his skills achieved a great deal of

improvement and his work was awarded

the first prize at the World Youth Art

Exhibition. He went to Japan in order to

study with a sponsors help, who highly

praised his talent. Right after getting

back from Japan, he officially began to

work as an artist. He frequently painted

local landscape and modern architecture

: Palgong Mountain, Ap Mountain,

Gyesan Cathedral, and city streets.

Jae-myung Kim, the director of South

Hill Hospital, was one of Lee’s patrons.

His daughter, Ok-soon Kim and In-

sung Lee fell in love and they got

married in June. Gyesan Cathedral was

one of the places where they spent time

together. Lee thought Ok-soon s face

◀ One of themajor works ofIn-sung Lee“GyesanCathedral.” Thiswatercolorpainting presentsthe scenery ofGyesanCathedral and thepersimmon treein the 1930s.

▲ In-sung Lee’s talent wasfamous in Japan too. Hewas on a Japanesenewspaper with a title “In-sung Lee, a young geniuspainter from Korea.”


was as white as the persimmon flowers on the tree at the Cathedral.

The couple spent their newly wed period having a great time and

Lee got his own studio. However, 7 years after they married, Kim

died due to tuberculosis. Since the death of his wife, In-sung Lee

was extremely broken-hearted, suffering from a sort of depression.

So he became an alcoholic, not taking care of himself. He got

married two more times, but he was neither satisfied nor happy.

Lee moved to Seoul and then became an art teacher at a high

school in 1945. On August 15, 1945, Korea finally declared

independence from Japan. Unfortunately, Lee's career

achievements were condemned as pro-Japanese ones. While having

an argument under the influence of alcohol with a policeman, he

was killed by a gun shot.

Although In-sung Lee has now gone, the old persimmon tree is

still at Gyesan Cathedral, cherishing his pure love for Ok-soon

Kim.

“In-sung Lee Tree”

There is an old persimmon tree at Gyesan Cathedral, called “In-

sung Lee Tree.” Since the tree appeared in his famous painting

“Gyesan Cathedral,” it has been called that name, which

symbolizes the love story of In-sung Lee and Ok-soon Kim.

The painting Gyesan Cathedral has been an important work for

research on Korean watercolor paintings. The color and shape of

the painting are the most distinct features. It is an art work using a

naturalized method of western art with Lee’s own style, even

although Korea was influenced by Japanese academism.

Also, In-sung Lee was one of the first people to run an art coffee

shop in Deagu. Today, the place where the coffee shop used to be is

a bakery and an art gallery.

There is a statue located at Duryu Park to mark his respectful

spirit and an awards ceremony called the ‘In-sung Lee Art Award

is held at the park every year.

▲ The house of In-sung Lee s father in law, which used to be the residential sectionof Nam-san clinic.

▶The tree that appears in the paintings of In-sung Lee is called “In-sung Lee Tree.”

Sang-don Seo's house and

Sang-hwa Lee's house

Chapter 04


This location has two historic

residences and a modern culture

experience center. Sang-don Seo's

house is where the richest man in

Daegu lived while working for the

National Debt Repayment

Movement and Sang-hwa Lee's

house is where the resistance poet

spent the rest of his life.

63CChhaapptteerr 44.. Sang-don Seo's house and Sang-hwa Lee's house62 Daegu Alleyway

A playground for Japanese...resist with a poem...Korea’s great poet, Sang-hwa Lee

Sang-hwa Lee felt frustrated with the fact that he had not done

anything except writing poetry at the loss of his country.

Therefore, he was envious of his brother who had fled to

Manchuria and had been struggling against Japanese imperialism.

He thought he should do something to help his nation in trouble.

This thought kept going round and round in his head under

Japanese oppression.

Whenever he felt anger surging inside him, he used to go to the

nearby field and sing his tragic feelings in poems.

“Will spring come even to the forfeited field?”

Now others’land

Will spring come even to the forfeited field?

I just walk, as in a dream,

Bathing myself in the sun,

Along the paddy-field path

Shaped like parted hair’

Toward where green fields

Adjoin the blue heavens.

…

Soaking myself in the grass-scent,

I walk a day limping

Between green smile and green grief.

Perhaps I’m possessed by the spring spirit,

But now I’m afraid I might be deprived

Of my spring as well as my field.

▲ Sang-hwa Lee

▲The scenery of Suseong Field in the 1960s. The field became the setting forSang-hwa Lee’s poem “Will spring come even to the forfeited field?” in 1926.It is presumed that the scenery of Suseong Field in the 1920s is similar to thatin the 1960s.

- A revision of Jae-mo Lee’s trauslation inModern Korean Poems trauslated into English


“Will spring come even to the forfeited field?”, which was Sang-

hwa's major work, was published in a magazine called Gae-byeok

(it means the dawn of history) in 1926.

Suseong field is known as the background of this work. Suseong

field includes not only the field but also Suseong lake. His

memorial is near the lake. Sang-hwa joined the anti-Japanese

movement at a young age.

He published Song for the rites of Shilla in 1918. This poem

contains content against the Japanese occupation. He led the March

1st Independence Movement with Man-jip Lee, Tae-ryun Kim and

Young-seo Kim. He held protests with students at Keisung Middle

School and he delivered a Declaration of Independence to the

assembled crowd at the West Gate market.

His creative activities continued. He wrote many poems of

resistance such as To my bedroom, and Will spring come even

to the forfeited land? . Poetry was a powerful tool of resistance

against the Japanese colonizers. After publishing “To my bedroom”

in the first issue of Baek-jo (it means a swan), he went to Tokyo,

Japan. After a year, he came back to Korea.

He was active as a poet and one of the founding members of an

influential literary group, KAPF (Korea Artista Proleta Federatio)

which led the Korean literary world of the time. He was detained by

Japanese police in 1927 because he went hand in hand with a

patriotic group. In 1935, he went to China to meet his brother who

had been fighting for independence from the Japanese. He

discussed secret internal organizations for Korea s independence

with his brother. As soon as he returned to Daegu, he was taken by

the police. He was usually under guard just because he was a

younger brother of Sang-jeong Lee. He got out of prison after two

months of detention and torture.

Gi-man Baek, his old friend, came to see him. Gi-man led the

March 1st Independence Movement with Sang-hwa in Daegu. Gi-

man consoled Sang-hwa who was despondent. He gave up on

management operation at the Gyeongbuk branch office of Chosun

Daily News in 1937. He taught students at Kyonam School

(Currently, it is Dae-ryun High School). He was diagnosed with

stomach cancer and didn t live to see the liberation of Korea; he

died on April 25, 1943. After Sang-hwa died, Gi-man brought out

works that Sang-hwa had written. The first monument for him was

built in Dalseong park. He used different pen names during his

lifetime such as Mu-ryang, Sang-hwa and Baek-a. ▲ Sang-hwa Lee’s old house at Gyesan-dong, Jung-gu. It has been open to citizenssince August 12th 2008.


Sang-hwa Lee’s house...

Sang-hwa Lee s old house was preserved by a continuing effort

of local citizens. Sang-hwa s old house is at Gyesan-dong 2-ga,

Jung-gu, Daegu.

Sang-hwa stayed here in his later years. Although he wasn t born

in this place, it is very meaningful because he stayed here for the

rest of his life.

It is a wood house that consists of the main building, a detached

house, a yard and a platform for crocks of sauces and condiments.

The persimmon trees in the garden still remain. Whenever Sang-

hwa felt blue, he would walk this yard. This place remains largely

intact owing to the effort of local citizens. When citizens heard this

place was going to be pulled down, they gathered signatures for the

preservation of historic buildings. More than 400,000 citizens took

part in a signature collecting movement and a big donation was

made. A host of celebrities from cultural fields joined this

movement. A great deal of contributions were also collected by

citizens. Finally, Sang-hwa s old house was restored to the original

form and it was opened to

the public on August 12,

2008 because local

citizens spontaneously

joined in this preservation

movement. For these

reasons, this movement is

thought of as a historical

event in local cultural

movements.

●●The richest man in Daegu fuels

the fire behind the National Debt

Repayment Movement.

When we mention “The National Debt

Repayment Movement,” the first man

that comes to mind is Sang-don Seo.

He first set foot in Daegu in 1866. It

was the period of Catholic persecutions.

After that, he began to make a living as

a peddler and a draper from 1871. He

became a very wealthy merchant by

1886. In 1903, he was appointed as an

inspector of North Gyeongsang

Province by the special command of the

government. The inspector’s duty was a

kind of customs officer or a tax

collector. The inspector in the old times

had to pay taxes in advance to the

Sang-don Seo, a patriot of the National Debt Repayment Movement

▲ Sang-don Seo

▲Memorial stones engraved with Sang-hwaLee’s poems at his old house.


government, then he had to collect taxes from the people. The

inspector’s job was a good position to make lots of money if he

wanted. Because of this, lots of people tried to rely on connections

to get the position, but Sang-don Seo was different from other

inspectors. He gave the excess tax he collected from the people to

the government. He thought that only the government had the right

to get the money. He was a man of integrity.

Taking part in the people’s assembly, managed by the

Independence Club, was a turning point in his life. At that time,

Japan compulsively supplied a loan to Korea. The reason that Japan

supplied this was to strengthen their control of Korea. Korea’s debts

were mounting at a rapid rate. So Korea couldn’t pay off its debt.

Korea didn’t have the ability to pay off the debt incurred by

Japan’s unreasonable loan. Finally, a movement to restore state

power began to occur among the people who couldn't endure

Japan's control of Korea.

On Feb, 16, 1907, Sang-don Seo suggested that people quit

smoking and use the savings to pay back the debt. That was the first

step of the public meeting to pay off the country’s debt. The self

economic activity, which first started in Daegu, spread across the

nation and he was at the center of the movement.

●● This is a story of Sang-don Seo, a patriot of the

National Debt Repayment Movement.

We could also see a similar movement in 1997. Korea was

suffering from a debt crisis during that time. People collected gold

to get out of the crisis. It is meaningful in Korea’s history as an

example of the people’s social voluntary movement for the country.

●●Sang-don Seo: what was he like?

“Please eat breakfast.”

Steaming white rice was prepared. It was an exceptional case.

“What is this?, white rice?, clear the table!! Don’t you know that I

don’t eat white rice?” he scolded severely, as expected.

This was on Oct. 17, his birthday. “Oh, you can eat some white

rice on your birthday.” Sang-don Seo didn’t usually eat white rice.

Upon first impression, people might not recognize him as a wealthy

landlord.

“If I eat and live well alone, I am part of the problem! Open the

storeroom!”

Every spring and autumn, he handed rice to the poor.

He was the first born in a Catholic family. When he was 9 years

old, his father passed away, so he moved to Saebanggol in Daegu

where his maternal parents’ house was located. Even though he was

▲ Sang-don Seo’s house was too modest to be one for the richest man in Daegu.


young, he was a strong son as well as the head of the household. He

made a living working as an errand boy at a small store and saved

money little by little. When he became 18 years old, he started his

own job as a peddler with the money he saved. Even though he was

a peddler wandering traditional markets, he had strong credibility

with others in the markets. Soon, his business expanded to Busan

and Andong. At the age of 35, he became a wealthy merchant with

many peddlers working for him.

In 1903, Sang-don Seo directed the tax administration at

Gyeongsang Province on special command from the government.

He was working in a public office for about 10 years and he was a

man of high integrity.

“If he was not here, we could get more profit...” Sang-don Seo

was seen as a thorn to petty officials. However, no conspiracy could

dampen his integrity.

He was dreaming to achieve independence from Japan with Yoon-

ran Kim, Gyu-o Jung and Byeong-o Seo. Finally, they saved 500

hwan. Based on this, they came to build Daegu Agricultural

Industrial Bank to strengthen national capital and protect

indigenous commercial supremacy. He provided support as a

shareholder.

On Feb. 16 at a special meeting in Daedong Gwangmun temple,

he proposed to repay the national debt, 13 million hwan. “I’ll

donate 800 hwan here. Let's unite for the country.”

Everybody in the place was very surprised because in those days,

800 hwan was an enormous amount of money that ordinary people

couldn't imagine to have. Soon after, the movement began, it spread

rapidly over the country. Sung-hee Kim, Mun-sang Yu, Young-gun

Oh gathered and established the National Debt Repayment

Supporting Association in Seoul. Similar assemblies were

established in each region of Korea. Many people including

laborers, peasants, women, soldiers, students, merchants and even

children, participated in the movement. In addition, overseas

Koreans sent money to Korea. The more Japan suppressed Korea,

the stronger people's anti-Japanese spirit became.

“We must pay back and restore our state power!” Sang-don Seo’s

will was getting stronger.

In fact, most of those who had concern for the debt repayment and

who tried to help were ordinary citizens. However, high ranking

government officials and the rich's will to participate was not strong

enough. As a result, it was difficult to continue the movement.

“Hey, if you donate just a little money you have, it will be a big

help to the country and will be worthwhile.” Sang-don Seo went

over and pleaded with the rich, but the result was indifference.

Though the public continued to participate in the movement,

Japan issued a ban on the National Debt Repayment Movement.

Japan obstructed the movement in every way possible.

Unfortunately, the National Repayment Movement ended without

fruition. After the movement was finished, he changed his aims to

foster national capability through industrial promotion. He passed

away without attaining his goal on June 30, 1913 (at the age of 64).


The modest house of Sang-

don Seo

The old house of Sang-don

Seo, located in Gyesan-dong,

Jung-gu, Daegu, is nearby that

of Sang-hwa Lee, a great poet.

Seo's old house standing in an

alley of Daegu downtown

remains aloof from the glamour

of the city. When people see the

house, nobody can imagine he

was the richest man in Daegu;

because it was a modest house.

Modern Culture Experience

Center, Gyesanyega

Gyesanyega, which was open

in April, 2012, was constructed

for the purpose of the

revitalization of the Daegu

Alleyway History Tour. Tourists

can look around traditional

Korean style houses and get lots

of information at this historical

and cultural center.

◀ ‘Modern Culture ExperienceCenter, Gyesanyega (literally meansAntique house of Gyesan-dong)’ wasbuilt near Sang-hwa Lee’s and Sang-don Seo's old houses.

Mulberry Street

Chapter 05


Mulberry Street is the place where

Sa-choong Doo, a Chinese soldier

and a geographer, settled down.

He was a great soldier who helped

Korea to win wars. He planted

many mulberry trees near where

he lived, and since then the street

was called Mulberry Street. The

Jung-District Office planted

mulberry trees and painted murals

to redesign the sight. Tourists can

visit and imagine the history of

Mulberry Street and the story of

Sa-choong Doo.

77CChhaapptteerr 55.. The Mulberry Tree Street76 Daegu Alleyway

A Chinese Feng-Shui expert Naturalized in Daegu

Sa-chung Doo was a well-known geometric geographer in China,

which was then known as “Ming” (The Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644).

Geometric geographers studied principles not only for making

residential location views but also for finding auspicious locations

for tombs. He first came to Korea, then known as “Joseon”, in

1592, during the “Im-jin War” (Japanese invasion of Korea in

1592). After fighting in several wars, he decided to become

naturalized in Daegu because he felt that his country would soon

collapse.

Sa-chung Doo was the 21th descendant of Bo Doo, known as a

poet of the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). Sa-chung Doo often met

with Korean celebrities such as Cheol Jeong, Sung-ryong Ryu,

Hang-bok Lee, and Admiral Sunsin Lee.

This is the tale of Sa-chung Doo who was the best geometric

geographer from Ming. After settling down in Daegu with his two

sons, he longed to return to Ming for the rest of his life.

●●The decision to become a nationalized Joseon citizen

After arriving at the Amnok river which was the border between

Joseon and Ming, he suddenly stopped to say “I would rather be

here in Joseon than become a subordinate to a barbaric emperor of

the Manchurians1).”

He also told General Lin Jin that Ming would not be prosperous

any more so he hoped to live in Joseon for the rest of his life. No

one discouraged him from his intention to become naturalized in

Joseon. He remained in Joseon with his two sons, leaving his wife

alone in Ming. It is said that he was so impressed with Joseon while

in battle that he made this drastic decision. In 1592, he first arrived

in Joseon and later visited there again as a top Feng-Shui advisor to

General Lin Jin, the commander in chief of the Chinese troops and

his brother-in-law as well.

General Lin Jin and Sa-chung Doo became very close to Admiral

Sun-sin Lee, one of the greatest soldiers in Korean history. Admiral

Lee dedicated a poem to Doo as a token of friendship. In return,

Doo searched for a grave site for Admiral Lee after he was killed in

a battle. However, 16 years after Lee was buried, his grave was

moved to another location. The most important aspect is that the

Ming Dynasty had been taken over by the Qing Dynasty2) since

Doo became naturalized. It was just as he foresaw.

1) At that time, the Manchurians had emerged as a great threat to the Ming Dynasty. 2) The last dynasty of China


●●Settlement in Daegu: a perfect and prosperous location

bringing great luck and fortune

Most of the people in Joseon were very excited about his

naturalization. It was because a distinguished geometric geographer

from Ming was eager to live in Joseon. King Seonjo (1552-1608)3)

treated him with respect, saying “You can live anywhere you

want.” Surprisingly, Sa-chung Doo requested to live in Daegu. The

king felt bewildered because he expected Sa-chung Doo would

want to settle down in Hanyang (Seoul), the capital of Joseon.

“When I came to Daegu, I found it an ideal area which is the

perfect spot I had been dreaming of.” After hearing his statement,

King Seonjo allowed him to live there.

Sa-chung Doo thought that the vital force of Daegu started from

Mt. Biseol, and ran through Mt. Choijeong (now known as Mt.

Dae-deok) till Mt. Ami (now known as Namsan-dong).

Therefore, the nearby area within one thousand steps from Mt.

Ami was thought to be a lucky and prosperous land. That's why he

wanted to live in the central area of Daegu.

Because he was very interested in Daegu, he quickly became

familiar with the area. He strongly believed that Daegu was better

than any other area. After his arrival, he continued exploring the

terrain of the country while looking for good locations for living

and burial. He was involved in deciding on good grave locations for

some dignitaries during his life.

The first place he settled down in Daegu later became the site for

Gyeongsang Gamyoung (Provincial Office), which had been a

political building where governor and prominent chief officers had

formerly held office. As he anticipated, the site for Gyeongsang

Gamyoung was ‘a lucky land,’ generating a lot of money each day.

He built a house and lived the place and later moved to the place

now called Gyesan-dong. Later, Gyesan-dong became known for

not only wealth but also a traffic hub in town. Today, Gyeongsang

Gamyoung park was made to preserve the Gyeongsang Gamyoung

area.

●●Planting Mulberry Trees

After moving to Gyesan-dong, Sa-chung Doo became worried

about the empty field he was given.

What should I do with this land?

Finally, Sa-chung Doo called his two sons.

▲The place where Sa-choong Doo first lived in when he came to Daegu. He said thisplace will bring great fortune. Now the place is changed into Kyunsang Gamyung Park.

3) The 14th king of Joseon


What do you think about this problem?

Neither of his sons seem to have a solution. As time went by, they

became worried about it.

After a few days, Sa-chung Doo called his sons again and told

them his idea that Clothes are the most difficult problem the

people in Joseon are facing. As you may have already witnessed,

people are almost freezing to death during the winter.

I decided to plant mulberry trees on the land which the king has

given to me. On the mulberry tree, I am going to raise silkworms

by feeding them mulberry leaves and help those who are without

clothing during the winter.

Sa-chung Doo planted mulberry trees and later his family started

weaving silk by hand for a living. That is the reason Gyesan-dong

was called the Mulberry Tree Street.

Sa-chung Doo moved to near Mt. Choijeong (now known as Mt.

Dae-deok), and changed his pen name to Mo-myung, which means

longing for Ming. The area where Doo lived is now called

Daemyeong-dong, which means the wish to return to Ming for the

rest of his life. He was homesick for his mother land but died in

Daegu.

▲A mural painted on a wall at Mulberry Tree Street showing the love story of Sa-choong Doo.


The love story of Sa-choong Doo and a widow

Between Gyesan Cathedral and the surrounding area has been

called the Mulberry Street. Here is a story about Sa-chung Doo and

a widow who love each other.

One day, while working at a Mulberry tree, he saw a beautiful

woman pounding rice in a mortar and fell in love at first sight. His

son visited the woman and realized she was a widow. Sa-choong

Doo and the widow fell in love and got married.

Although we cannot find the place where the old mulberry trees

and the village used to be, the street is still called the Mulberry

Street. There is a wall painting which represents his love story with

the widow.

Longing for Ming, Mo-myung Shrine established by

descendants

Sa-choong Doo s is buried in Manchon-dong behind Mo-myung

Shrine which was built to commemorate his achievements. Mo-

myung means longing for his country. In the front yard, there is a

stone grave marker with words written by In-soo Lee, a 7th

descendant of Admiral Soon-sin Lee. We can infer that the

descendants of Lee and Doo had a special relationship with each

other for a long time.

▲Mo-myung Shrine is built to celebrate Sa-choong Doo. It is located at Manchon-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu. A poem written by Soon-sin Lee for Sa-choong Doo ishanged on the five pillars of Mo-myung Shirne.

▲ There is the tomb of Sa-choong Doo on the hill behind Mo-myung Shrine. Theplace is known for bringing on energy and prosperity for nation.

The First Presbyterian

Church of Daegu

(Jae-il Church)

Chapter 06


The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu

(Jae-il church) is where a missionary,

William Baird, spread the gospel and it was

also used as a base for the North

American presbyterian missionaries in

Daegu. It was the first Protestant church in

Daegu and North Gyeongsang province.

The initial location of the church was in the

area of the Medicine Market (

Yangnyeongsi), Namsung Avenue. The

entire church was built in a gothic style and

it has been designated as Daegu Tangible

Cultural Property No. 30.

There is Kyonam (another name for

Yeongnam) YMCA across from the First

Presbyterian Church of Daegu. It is an

historic place where an Independence

Movement organization was established on

September 15, 1918 during the Japanese

colonial period.

86 Daegu Alleyway 87CChhaapptteerr 66.. The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu (Jae-il Church)

I am a church.... Blessed are they

On April, 22, 1893, Minister, William

M. Baird, an ardent missionary,

established the First Presbyterian

Church of Daegu. He arrived at Incheon

on February 1, 1891, and started to

preach in Busan. He moved to Daegu

shortly thereafter.

In January 1896, Minister Baird

purchased land (about 1,380m2) owned

by Won-sik Jung, five straw roofed

houses and one tiled roof house.

After he repaired these houses, he

used these places as his first chapel.

This place was also used as a base for

the North American Presbyterian

missionaries.

After he moved to Seoul in 1896, his

brother in law, James E. Adams, and his

wife took charge of the church

replacing Baird in 1897.

The number of believers was growing so rapidly that a second

church building was built. The construction of this church began in

July 1907 and finished in 1908 as a one-story chapel.

This church had several names such as Nammunan Chapel, Daegu

Eup Church (Daegu Town Church), or Namsungjeong church.

Finally, because of the number of fast growing believers, a third

church building was constructed by Minister Jae-hwa Choi in 1933.

In 1936, Deaconess Ju-yeol Lee and other members of the

congregation donated money to construct a five story bell tower

(about 33m tall).

This church was the biggest one in the region south of the Han

River. During this time, the name of the church was changed from

Namsungjeong Chapel to the First Presbyterian Church of Daegu.

This church is a two story building made with red bricks in a

blended style of Korean and Western architecture. It is Daegu

Tangible Cultural Property Number 30. Currently, this church

building is located at the entrance of the Medicine Market

(Yangnyeongsi) and used as a missionary hall.

The following story of the First Presbyterian Church of Daegu”

is about Missionary William Baird who preached for the first time

in Daegu, Deacon Yu-yeol Lee who contributed her property, and

the first baptized person Ja-myeong Seo.

●●Missionary, William Baird, spreads the gospel!!

“I am a church which guides people on the right path. Blessed is

faithful Baird.”

The farther he walked up the mountain pass, the rougher the

89CChhaapptteerr 66.. The First Presbyterian Church of Daegu (Jae-il Church)88 Daegu Alleyway

mountain was. Nevertheless, many people

still walked up the steep mountain pass.

Baird was greatly surprised because he

heard that the mountain pass called Eight

Man Pass (Paljo-ryeong) was so rough that

people would cross over the pass in tears.

“This is the shortest way to get to Daegu.

That’s why lots of people with heavy

baggage use this pass. Sometimes, it is so

crowded that we may lose our mind.”

Gyeong-jo Seo rambles on about the meaning of the Paljo-ryeong

pass. Although the pass was the shortest, it was really dangerous

because of thieves. At least 8 people needed to travel together to

protect themselves.

“This is a blessing, Saint Peter and Paul also walked around like

this” said Baird. “Yes, Missionary, you are right,” said Seo. He

started to tell a folk tale to Baird.

“Missionary, a long time ago, there was a spring of alcohol

beyond that southern ridge. Anyone who drank alcohol didn’t need

to worry about meeting disaster on the trip. But people said, only

one glass of alcohol was allowed. If you drink more than one glass,

the spring will go dry. Everyone followed the rule but one governor

broke the rule and drank two glasses of alcohol and he said ‘only

one glass for the lower class, noblemen can drink a lot’ “

“So what happened?”

“The governor went down the mountain and died suddenly.”

“Ah... I learned that excessive greed makes things worse from

your tale. When I planned to preach the word of God, I’ve thought

that I can promote Christianity well, and educate from the

beginning. But now I know that I want to be a neighbor who shares

the word of God rather than a missionary or teacher to the Korean

people. I really want to be a friend of the Korean people.”

“That’s why you changed your name to Wee-ryang Bae. I heard

you and your brother-in-law made Korean names.” Seo said.

“You are right. I believe that if I work hard, my purpose will be

realized.”

Later, William Baird built several churches in different cities in

Korea and he is remembered as the first western missionary to the

people.

●● To build a bell tower: devotion of senior deaconess

Ju-yeol Lee.

‘I am a church and a neighbor who consoles my people. I wish the

best of luck to Ju-yeol Lee who is a devout Christian.’

Her age was 62. She was skinny and small. She seemed to be

lacking in energy but her mind was very comfortable.

“Minister, how’s the progress of the bell tower construction? Is

everything OK?”

“Yes, don’t worry about that, please.”

“Did you have enough building

materials?”

“Deacon, we have enough materials. You

already gave us a lot, didn’t you?

She had already donated a very large

amount of rice paddies to construct a

church without any hesitation.

▲Reverend WilliamM. Baird

▲Deaconess Ju-yeol Lee


“Senior deaconess, I know that it was difficult for you to prepare

that land.”

“Yes, it was quite difficult. I really had a tough time preparing all

of it by myself.”

“Yes, I know, the church knows, God also knows. We really

appreciate what you've done so far,” the minister said.

“Minister, what kind of bell sound will we hear after the bell

tower is built?”

“Well... I think, it will sound like the voice of God in Genesis.”

“Can I hear it before I die?”

“Of course, you must be able to hear it.”

“(smiling) No, Minister, I am an old woman, I am just acting like

a child in front of a servant of God. I should die first, and I will get

praise from God later.”

“Oh.. you are a mother to all believers.”

“Thank you”

“I guess I should thank you. The church will never forget you.”

After she graduated from Bible school, Ju-yeol Lee devoted much

of her life to the foundation of Women s Evangelistic Group inside

the congregation as a president. She also served as a parish clerk, a

Sunday school teacher, and deaconess.

As a deaconess, she donated a large amount of rice paddies to

build the bell tower of the third church. But she died right before

the bell tower was finished, on December 9, 1936 at the age of 63.

●● Ja-myeong Seo, the first baptized member of the first

Presbyterian Church of Daegu

Ja-myeong sat in distress on his knees on the bare ground and

members of his family scolded him sternly.

“We can not accept you as a family member as long as you stick

to Christianity.”

“But.......”

“What kind of family is our family? Our ancestors pledged our

loyalty to the nation and they did everything they could for their

parents. Our family is a prestigious family. A Christian won’t be

tolerated any more. You have disgraced our family’s name. It is

time you should choose between being a member of our family and

being a Christian.”

“Uncle, Christians retain their loyalty to the nation and they are

also good sons and daughters to their parents. Maybe Christians are

more honest and truth-worthy.”

“Not another word out of you! You should make your decision by

the end of the month.”

They walked out on him and never let him talk. Wan-sick Jung

who was waiting for him outside the house was genuinely sorry.

“What do you intend to do?”

▲ Ja-myeong Seo is the first person from the left on the firstrow, wearing a got hat.


“I have already made up my mind.”

I thought so. If you endure and try hard, you will bear abundant

fruit some day and your family would finally be so proud of you. I

don't doubt you will achieve it.

“Wan-sick, although I have a smattering knowledge of the Bible, I

can see plainly... My neighbors are very weary. I will help them

heal at Jaejungwon (currently, Dongsan Medical Center). I don’t

think missionary Baird did his first missionary work by chance at

the Medicine Market Street in the city of Daegu. I think it is the

will of god that you should help my neighbors suffering from their

physical distress.”

“You’re right. God will always be with you...

Ja-myeong was first baptized into the First Presbyterian Church of

Daegu. He was the first fruit gained through Adams and Johnson’s

missionary works. Ja-myeong cut his topknot on his head after he

met Jesus, it was firm evidence that he was determined. He

accepted both Christianity and Enlightenment at the same time.

Even though he was thrown out of his conservative family, he

kept his religious beliefs. He would become the first baptized

Presbyterian in Daegu.

When Johnson opened Jaejungwon (currently, Dongsan Medical

Center), he employed Ja-myeong as a medical assistant and a

missionary. When Johnson was absent from his duty owing to

illness for weeks, he would keep the hospital open thanks to Ja-

myeong’s help. Johnson said, Ja-myeong wasn’t a logical

preacher, but he was a popular preacher because he had a sense of

humor, the ability to laugh at yourself or the situation. Nobody can

surpass his wit and passion.

◀The First Presbyterian Church ofDaegu built in 1933 in Namsung-ro isdesignated as an important tangibleproperty of Daegu for its historicimportance of being an early redbrick Gothic building in the city. It isnow used as a missionary hall of theFirst Presbyterian Church of Daegu.

▶The new First Presbyterian Churchof Daegu on Dong-san. It isconstructed on the site of 160,000m2.


Kyonam YMCA, a holy place for the Protestant churches

in Daegu.

There is Kyonam YMCA across from the First Presbyterian

Church of Daegu and it is a historical place for the Protestant

churches in Daegu. Before and after the March 1st Independence

Movement, the Protestant churches of Daegu were a primary agent

for social change. When Korea was under Japanese colonial rule,

the youth filled with patriotism came to the forefront as leaders for

the Independence Movement.

Kyonam YMCA was a core organization of the regional

Independence Movement. Kyonam YMCA was established on

September 15, 1918 during the Japanese colonial period. It was the

second YMCA founded after Seoul YMCA in Korea.

The first president of the association was Man-jip Lee who was a

minister at the First Presbyterian Church of Daegu. Tae-ryun Kim

was the first manager. The number of the members of the

organization was about one hundred.

Man-jip Lee and a lot of members were arrested only 6 months

after its founding because they led the March 1st Independence

Movement. After that, Kyonam YMCA devoted all its energy to

make local citizens’ awareness through a range of activities such as

an enlightenment campaign, vocational training and volunteer

activities for rural communities.

Kyonam YMCA was a two-story house built in a western style

made of red bricks. Kyonam YMCA founded Young-shin

Girls’School to promote education for women. Kyonam YMCA

continued to conduct many campaigns such as Enlightenment

Movement and Temperance Movement, and operate a night school

to study the Bible.

Kyonam YMCA received authorization from the Ministry of

Culture and Information under the name of Daegu YMCA on

December 29, 1956. Daegu YMCA was moved to a new building

that has four floors in the 1960s. It is located across from Central

Security Center in Deoksan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu. Ever since then,

Daegu YMCA has led new cultural movements and trained leaders

for citizens’ campaigns.

Daegu (Kyonam) YMCA celebrated its 90th birthday in

September, 2008.

▲Kyonam YMCA building in front of the First Prestyerian Church of Daegu at Namsung-ro.

Yangyeongsi Medicine

Market Museum of

Oriental Medicine

Chapter 07


The Yangyeongsi Medicine Market

Museum of Oriental Medicine has been

an important tourist attraction since it

was established in 1985. The Medicine

Market Street used to be the largest

center of the oriental medicine industry

in Korea. In an effort to preserve,

inherit, and develop the tradition of the

oriental medicine culture, the Museum

continues to provide a variety of hands-

on health experience programs. Visitors

can learn the 350-year-old tradition in

the history of Yangyeongsi Medicine

Market Street, experiencing multiple

exhibitions and hands-on programs.

There are also two intriguing stories:

the governor Eu-baek Lim's

establishment of the original

Yangyeongsi Medicine Market and a

great merchant Hong-jo Kim.

99CChhaapptteerr 77.. Yangyeongsi Medicine Market Museum of Oriental Medicine98 Daegu Alleyway

Did the Daedong Law1)

cause the Medicine Market to open?

●●Governor Eu-baek Lim's drastic decision

Located in Namseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, Medicine Market

(Yangyeongsi) gives off the deep smell of oriental medicine. It has

been renowned for a variety of objects and stores related to oriental

medicine since it was established in 1658. The oriental medicine

shops and the tea houses that sell ginseng and herbal teas prosper

on the Medicine Market Street and the total number of the stores

related to oriental medicine is over 350 on the street.

With its long history of over 350 years, there are many stories

about the Medicine Market. Most interesting among those stories

are stories about the Daedong Law and the Medicine Market. The

market was not first held at the Medicine Market Street (Yakjeon-

golmok) but in front of a guesthouse of the Gyeongsang Provincial

Office. The event took place twice a year in spring and autumn. As

its scale became bigger, the popularity of the event quickly spread

throughout the country.

There are several stories about the

origin of the Medicine Market, one

which is closely related to the

Daedong Law. In the 17th century,

the Law took effect all over the

country. Under the law, the central

government could make its people

to offer rice as a tribute to the nation

replacing other tributary products.

While the central government

became able to collect plenty of

rice, the government inevitably

faced a lack of specialty products.

In need of a wide variety of

specialities, the central government

made local officials to work closely

with local merchants to provide

▲Daegu MedicineMarket Street started in1658 when Eu-baek Im,the governor ofGyeongsang Province,opened the medicinemarket in spring andautumn every year. Thephoto is the scenery ofthe Medicine Market inthe 1930s. Medicinemerchants from all overthe country used togather to the Market.

1) A kind of tax payment policy which allowed people to pay their taxes using localproduce such as rice or other specialities.


specialty products to the central government. Eventually, this new

trend considerably boosted the operation of merchants nationwide.

With the implementation of the Daedong Law, the flow of

currency and commodities was rapidly growing and even the

established order of social status was disintegrating.

Due to these considerable changes, there were several problems

with medical products from Chung-cheonng Province. Though the

Province had been the center of medical products, it was not able to

provide enough amount of medical products to the government.

This is mainly because the implementation of the Daedong Law

contributed to significantly reducing the circulation of medical

products, a specialty product of the province.

As the central government felt the urgent need of a new supply

channel, it turned its eye to Gyeongsang Province where the

government had yet implemented the Law. People in Gyeongsang

Province became heavily burdened because of the government’s

demand of a significant amount of quality medical products.

Eu-back Lim, the governor of Gyeongsang Province, was

responsible for providing high quality medical products to the

central government but failed to meet the government’s expectation

at first. He was severely scolded by the central government for the

poor quality of some products he had tributed to the king.

To solve this problem, Lim tried to find a reliable way to stably

collect and provide good medical products. He planned to open a

market specializing in herbal medicine and medical products. This

was the origin of the Medicine Market and its size steadily began to

grow.

According to the records, the number of buyers came to the

Market from all over the country reached 10,000 in 1904.

Despite its prosperity, the Medicine Market faced a crisis because

the Japanese destroyed the main building and the guesthouse of

Gyeongsang Gamyeong in 1908 which is one year after they

destroyed the Daegu City Wall. As a result, the place for the

Medicine Market was gone.

People in Daegu, however, tried to preserve the Medicine Market

on their own under the Japanese colonial regime. Thanks to their

efforts, they could relocate and rebuild the Medicine Market on

Namseong-ro in the fall of 1908. The market street is called

Yakjeon-golmok (Medicine Market Street or Alleyway).

●●Hong-jo Kim, a well-known merchant to China

As the Medicine Market Street became more popular, a few shop

owners became the leaders of the market. Most of them were

merchants or physicians, who exerted great influence over the

market operation. In particular, the merchants responsible for

mediating commercial transactions with merchants from other

regions became quite powerful.

They ran a variety of businesses: wholesaling, warehousing

services, and financing. Merchants purchased things and stocked

them before putting them on the market.

In addition, they were directly involved in providing merchants

from other areas with lodging and boarding. In a sense, they took

charge as market managers for the market economy, keeping

supply and demand in balance.

Among the merchants, Hong-jo Kim called ‘a great merchant’

became well-known for having a acute sense of business, and his


reputation widely spread beyond the border to China.

He did business with merchants from all over the country while

running his own pharmaceutical business, and he continued to

expand into other fields. Kim possessed six warehouses and

operated a number of guesthouses, where he provided merchants

from other regions with lodging and boarding services with over 40

employees.

It seemed that Kim could succeed in business due to people's

reliance on him. He focused on gaining credibility with his

customers. There was a common practice at that time among

dealers who made payments for goods to merchants several months

or one year later. However, Kim was always punctual when paying

his debts.

●● Into the Museum of Oriental Medicine at Yangyeongsi

The Museum of Oriental Medicine was built in 1985. The second

floor is composed of a hands-on experience zone with oriental

medicine, and an oriental medicine well-being zone.

The museum has a variety of spaces where visitors are able to

have unique experiences like learning the principles of oriental

medicine and exploring the characteristics of their own body.

At a zone, visitors can learn the origin and features of Korean

medicine and the principle of Yin Yang (known in Korea as

“eumyang” which is shade and light) and the five elements (fire,

wood, water, metal and earth, known in Korea as the “Five Element

Theory”).

At the ‘hands-on oriental medicine zone,’ anyone interested in

herbal medicine health is able to learn about herbal medicine such

▲Visitors can see the 350-year history of Yangyeongsi and the Medicine MarketStreet. Also, there are many special activities to let visitors enjoy and help themunderstand more about herbal medicine.

◀A photo of Medicinal HerbGarden on the second floor of theMuseum of Oriental Medicine. Theplace is decorated with medicinalherbs and plants. Visitors can see theexplanations of the components andcharacteristics of medicinal herbs.


OOppeenniinngg HHoouurrss

OOppeenniinngg DDaayyss

AAddmmiissssiioonn FFeeee

TTeell

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday through Sunday (It closes on Mondays,

on January 1, Lunar New Year Day and Autumn

Evening which is referred to as Full Moon in China)

Free

(053) 253-4729, 253-3359

Museum Information

as the way to check on their physical state, ways to get healthier

and make adjustments for their daily life.

On the third floor, visitors are able to view the history and culture

of the Medicine Market. Visitors can find a hands-on experience

room for Oriental Medicine Culture as well as places for buying

oriental medical products.

There are also various other facilities, such as a medical herb

garden where a selection of medical herbs grow. The oriental

medicine culture zone shows plants, animals and even minerals

and illustrates the process of sorting out medical materials and the

methods of dealing with them.

The Yeongnam

Great Route

Chapter 08


The Yeongnam Great Route, or

Yeongnam-daero, was one of the

principal roads of Korea during the

Joseon Dynasty, 1392-1910. It ran

between Hanseong (modern-day Seoul)

and Dongnae (modern-day Busan).

More generally, it served to connect

Gyeongsang Province to the capital. It

takes its name from Yeongnam, an

alternate name for Gyeongsang

Province. In addition to officials and

merchants, the road was used by

scholars from Gyeongsang on their

way to and from the national

examinations held in the capital.

Much of the course of the road was

destroyed in the course of the 20th

century. However, a few small

stretches have been preserved.

109CChhaapptteerr 88.. The Yeongnam Great Route108 Daegu Alleyway

The old road to Seoul,used by merchants and scholars

“Daedongyeo map”, which Jong-ho Kim made in 1861 shows the

paths our ancestors used and the “Yeongnam Great Route” is

shown on the map.

There were nine main roads to connect Seoul to each region in the

Joseon Dynasty. The most popular route among them was the

Yeongnam Great Route connecting Yeongnam region to Seoul. If

you see Daedongyeo map, the Yeongnam Great Route connected

Busan, Daegu, Mungyeong-saejae, Chungju and Yongin to Seoul.

The length was about 380km. In fact, when people walked from

Busan to Seoul, it took about 14 days. Although the old road has

disappeared, the memory of its past remains. There are several

symbolic sections of the Yeongnam Great Route in Daegu.

The part of the route ran outside of the Daegu City Wall between

its West Gate and South Gate. At that time, the surrounding area of

the City Wall consisted of the street corners between the West Gate

Market (Seomun Market) and the South Gate Market (Nammun

Market) and an open market flourished there.

Various stores, accommodations, and restaurants lined the road.

Gradually, the street became the center of business in Daegu.

Commoners and rural people lined up to trade goods and some

people who had business inside the City Wall even stayed

overnight in the accomodations. There were two classes of people

who were travelling from and to Seoul in Gyeongsang Province.

One was merchants and the other was scholars to take Gwageo

(the State Examination to select government officials) in Seoul.

That's why sometimes the street along the City Wall was called the

Gwageo Street. The Daegu City Wall was completely destroyed by

imperialist Japan in 1907. Then big main roads opened in its place.

The look of many alley ways changed when the Daegu City Wall

was destroyed. The current Namseong Avenue was also one of the

main roads.

In 1908, when the Gyeongsang Provincial Office was destroyed,

there occurred big changes in Namseong Avenue. Since King

▲ The Yeongnam Great Route located at a place used to be called Abbakgul inGyesan-dong, Junggu, Daegu. The mural in the photo depicts merchants and literati.(From The Sourcebook of 52 Daegu Scenery Resources)


Hyojong in 1658, the Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market was held in

front of the Gyeongsang Provincial Office twice a year during

spring and autumn. The market eventually moved to Namseong

Avenue because it lost its site as the Gyeongsang Provincial Office

building was destroyed. The new Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market

opened, and the oriental medicine shops started to open along

Namseong Avenue.

However, a part of the Yeongnam Great Route became a narrow

alleyway because many houses were densely constructed along the

street. Although the street changed into an alleyway, it was still

used as a main road. After the new Yangyeongsi Medicine Market

became more established, the place became crowded with

merchants trading medicine. Therefore, many inns were built for

the peddlers. After that the original function of the Yeongnam

Great Route dwindled, and the new Yangyeongsi Medicine Market

strengthened. However, the route remained crucial for the success

of the market.

The characteristic of the Yeongnam Great Route, especially the

Daegu section, was that the street was scattered with several

traditional markets. If you follow the road, you can meet Bongduk

Market, Bongsan Market, Yeommae Market (discount market), the

Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market, and Seomun Market.

Especially, Yeommae Market formed naturally by the increasing

number of street stalls, inns located in an alleyway outside the ex-

City Wall as the Wall was destroyed.

There had been about 300 stores crowded together before Donga

Shopping Center was constructed. Currently, only about 50 stores

and restaurants which specialize in Tteok (rice cake), fish, fruit,

vegetables and porridge are in business. They carry on a tradition

market along 200 meters of Namseong Avenue and the southern

part of Dongseong Avenue 3.

The Tteok (rice cake) road became popular after many shops

became permanent. When the Tteok road was formed, North

Korean refugees began to sell Tteok (rice cake) on the sidewalks

▲ The Tteok (rice cake) street in Yeommae Market.


near Yeommae Market. The market became a permanent

establishment in the form of street stalls to the west of the current

Donga Shopping Center in the 1960s.

However, after Donga Shopping Center was established in 1984,

the Tteok stalls lost their place and spread out to different

alleyways near Donga Shopping Center. Finally, Tteok (rice cake)

alley receded more and more. Then Samsung Finance Plaza was

built, so Tteok (rice cake) alley lost its footing. The final blow was

the construction of Hyundai Department Store. Most of the Tteok

stalls had been located where the department store building was

being built, and had to move to a new location on Jongro Street.

Fortunately, because of its long reputation, customers continue to

visit.

If you go into the alley outside of the ex-City Wall on the

Yeongnam Great Route, you can see traces of an old inn. In the

early days, tired travelers stayed overnight at Gyeongin inn,

Keisung inn and Ansung inn. Gyeongin inn is the previous name of

the current Sungju store. The exterior of the old building attracts

the public's gaze, and the old Korean style house is interesting.

When we pass by the pillar and stand below the low ceiling of the

house, we can imagine noisy merchants from other cities buying

medicine.

A renowned Korean poet, Chi-hwan Yu, wrote a poem At

Daegu related to his father who was an oriental medical doctor.

His father visited the Yangyeongsi Medicine Market and

sometimes grabbed a bite to eat at a tavern in an alley.

A huge mural was painted on the wall of Suhyup Bank (Bank of

the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives) at the suggestion

of the Jung-gu City Development Support Center. There is a sign

about the Yeongnam Great Route and a symbolic sculpture built

behind Hyundai Department Store. Since the alley way has

changed, young people flock to this area and the business district is

also being revitalized.

▲ If you go through the rice cake street heading to the Yeongnam Great Rout, you willmeet the site of old inns. The picture is Sungju store where Gyeongin inn used to be.

Jong-ro

Chapter 09


The meaning of the name 'Jong-ro' is

'a street that rings bells to tell time."

The street started from the Yeongnam

First Gate. After Daegu's

modernization, ringing bells stopped.

Jong-ro used to be the headquarter of

Chinese residents and Gisaeng. The

street was also famous for furniture

dealers. After modernization, the

street was abandoned, but it is now

reformed as a tourist attraction where

bears the history of Daegu.

117CChhaapptteerr 99.. Jong-ro116 Daegu Alleyway

A talented Gisaeng1) worried about hercountry under the colonial rule of Japan

Jong-ro was once known for Gisaeng and the places where they

worked: Gyobang parlours during the rule of Gyeongsang

Provincial Office and later Yojung restaurants from the Japanese

occupation period until the early 1980s. Although Gisaeng

belonged to a lower class, they were considered as a highly cultured

being. In particular, most of them were proficient in not only

singing and dancing but also painting and poetry.

Among the Gisaeng, Aeng-mu was extraordinary, gorgeous, and

versatile. It is interesting to note that there were two people whose

names were ‘Aeng-mu’. One was a person in “Joseon

Haeeohwasa2)” written by Neong-hwa Lee. The book told her

stories of love and farewell with Cheon-bo Lee, who served as a

governor of Gyeongsang Province.

The other ‘Aeng-mu’ was a famous Gisaeng in Daegu. At that

time there were three famous things in Daegu, Byung-oh Seo,

Dalseung Mud Fortress, and Aeng-mu. She greatly contributed to

the National Debt Repayment

Movement3), making a generous

donation. Here is the story about

Aeng-mu, the famous Gisaeng in

Daegu.

●● Aeng-mu’s romance with

Governor of Gyeongsang

Province

Aeng-mu excelled in writing,

painting, and poetry, which caught

men’s attention. She became more

brilliant, outstanding and dignified

than others as if she had been a

descendant of the yangban.4)

She had a good command of

language skills as well as

astonishing beauty. That’s why she

drew a lot of attention from sons of

noble families, but she wasn’t

interested in any of them. Aeng-mu

1) Gisaeng was officially sanctioned Korean female entertainer whose function was toentertain customers who were ruling class men, and made a feast more enjoyable.

2) History of Joseon Haeeohwa. Haeeohwa means ‘flower who understands words’.

3) The National Debt Repayment Movement was a movement by the people of the KoreanEmpire to repay their country's debt through collecting individual donations. It wasstarted by Sang-don Seo of Daegu on January 30, 1907. At that time the national debtwas 13 million won. At the movement's height in 1908, it had assessed 190,000.

4) Yangban were part of the traditional ruling class or nobles of the Joseon Dynasty.Yangban were either landed or unlanded aristocracy who embodied the KoreanConfucian idea of “scholarly official.” Basically, they were administrators andbureaucrats who formed old Korea's traditional agrarian bureaucrats until the long-lastingregime of Joseon Dynasty ended in 1904.

▲Gisaengs were modern artirtswho were proficient in not onlysinging and dancing but alsopainting and poetry.


remained only interested in Cheon-bo Lee, the governor of

Gyeongsang Province.

Lee used to chant and engage in poem recitation with Gisaeng as

a pastime. However, most of them did not want to make direct eye

contact with him because of his high social status and an air of

great dignity.

One hot summer day, he called upon all government Gisaengs to

hold a poetry meeting. He spontaneously recited a poem called

“Deongwang gakseo” in front of the Gisaengs. After his turn was

over, Aeng-mu was asked to chant a poem. Her skills of performing

verse, dancing and singing were distinctively superior to those of

her colleagues. Lee was fascinated by her outstanding performance

as well as her beauty. He frequently visited to see Aeng-mu and

they got to know each other.

During his tenure, Lee cherished her a lot. It seemed that the

relationship between them went beyond their social status as an

officer and an entertainer.

Before leaving Daegu, Lee was given a poem about how sad she

felt for saying goodbye. It is said that Cheon-bo Lee rewarded her

with one-hundred bags of rice in appreciation of her dedication of a

poem to him.

●● Another Aeng-mu wanted to become more than a

Gisaeng for her nation 200 years later.

Among the Gisaeng, Aeng-mu was much more remarkable than

any other. Amazingly, she focused on helping the country and

indeed rendered distinguished services for it. In many ways, she

was a dedicated patriot. For example, she often advised her

coworkers that they should devote themselves to the country in

order to recover sovereign power from Japan's colonial rule.

Despite her belonging to a lower class, she herself contributed to

the recovery of the country and put her ideas into action as well.

In 1904, the Japanese atrocities committed against Korea came to

a climax causing the Korean Empire to be in a predicament and the

Empire became powerless. Particularly, Japan forced Korea to

introduce a loan policy so that Japan could have the authority to

dominate Korea by driving Korea into a corner economically.

Eventually, its total debt amounted to around 13 million won.

In 1907, some determined figures in Daegu collaborated to find a

solution to repay the 13 million won debt. In an effort to pay off the

debt, they volunteered to collect individual donations such as

jewelry and even cash which people sacrificed from their own

living expenses. After hearing the news, Aeng-mu felt a strong

responsibility in the recovery of the country’s sovereignty from

Japan. She advised her friends to take part in the National Debt

Repayment Movement. As a result, she played an important role in

raising funds.

▶An article of April 24, 1937 about Nong-sanYeom who made a large amount of contribution toKyonam School. She was actively involved insocial movements at that time. Both Nong-sanYeom and Aeng-mu were Gisaeng and they areassumed to be the same person.


At that time, the donation center was crowded with only men. It

was almost unthinkable for women to participate in social activities

because Korea was a conservative male-dominated society. Few

women were given the opportunity to do official duties.

In spite of the adverse conditions, she was willing to donate one-

hundred won, which was almost equivalent to the value of a house

at that time.

As the news of her activities rapidly spread throughout the

country, Gisaeng from around the region showed up to join the

movement. Some leaders of the movement, touched by her

patriotism, promised to make big donations.

Although her profession was an entertainer, she became more of a

fighter who tried to achieve something important in difficult

circumstances. She was a good role model who devoted herself to

the country though she was a Gisaeng.

Jong-ro,’a Street of Gisaeng

Jong-ro was famous as Street of Gisaeng . After the Daegu City

Wall was demolished, Jong-ro gradually lost its function as the

central passageway of the city. However, it became famous for Yo-

jeong restaurants which led the nightlife culture of the city.

The background of Daegu s being called as City of Yo-jeong is

closely related to the Japanese Colonial rule. In 1904, as the

railroad was constructed in Daegu, many Japanese came to Daegu

and many restaurants opened up near Daegu Station.

When the state Gisaeng system was abolished in April 1909,

Gisaengs formed the Daegu Gisaeng Association in May 1910 and

began to perform music and dance in those restaurants for their

living. Later, Daegu Kwonbun was established in June 1922 and

Dalseong Kwonbun (formal Daegu Gisaeng Association) in

January 1927. They became an agent for Gisaengs in Daegu, in

charge of training and supervising Gisaengs, and responsible for

recruiting customers and collecting fees called flower fee from

them.

Many restaurants in Daegu, managed by either Japanese or

Korean, were the work places for Gisaengs from Daegu Kwonbun

or Dalseong Kwonbun. As the Kwonbun system was abolished in

1942, the time of Kwonbun ended.

In the 1960s, Yo-jeong, a combination of restaurant and

Kwonbun, was open. Though Gisaengs received accommodations

and training in Yo-jeong, the quality of training deteriorated in

comparison with that of Kwonbun.

There were a number of Yo-jeong in Daegu since the 1950s until

the late 1980s. After the 1980s, the time of Yo-jeong began to

123CChhaapptteerr 99.. Jong-ro

The Yeongnam First Gate (Yeongnam Jaeil Gwan) was the

southern gate of the Daegu City Wall, which was in the center of

the four gates. The Yeongnam First Gate was connected to the

Daegu City Wall.

The Daegu City Wall was a symbolic and cultural place for

citizens life and culture. Unfortunately, the City Wall was

destroyed by the Japanese and a pro-Japanese group.

Joong-yang Park, the governor of Daegu and a pro-Japanese

leader, was deeply involved in the destruction. Joong-yang Park

had a special relationship with the Japanese colonizers and the

Japanese Resident Society in Daegu.

As the First “Sino-Japanese War” occurred, the Japanese army

entered Daegu in 1894. The Japanese army remained stationed in

Daegu after the war was over, and became reinforced during the

“Russo-Japanese War.”

In 1904, the Japanese organized the Japanese Resident Society in

Daegu, consisting of about 1,000 residents. One of the main

reasons for organizing the Japanese Resident Society was related to

the construction of the Seoul-Busan Railroad Line.

The man who destroys, and the man who is destroyed

122 Daegu Alleyway

wane. In the present, Gami located at Jong-ro 1ga, Jung-gu,

Daegu is the only remained Yo-jeong in the city. Its original name

was Shik-do-won in 1962, but it changed its name into Gami

in 1986.

There are more than 130 miniature Yo-jeongs displayed at the

entrance of Gami . Each miniature is illuminated respectively in

blue, red, or white according to its period. The display showcases

the 100 year history of Gisaengs in Daegu.

▲ ‘Gami’ located at Jong-ro is the only remaining Yo-jeong in the city. It wasoriginally named ‘Shik-do-won’ in 1962 and its name was changed to ‘Gami’ in 1986.


After the construction of Daegu station, the Japanese Resident

Society started to dominate commercial spaces near the station.

Eventually, in 1906, more than half of the land in the outskirts of

Daegu (outside of the Daegu City Wall) was occupied by the

Japanese. After the Japanese dominated Daegu, they insisted that

the Daegu City Wall should be pulled down because they argued it

impeded the development of the city.

However, the real purpose was to entirely take over Daegu. While

the Japanese were active outside the wall, they were restricted

whenever they tried to go inside the City Wall. To gain the real

power of the city, they had to occupy the inside of the Wall.

In the end, Park tore down the Wall without the king’s

permission. At midnight, he had workers from Busan destroy the

Wall. Afterwards he reported to the king but the king did not issue

permission since the destruction had no validity. When the royal

court heard the news, the Wall was already half destroyed. For

destroying the Wall the royal court decided to dismiss Joong-yang

Park from his position.

But Park was not dismissed from his post because of the

interference of Ito Hirobumi, who soon became the first Japanese

resident-general to Korea.

The southeast side of the Wall was torn down with the excuse that

the destruction cannot be suspended in 1907 because the Wall

could not be sustained as it was already half destroyed.

In 1908, the inns near Kyeongsang Province Office and the major

buildings were also destroyed and finally the golden age of the

Daegu City Wall was over. The stones from the wall were sold and

the Yeongnam First Gate was destroyed.

Here is the story, ‘Yeongnam First Gate’, based on the demolition

of the Daegu City Wall and the plot of Joong-yang Park and the

Japanese.

●●The night of the destroyers

“So, what is your plan?”

At night, Nakae whispered to Joong-yang Park and he responded

in a low tone.

“I think putting it into action without further contemplation is the

best plan.”

Though Park and Nakae rarely met, when they met, they usually

stayed all night for their meeting. It was their decision not to

associate with each other too often. It was clearly not a good idea

▲ The Yeongnam First Gate (Yeongnam Jaeil Gwan) was restored in Mangwoo Parkin 1980 and was open to the public in 2006.


that a governor of a city and a key member of the Japanese

Resident Society frequently meet in public, so they usually met at

night. They talked about various issues such as politics, economy,

and culture. It was possible because Park was fluent in Japanese.

“First, we should tear down only several weakest parts of the

Daegu City Wall to make the damage less conspicuous. Then we

say the Wall is time-worn and useless and suggest to completely

tear it down.”

“Excellent idea. But what about the king? Wouldn’t he object?”

“Of course, the king will be offended. But now everyone already

knows the king has no power. If he objects, I believe you will be

supported by Mr. Ito Hirobumi.”

“Terrific. The castle should be gone as soon as possible. Then the

Japanese will finally control the city.”

“I know. The restrictions will soon disappear after the Daegu City

Wall is gone.”

“Indeed. It bothers us all the time whenever the wall blocks our

ways into the City. Well, thank you, sir. I thank you on behalf of

not only the Japanese Resident Society but also the mainland of

Japan.”

“No worries. You and the Japanese Resident Society can trust

me.”

●●The day of the destroyed

“You are saying that Joong-yang Park, a mere county governor,

insulted me-his king and his government-but I cannot punish him?

“He is one of Ito's favorite persons, your majesty.”

“Do you think Ito is the king of this country?”

“Your majesty.”

“Do you think this country is the Korean Empire or the Japanese

Empire? Do you think the Daegu Fortress is just a wall? Do you

know how much effort has been put into it? It was built by Daegu

people with their bare hands. Even though the people knew it

would be hard to build the Fortress because of Daegu’s

geographical conditions, they built it anyway. Do you know why?

Because they wanted to bring peace and protection to their

families!”

“Your majesty.”

“The castle is only 170 years old. I mourn for myself. Now it is

being destroyed but there is nothing I can do...”

●●The day of the destroyers

“It is in progress. Your idea was truly brilliant Mr. Park. But there

is also strong opposition.”

“Of course there is. However, the commercial power is moving to

the Japanese.”

“We should do something about the opposition.”

“Well, I have an idea. We should destroy the Yeongnam First

Gate. The gate is the most important part of the fortress. Without

the gate, the fortress will lose its meaning for existence.”

●●The night of the destroyed

King Go-jong could not sleep at all.

“The Daegu Fortress was destroyed but it will be the entire nation

which will be destroyed in a near future.

Although the Yeongnam First Gate was restored, its

shape and size is an issue.

The Yeoungnam First Gate was restored in 1980, which is located

at Mangwoo Park. In 2006, it was opened to the public.


Now, Joong-yang Park is

selling the wall stones but one

day the Japanese are going to sell

our people.”

Thoughts kept him from sleep.

“I don’t know who I am. I

cannot do anything in my

country. So, I am not a king

because I cannot rule my

people.

▲The Yeongnam First Gate(Yeongnam Jaeil Gwan) was thesouthern gate of the Daegu CityWall. It used to be located at theintersection of the YangyeongsiMedicine Market. The monumentdescribing the ruins of YeongnamJaeil Gwan was erected at theintersection.

▲ The picture of The Yeoungnam First Gate was first made public in 1998 by Sung-gil Jung. The outside edges of both number 1 and number 2 were cut in the photo.However, the picture which Sung-gil Jung made public in 2010 shows that the eavesand machicolations (the parts shown in dotted line of round shapes) look prominently.The original hall of the gate on the second floor in the old photo had five rooms (orfive spans of intercolumniation) (number 3), but the restored one has only threerooms (number 5). Besides, the calligraphy style of the letters on the restoredsignboard is quite different from the original one.

1 2

3

5

4

4


The restoration of the Yeongnam First Gate has been criticized

that the restored gate is different from its original design. Because it

was not easy to verify its shape and size. Since there were almost

no photos or images of the Yeongnam First gate. Sung-gil Jung, a

researcher of old photos and an honorary director of Keimyung

University Dongsan Medical Center Museum, posted a photo in a

local newspaper detailing a controversy over its size or dignity. For

instance, the original hall of the gate on the second floor had five

rooms, but the restored one has only three rooms. The photo

revealed that the restored Yeongnam First Gate is quite different

from the original one. The number of the rooms of the Yeongnam

First Gate was a symbol representing the authority or social status

of Gyeongsang Province office.

At the same time, some people strongly insisted that the Gate be

restored to the original place which was at the intersection of the

Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market Street and Jong-ro.

Why was the Daegu City Wall destroyed?

In 1590, the first Daegu City Fortress was built as an earthen wall

located near present Gosung-dong, Buk-gu, Daegu. After the wall

was destroyed during the “Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592,”

Daegu became vulnerable to invasions by Japanese pirates. The

bureau of Daegu had to take measures to address the problem. With

the integration of left and right Gyeongsang Province in 1596, the

Gyeongsang Provincial office, which had been in Andong, was

relocated to Daegu. People demanded that a new City Fortress be

constructed, but the construction was delayed because that of

mountain fortresses was considered more urgent.

The completed the Daegu City Wall with stones had four big

gates and two small secret gates for passage at night. The

Yeongnam First Gate was the southern gate of the City Wall. It was

the center of the four gates, located at the intersection of the

Yangyeongsi Medicine Market Street and Jong-ro.

The West Gate was where Shin-han Bank is today behind Amigo

Hotel. The North Gate also called Gongbuk Gate was at the

intersection of North Gyeongsang fire fighting equipment store,

Buksung-ro (North Wall Avenue). The East Gate also called

▲ A map of the restored Daegu City Wall and the main buildings of the GyeongsangProvincial office in their original locations. It was made using a 1903 map by thePeople’s Coalition for Streets of Culture in 2007.


Jindong Gate was at the intersection of the Jaeil Bank Dongseong-

ro branch. Besides, there were two small gates: Dongso Gate (East

Small Gate) and Seoso Gate (West Small Gate).

134 years after its construction, the Daegu City Wall was

extensively renovated in 1870 in order to protect the city from an

invasion of western powers during the early Daewongun5) regime.

At that time, the wall was in terrible condition and in need of

repair. The renovation of the facilities began under the control of

governor Sae-ho Kim. There still remains records depicting the

situations at that time on the Daegu City Wall monument. The

monument has been moved next to the Yeongnam First Gate in

Mangwoo Park.

In 1907, the Daegu City Wall eventually was removed by Joong-

yang Park. After taking the position as governor of North

Gyongsang Province, Park opened the crossroad called today

Dongseong-ro (East Wall Avenue), Seoseong-ro (West Wall

Avenue), Namseong-ro (South Wall Avenue) and Bukseong-ro

(North Wall Avenue).

5) Heungseon Daewongun (1820-1898), known for the main proponent of isolationism andthe instrument of the persecution of native and foreign Catholics, was the father of thepenultimate Joseon monarch Gojong, and for many years during Gojong's minority, andeven afterward, he effectively wielded royal power.

▲ Bagsong Restaurant used to be a music and dance training center for the Gisaengswho belonged to Kwonbun in Daegu.

Jin alleyway

(Jin Golmok)

Chapter 10


Jin alleyway is the tenth section of the

second course of the Daegu Alleyway

History Tour. Jin of Jin alleyway means

'long' in Gyeongsang province dialect.

However, this alleyway is short. It is

slightly longer than 100m in length.

Although Jin alleyway is short, the

history of this alley is more than 100

years. This alleyway was shown on a

Daegu map in 1905. Because of it’s

long history, Jin alleyway contains

many stories about various events and

people.

137CChhaapptteerr 1100.. Jin alleyway (Jin Golmok)136 Modern Alley

2: 22, February 22nd!

The National Debt Repayment Movement was a movement when

people tried to pay back the national debt with the collective power

of the people. Women in Daegu took part in this movement first

before women in any other region did. Seven women who lived at

Jin alleyway donated cherished possessions two days after the

movement started.

The Purpose of the National Debt Repayment Movement at first

was to pay back the national debt with money saved by giving up

smoking. For this reason, women and children were left out of the

movement, but women living at Jin alleyway had other ideas. They

thought they should take part in this movement as assistants to their

husbands, so they organized a women's society to collect jewelry

and waste paper. They also issued a manifesto written in Korean,

which said “We inform women citizens respectfully, that we must

help the country.”

These women donated jewelry such as silver rings, ornamental

hairpins and knives made of silver. Although women donated

material things, the patriotism of these women was as strong as the

men’s. As soon as stories of these women were heard, women in

other places participated in this movement all over the country.

Il-jung Lee, wife of Lee Jun a patriotic martyr, organized a

women’s society in Seoul to help the National Debt Repayment

Movement. Soon after 28 women’s organizations and 19 small

associations were founded rapidly in Korea. The small actions of

these seven women who lived at Jin alleyway triggered women’s

participation in the National Debt Repayment Movement.

▲ A stone marker was erected to honor the patriotism of women at Jin alleyway whotook efforts to save the nation. The activities of the women who took part in theNational Debt Repayment Movement are briefly written on this marker.

▲ The front view of Jin alleyway.


The memorial honoring these women’s spirit

“Because there is a country, so there are people. When a nation is

in crisis, how could you separate men and women?” A women’s

society to collect jewelry and waste paper of Namil-dong is a good

example of patriotic women and there still remains such a patriotic

spirit in the citizens’ heart.

Jin alleyway where the seven female patriots lived is the place

where the National Debt Repayment Movement started on

February, 23rd in 1907. A stone marker was erected to honor the

patriotism of these women at Jin alleyway. On this marker is briefly

written the activities of the women who took part in the National

Debt Repayment Movement. A similar memorial is also found at

the memorial park located at Dongin-dong, Jung gu to honor the

National Debt Repayment Movement.

On the front of the memorial is written the declaration of the

women who were part of the movement. Under the declaration are

written both the last names of the seven women and items donated

by them. The memorial is ring shaped

and its shape is symbolic of the

dedication of women who took efforts

to save the nation.

Jeong Pediatric Clinic is a symbolic building located halfway

through Jin alleyway in Daegu. This building has a large collection

of historical materials which show the housing culture of the then

high class as well as the records which show Daegu citizens’ lives

and hygienic conditions, and the changes of the medical culture.

Especially, this clinic is the place which gave new life and health to

children for 62 years until the clinic closed in February, 2009. Dr.

Pil-su Jeong became famous and a symbol of Jin alleyway since he

opened the clinic in 1947. Daegu citizens’ lives were tough when

Dr. Jeong opened Jeong Pediatric Clinic in Jin alleyway. Most of

the people survived on barley noodles because everybody was poor

in those days. People ate anything as long as the food wasn’t

spoiled. They tried to economize on all the food they ate. These

were such hard time that they didn’t even have a real kitchen

cupboard to keep food safe from dust or bugs, let alone a

refrigerator. It was normal for children to have a stomachache.

Nevertheless, parents couldn’t take their children to a hospital

because of their poverty. People used various folk remedies in their

houses, and then went to medicine stores. Finally, they ran to the

◀ A stone marker erected at the memorial parklocated at Dongin-dong, Jung-gu to honor theNational Debt Repayment Movement. The ringshaped memorial is symbolic of the dedication ofthe women who took efforts to save the nation.

The first two-story western house inDaegu spreading medical care to people

for 62 years.


pediatric clinic carrying their children on the brink of death on their

back.

The fact that more than half of the children were diarrhea patients

shows the terrible sanitary conditions in those days. “The story of

Jeong Pediatric Clinic” is about Dr. Jeong who gave a new life to

many children for 62 years in Jin alleyway. To vividly show the

memories of those days, a form of storytelling is used.

A two-story western house was built for the first time in Daegu

except those for American missionaries. The house was so

gorgeous and beautiful that many people would peek around the

gate to see it. However, the gate of the house was always closed

and people couldn’t look inside. Then one day, after putting up the

name plate of Jeong Pediatric Clinic on the pillar of the house, the

gate was opened. From that day, the blue gate was never closed.

People said, “There are junipers and a small pond at the clinic.

What a beautiful house!” or “The beauty of the clinic is nothing

compared to Dr. Jeong’s passion for treating children.”

If we could see the fragrance of junipers, the garden would appear

crowded with fragrance. As soon as he opened the window of his

medical office, the strong scent of junipers was in the air. No matter

how strong the scent was, the smell of disinfectant was always

present. Dr. Jeong had a great fondness for mixed smells.

“Junipers always make me comfortable, but an interesting and sad

thing is that I also make others comfortable with disinfectant,” Dr.

Jeong said.

“What do you mean?”, a junior doctor asked. The day before

yesterday, a junior doctor who had studied with him, visited him to

get some advice. However, both men couldn't say hello to each▲ Jeong Pediatric Clinic is a symbolic building located halfway through Jin alleywayin Daegu. This clinic is the time-honoured place which gave new life and health tochildren for 62 years until the clinic closed in February, 2009.


other because Dr. Jeong was so busy that he didn't have a short

break to spend with him. They finally found time two days later.

The Junior doctor felt that even a brief rest didn't seem to be

allowed. Someone would likely open the door of the medical office

at any minute.

“I mean disinfectant. I was desensitized to that smell because I

always smell it. But patients and their guardians told me that when

they smell disinfectant, they feel comfortable.”

“Oh, I see, that’s possible. You really did a great job with the

patients.

Dr. Jeong slumped down in the chair.

“I’m burned out.”

“Because you loosened up. It’s just like the feeling after the

release from being tied in a rope.” His junior said.

“You are right. Each cell in my body is trembling, but I really

appreciate that I can save someone’s life.”

“You are great. I thought that the child would die that night, but

you saved him.”

“I also felt like there were butterflies in my stomach. He was

completely wiped out and almost lifeless. I wondered how many

days he had diarrhea. I didn’t expect him to be alive. However, I

couldn’t give up. I always hold hope until the end.” Dr. Jeong said.

“Yes, It looked really serious.”

“As you know, many children actually die from diarrhea.

Sometimes, their parents come to the clinic with their dead children

on their back. Parents mistake the dead child as living because the

child was still warm because of a hot fever...”

“It’s really terrible.”

“If the parents had come earlier, many more children would be

alive, right?”, his junior asked.

“Come earlier? It’s easy for you to say so. But it’s really

impossible for them to come earlier. They don't have proper food to

eat, let alone money. They skimp on everything as much as

possible. They just feel happy if they eat enough bran porridge. The

porridge consists of 80% vegetables and 20% bran. So having

diarrhea is no surprise.”

“Oh, that’s terrible.”

“I also can’t remember the last time I ate rice. But I really

appreciate that I can afford to eat barley noodles. To go to a clinic

is a story of another world to them. They just use folk remedies to

cure their illnesses. If it gets worse, they go to medicine stores.

▶Dr. Pil-su Jeong who is a livingwitness of Jeong Pediatric Clinic


They finally come here just before their children die. Despite

everything, it’s fortunate if they come here.”

“In this situation, all the children will get sick.”

“Yes, children should be protected, but the situation will be more

serious because the weather will get hotter and more humid, then

more children will get sick.”

“It’s incredibly hot in Daegu.”

“The landform of Daegu is like a furnace. If something boils in a

furnace, it takes a long time to cool down.”

“By the way, what about catching a couple hours of sleep? If you

just go down the stairs, that's your room.”

“You are right, my room is just one floor down. But to go up and

down the stairs is like climbing up Mt. Baekdu1) for me.”

“That’s reasonable thinking. I have observed you for two days.

But you haven’t moved at all from this office.”

“You also have had a rough time because of me.”

“No, not at all. I’ve learned a lot from you. Whenever I come

here, I feel that the stairs remind me of you.”

“What? Don’t be silly.”

“No, no. The stairs are low and comfortable so they are just like

you, modest and generous.”

“Haha... I feel so embarrassed hearing that. Whenever I meet

children, I recognize my lack of ability. When you told me about

the stairs, a story occurred to me.”

“What’s that?”

“At first, the stairs were made for children. I thought that the

stairs should be low and comfortable for them to go up and down

because they are small. However, the stairs helped their parents. As

you see, most of the children who came here couldn't walk alone,

so their parents came here with their children on their back. When

they came here, they couldn't see anything. They only focused on

their children. But when they went back, the situation changed.

Their minds and bodies were exhausted so they might fall down if

something touched them lightly. So the low stairs help the parents.”

“Oh, it’s true.”

“The meaning of this alley's name is long. It's not a long way from

the entrance of this alleyway to my clinic, but a parent with a sick

child feels that every step is like a couple of kilometers.”

“That’s why this alleyway is called Jin (long) alleyway...? hum...

I've never thought of it that way.”

“This is a real place. It’s totally different from books or schools.

Children’s lives depend on us.”

At that time, it was noisy outside.

“They are looking for me. I have to take care of the children.”

Dr. Jeong stood up quickly and moved fast. We couldn’t see him

fatigued any more.

1) The highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula.


The clinic was closed in February, 2009

The fourth volume of Municipal History of Daegu says that the

house of Byung-guk Seo is currently Jeong Pediatric Clinic. But

it’s wrong. Jeong Pediatric Clinic belonged to Byung-guk Seo’s

collateral relative, Byung-jik Seo. Byung-jik Seo, brother of

Byung-gi Seo, also built a western style house opposite from Jeong

Pediatric Clinic. Later, the house was sold to the Royal Hotel and

then the National Tax Service impounded the house because of

unpaid taxes. Currently, the house is incorporated into the building

of the old Jung-ang Cinema, so we can’t see the original building

anymore.

Byung-jik Seo and Byung-gi Seo studied art in Japan. Later,

Byung-jik Seo prepared an art studio on the second floor of the

current Jeong Pediatric Clinic. However, Byung-jik Seo sold the

house to his elder sister’s husband after the Independence of Korea

from Japan. Finally, Dr. Jeong took over the house in 1947. This is

the place that Dr. Jeong treated patients for 62 years until he closed

the clinic in February, 2009. Dr. Jeong graduated from Kyungpook

National Medical College and worked there for over 4 years. After

that, he opened Jeong Pediatric Clinic and he is still living there.

The wall of this building, which was constructed by the Chinese, is

so substantial that the building is a treasured structure.

When people went to the clinic before the clinic was closed. A

sign attracted people’s eyes: Please come up to the second floor

holding your shoes.

Following the instructions, people took off their shoes and went

up the stairs and there was a doctor’s office. A desk, a steel cabinet,

sofa, etc...everything was antique.

If the computer and air conditioner were not here, the office

would have probably looked the same as it did 60 years ago. The

garden overlooking the office reminded people of a small botanical

garden. On the first floor, used as a private home, is a sun room

surrounded by glass and a bathroom with a bathtub. Only a few

houses were equipped with these facilities in the Japanese colonial

era.

The house has been preserved well because Dr. Jeong didn’t

renovate the house a lot. Dr. Jeong is regarded as a human cultural

asset because he was the first pediatrician to open a private

pediatric clinic in Daegu.

“Sometimes, some patients looked at his clinic and thought, ‘This

building is a museum’ and they turned back.” Dr. Jeong said with a

smile.

Jeong Pediatric Clinic was introduced on the TV program “2 days

and 1 night.”

▲ Inside of Jeong Pediatric Clinic. A desk, a steel cabinet, sofa, etc. have been usedfrom the beginning.


Mido tea house is a good resting place for elders. This place is

located at Jin alleyway which runs on the right side of the old Jung-

ang cinema.

Mido tea house opened with the name ‘Crucible’ across from the

Central Public Safety Center in 1982. The following year, the tea

house changed its name from ‘Crucible’ to ‘Mido’. Mido tea house

is retaining the traditional style of tea houses in the past. This place

was the male section of a house of the Dalseong Seo family.

Most customers were gray-headed old men. These days, more

than 400 customers still visit this tea house everyday. The tea house

became nationally known through word-of-mouth, so visitors from

all four corners of the country visit this attraction. Former president

Chun Doo-hwan has visited the tea house three times. Especially

many writers, poets, and calligraphers have frequented this place.

Young-seop Gwon, a founding father of the Korea Scout Associa-

tion, was a regular customer.

The owner of the tea house, In-suk Jung, is also famous. She has

been a friend of older people for over 30 years. Mrs. Jung opened

this tea house to repay the love from her grandfather. For this

reason, she treats all visitors with courtesy as if they were her

parents.

Sindo, Daedo, Donga, Bumin..... These are names of movie

theaters located on the outskirts of the town. These are also names

of memories which have gone now, but if you go to Jin alleyway,

you can visit a tea house of memories. Most of the customers are so

elderly that elders over seventy are considered still young at the tea

house. The tea house is a typical one for the older generation in

Daegu.

Once you meet the owner of Mido tea house, you will also know

the reason why she is famous. She has a heart of gold. Besides, she

isn’t an ordinary woman.

She stubbornly refuses to wear western clothes. She always wears

a Hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and a smile. For these

reasons, customers are also polite to her. She shows great devotion

to older customers as if they were her parents. She always considers

Mido tea housea resting place for elders, where memories are sold for a cup of tea

▲ The tea house is a typical one for the older generation in Daegu. These days, morethan 400 customers still visit this tea house everyday.


the older customers’ budget, so the price of tea is low. She

sometimes even gives pocket money or gifts to customers secretly.

In addition, she created a volunteer group in 2002 and she granted

scholarships to needy kids. Also, she received a prize for good

conduct in 2009 for her actions.

Mido tea house is just like a seodang (village school). The

purpose of this place isn’t solely to make profits. She studied

Chinese classics from Soo-rak Yi who was a classical scholar and

the father of Wan-jae Yi an emeritus professor of the department of

philosophy at Yeungnam University. Her pen name is Hyejung.

Sang-ryeol Jun wrote a poem ‘Mido Tea House.’

The alleyway at the side of Mido tea house has many famous

noodle shops. Right across from the tea house is the alleyway

leading to Jeong Pediatric

Clinic, the first two-story

western house in Daegu. There

are paintings and calligraphic

works hung inside Mido tea

house like an art gallery.

For these reasons, more than

400 customers visit each day on

average and over 200 of them

are regular customers. Mrs. In-

suk Jung gives young people

advice like this.

“As you get older, you need

money. When you are young,

you should earn enough money.

Besides, you should also know

how to use money wisely.”

There are about 110 chairs in

the tea house. The peak hours

are from 2 to 3 in the afternoon.

◀ In-suk Jung, the owner of Midotea house.

▲ Sang-ryeol Jun wrote a poem‘Mido Tea House.’ The framedpoem is hung on the wall opposite ofMido Tea House.

House with a

Sunken Courtyard

Chapter 11


The background location of the novelHouse with a Sunken Courtyard is

Jong-ro and Jin alleyway. The novel

shows the lives of the citizens of Daegu

right after the Korean War. Won-il Kim,

the writer of the novel who used to live

near Jong-ro and Jin alleyway, had

wrote it based on his childhood. His

novel became a best seller and was

made as a TV drama in the 1980s.

Tourists can recreate the memory of

the old city and the story of the novel by

visiting the place where Won-il Kim

used to live in.

155CChhaapptteerr 1111.. House with a Sunken Courtyard154 Modern Alley

The house in the novel we may be looking for as if playing hide and seekwith Gil-nam from the novel

Won-il Kim wrote stories about the agony of the division of the

Korean nation. He was born in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang

Province. After his father defected to North Korea, his family

moved to Daegu. He won the Contemporary Literature1) Prize for

his novel Spirit of Darkness (1973).

In 1988, he published his new novel House with a Sunken

Courtyard. The novel is about the lives of people right after the

Korean War.

It is almost an autobiographical novel of his life. It pictures the

social aspects of Korea in the eyes of a young boy, Gil-nam. The

book has been loved by Koreans and was made into a mini eight

episode TV series in 1990. It has also been translated and published

in French and Japanese.

The place the novel is set is Daegu, where Won-il Kim spent his

entire childhood. Readers can often find Jong-ro, Jin alleyway,

Janggwan-dong in the novel.

The house where the five families including Gil-nam’s family

were located is in the middle of the Medicine Market Street. If you

follow the narrow alleyway between Dong-jae-gook medicine store

and Sehwa parking lot, you can find the house, the house with a

sunken courtyard. The owner lived in the upper wing of the house

and the other five families rented and lived in the outer wings.

A painting is now drawn on the wall and it helps people to

recognize the house.

▲ The background location of the novel House with a Sunken Courtyard is inNamseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu as Won-il Kim remembered. The house with a sunkencourtyard has been torn down and tile roofed houses stand at the site. The four tileroofed houses are built forming a square.

1) A Korean literary magazine. The first publishment was January 1955. It introduces notonly novels but also poetry, drama, essays. The purpose of the magazine is to developKorean literature.


When you go farther down the alleyway towards Jong-ro Earth

House (a Korean style restaurant), you will find the Yangnyeongsi

Medicine Market East Entrance parking lot next to Janggwan villa.

The parking lot is where the house Won-il’s family first moved to

in Daegu. It is the place where Gil-nam’s mother first started

sewing for Gisaeng for a living. Won-il

Kim’s family moved six times around

Janggwan-dong.

If you head north, you will find Damsu

Society building. At that time, Damsu

house was the richest in the village. The

owner let the gate open so that children

could play around in the yard and he could

teach them Chinese characters.

Opposite to Damsu Society building is

Gyungshin Information Science High

School. Behind the school there is a house

where Won-il Kim lived for a long time.

On the east side, there is an old dumpling

(Man-du) restaurant with 40 year tradition

called Yeungsangduk and a convenience

store across from it. This was the place

where rationed rice was distributed.

Nowadays, this street is especially famous

for Chinese restaurants since many Chinese

immigrants lived in this area. There are a

dumpling restaurant and a huge motel

around where in the novel Gil-nam first saw

a fancy black car. The motel used to be the

biggest Chinese restaurant in town at that

time called Gunbang-gak.

Gil-nam would come to get water at

Chinese Elementary School in Daegu in the

▲A statue of Gil-nam, the main character of the novel House with a SunkenCourtyard is in front of the Chinese Elementary School in Daegu. The statue, madeby a sculptor Hyun-woo Lee, is named ‘A Dreaming Child.’ Gil-nam, full of hope, istaking a short break from delivering newspapers.


winter. Behind the school there is Jeong Pediatric Clinic. Many

children were treated at the clinic and Won-il Kim could recover

from a dire condition at the clinic as well.

In Jin alleyway, there are two famous restaurants: Baeknok

restaurant and Daechung Maru. Baeknok restaurant used to be one

of the top three Yojung restaurants in town but it has changed to a

Korean traditional restaurant. Daechung Maru is also a Korean

traditional restaurant.

It used to be the house that the president of Kolon Group, Won-

man Lee, lived in. At Daechung Maru, people can experience the

look of a traditional Korean-style house and the taste of traditional

Korean food as Won-il Kim did when he lived in the area.

▲ The work of Hyun-woo Lee named ‘The Mother’s Heart’ shows Gil-nam’s mothercarries her youngest boy on her back while waiting for Gil-nam who went out todeliver newspapers.

▲Won-il Kim, the writer of House with a Sunken Courtyard, visited Daegu inSeptember 2009. Recalling his childhood, he looked around both Namseong-ro andJong-ro. Won-il Kim visited Sang-hwa Lee's old house and was listening to anexplanation from Sun-young Yoon, head of Jung-gu office.

Chinese Residents’

Association

Chapter 12


The final destinations of the second tour course are the Chinese Residents'

Association and Chinese Elementary School in Daegu. The Chinese

immigrants began to settle in Daegu from 1905. Their economic power

increased with preferential treatment from the US Military Government in

Korea. As a large number of the Chinese immigrants moved to Daegu from

Seoul and Incheon during the Korean War, they became more powerful.

After the war, they enjoyed a period of political stability until the 1960s. In

1967, the Chinese population in Daegu reached up to 3,108, which was the

highest number ever. However, the Chinese population rapidly decreased

in the 1970s because the Korean government tightened regulations on the

Chinese capital. Therefore, they moved to Taiwan, the United States, and

Australia in a large number.

The Chinese Residents' Association building was constructed in a western

red-brick style in 1929. Its sturdy outfit is quite impressive. Even after 80

years have passed, it still has great value as a cultural heritage because it

has been well preserved. The building is registered as a modern

architectural heritage in the modern architecture register. The Chinese

Elementary School decorated with Chinese style pictures and

ornamentations is located next to the Chinese Residents’ Association.

163CChhaapptteerr 1122.. Chinese Residents’ Association162 Modern Alley

Mun-Geum Mo was born in Sandong, China on October 28, 1895.

He came to Korea in 1912 and settled in Daegu when he was 20

years old. He operated an architecture company called Ssang-

heung-ho with his architecture mentor Eu-kwan Kang and built

Daegu’s representative religious buildings. The representative

buildings they built are St. Justino Catholic Seminary, Sisters of St.

Paul of Chartres, Seongmo-dang (Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes),

St. Joseph Hospital, and Handerson Hall which is the main building

of Kiesung High School. After Eu-kwan Kang went back to China

in 1931, Mo broadened his business by operating Gunbang-gak, a

Chinese restaurant. In addition, Mo was an educator who paved the

way for Chinese education in Daegu.

●●Unexpected offer from his mentor Eu-kwan Kang

“Can you come to Daegu?” asked Eu-kwan Kang. He wanted

Mun-geum Mo, who had settled in Seoul for 7 years, to come to

Daegu to help him. Mun-geum Mo was surprised by the suggestion

of moving to a new city once again, so he couldn’t answer

immediately. However, Eu-kwan Kang was like a savior to him, so

his mental agony did not last long. “Okay, I will come to Daegu.”

In 1920, he moved to Daegu. As soon as he arrived in Daegu, he

accepted the position of vice-president at Kang’s company. While

he was working in Ssang-heung-ho, it grew rapidly.

The First-generation of Chineseimmigrants in Daegu disseminated‘Chinese architecture.’

▲ Handerson Hall, the main building of Kiesung High School in Daesin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, was built in 1931. Handerson, the fourth principal of Kiesung HighSchool, designed this building and Mun-Geum Mo, who operated an architecturecompany called Ssang-heung-ho, constructed its superstructure with some Chinesearchitectural craftsmen. The statue in the photo is James Adams who foundedKiesung High School.

▶ This is a picture taken whenHeo Chong a consul of theChinese Consulate General’sOffice in Seoul visited Daegu onJune 1, 1949. At the very left ofthe second line is Mun-GeumMo. He was a leader of theChinese community in Daegu atthat time.


Additionally, they built Gyesan Cathedral priests’ office and the

Chinese Residents’ Association building. Due to their passion,

Ssang-heung-ho became the second largest Chinese architecture

company in Korea in the 1920s. Actually, their annual sales

increased from 7,000 yen in 1923 to 30,000 yen in 1928. Then, an

ethnic conflict occurred between Chinese farmers and Korean

farmers in Jirin, China in 1931. The news of the conflict spread to

Korea and caused anti-Chinese sentiment, even violent attacks

against the Chinese immigrants in Korea. After Eu-kwan Kang left

Korea, Mun-geum Mo became CEO of Ssang-heung-ho and gained

success in business since he cherished faithfulness and trust as the

best value.

●●Success of his Chinese restaurant Gunbang-gak

His construction business was successful beyond belief. However,

he had a hard time after his mentor had left for China. One day he

heard that the Chinese restaurant Gunbang-gak suffered from

managerial problems. He purchased the restaurant which was the

last architectural work of his mentor Eu-kwan Kang. He completely

remodeled the restaurant. On the first floor, a single menu of black

noodles, dumplings, sweet or sour pork was served; the second

floor with rooms and 180 chairs was for course cuisines; and the

third floor was a large hall for various events such as 60th birthday

parties, birthday parties, or new year’s receptions. Especially, it was

popular as a wedding venue in the early 1960s. The entrance sign

“China high restaurant” was quite impressive. The entrance of

Gunbang-gak was introduced in the Yeongnam Daily News in

February 1963 and it looked like a triumphal arch. It reminded

▲ The Shrine of Our Lady located at Namsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu was built in1918. This shrine became famous nationwide after it was known that the shrine is areplica of the Lourdes Grotto in France. The shrine was constructed by Eu-kwanKang and other Chinese engineers.


However, the building was too small to accept all the children

who wanted to study. Principal Mun-guem Mo started to raise

funds to build a bigger school. He was not only a business man but

also an educator who laid the groundwork for the education of

Chinese children.

In 1912, Mun-geum Mo came to Korea bare-handed and is still

remembered as a key member of the first generation Chinese

migrants in Korea. He lived as an architect, businessman, and

educator. The historical buildings constructed by Mun-geum Mo

and Eu-kwan Kang still remain in Daegu. In the late 1960s, Mun-

geum Mo moved to and spent the rest of his life in Taiwan where

his family lived.

people of a traditional red Chinese gate ‘Paru”. Mun-geum Mo

became a key leader of the Chinese immigrants in Daegu because

of his success in business at Ssang-heung-ho and Gunbang-gak.

In the 1940s, he became concerned about the education of

Chinese children. Though the Chinese population in Daegu had

been increasing, they did not have a Chinese school. Therefore, he

set up a plan to build a school and began to raise funds in 1941. He

even visited the Chinese consulate in Busan to get help. Finally,

Daegu’s first Chinese Elementary School opened its doors in

February 1943 in the building of the Chinese Chamber of

Commerce, which was located across from the current Chinese

Residents’ Association.

▲ The Chinese Residents’ Association in Daegu is located in Jong-ro 2-ga, Jung-gu,Daegu. Mun-geum Mo took charge of design and construction of this building. Atfirst this building was built as a house of Byeong-guk Seo who was a rich person inDaegu. Now it is used as the office of the Chinese Residents’ Association in Daegu.

Documents

Daegu Alleyway History Tour