JEJU 4∙3 ARCHIVES

on Truth & Reconciliation

16th - 22nd October 2024

We are proud to welcome the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Republic of Korea to the gallery to host this important historical exhibition.

Jeju

Jeju is a beautiful island located in the southern part of Korea, renowned for its exceptional natural scenery, which has earned it three UNESCO natural science designations -a unique global achievement. This makes Jeju a popular vacation destination in Korea.

However, beneath this splendid exterior lies a history marked by deep sorrow and tears.

Jeju 4.3 Incident

The Jeju 4·3 Incident refers to the tragic events that occurred on Jeju Island between March 1, 1947, and September 21, 1954. Although Korea was liberated from Japanese rule on August 15, 1945, the peninsula was subsequently divided, with the United States occupying the south and the Soviet Union controlling the north.

The people of Jeju courageously opposed the division of the Korean peninsula and strongly protested against the first election in 1948 that led to the formation of the Republic of Korea in the south. Unfortunately, this led to severe crackdowns by military and police forces. During this period, approximately 30,000 people (about 10% of Jeju's total population) lost their lives.

The Exhibition

Through a collection of rare archival documents, records, photographs, documentary screenings and immersive exhibits, this exhibition pieces together this tragic series of events as well as the remarkable process of peaceful reconciliation that followed, offering a global blueprint for successful conflict resolution in the world today.

Open to all and free to attend, this exhibition begins with an opening ceremony and symposium with distinguished guests and world experts on 16th October (details below).

Details

Dates
16th to 22nd October 2024

Time
10am - 6pm

Opening Ceremony
1pm - 1:50pm | 16th October

National ceremony, speeches from dignitaries, ribbon-cutting ceremony & exhibition tour

Symposium
2pm - 4:30pm | 16th October

Panel discussion with reknowned experts from across the globe addressing the Jeju tragedy and its resolution efforts, convering the following themes:

  • Significance of the Jeju 4.3 records inscription as UNESCO world documentary heritage

  • Value of Jeju 4.3 as a leading model for conflict resolution

  • Efforts in addressing the trauma of Jeju 4.3

Participants:
- Owen Miller (SOAS University of London)
- Nikolai Johnsen (SOAS University of London)
- Heonik Kwon (Cambridge University)
- Sojin Lim (University of Central Lancashire)
- Myung-lim Park (Yonsei University)
- Jong-min Kim (Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation)
- Chul-in Yoo (Jeju National University)

THIS EXHIBITION IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC