Busan is good

Busan Metropolitan City Launches the 2026 Busan Liberation Expedition to Trace the Footsteps of the Independence Movement in the Homeland of the Koryoin on the 81st Anniversary of Liberation

내용

Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will operate the 2026 Busan Liberation Expedition in commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation. The program will provide descendants of independence patriots from Busan and young people with an opportunity to visit Koryoin independence movement heritage sites in Central Asia.

First launched in 2024, the Busan Liberation Expedition is now in its third year. By visiting historic sites of the independence movement, the program aims to carry forward the spirit of sacrifice demonstrated by Korea’s forebears, broaden awareness of veterans affairs among young people, and foster civic pride.

In 2026, the expedition has been designed to expand its itinerary beyond China to Kazakhstan in Central Asia for the first time, offering participants an opportunity to explore both the history of the Koryoin’s forced migration and the legacy of the independence movement.

Busan Metropolitan City formed the 45-member Busan Liberation Expedition by selecting 37 participants, including descendants of independence patriots, upon the recommendation of the Busan Branch of the Korea Liberation Association and the Committee for the Establishment of the Busan Independence Movement History Museum, along with eight university students majoring in history who were recommended by local universities, including Pusan National University, Dong-A University, and Pukyong National University.

From August 3 to 8, the Busan Liberation Expedition will visit Almaty, Ushtobe, and surrounding areas in Kazakhstan on a six-day, four-night journey. Participants will retrace the national identity preserved by the Koryoin despite the hardships of forced migration and explore the legacy of their involvement in the independence movement.

The itinerary includes sites preserving Koryoin culture, such as the Kazakhstan State Academic Korean Theater and Koryo Ilbo; opportunities to engage with present-day Koryoin society at the Association of Koreans in Kazakhstan and the Central State Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan; sites associated with the Koryoin’s first settlements following forced migration, including Ushtobe Station, Bastobe Hill, the Memorial to Koryoin Victims, and the Koryoin Memorial Park; and other locations such as the Koryoin History Museum, former dugout dwellings, the site of the former Korean theater, and the K-Park construction site. Through these visits, participants will experience both the history of Koryoin migration and the history of the independence movement.

Meanwhile, a launch ceremony for the Busan Liberation Expedition will be held at 10:00 a.m. today, July 29, in the Main Conference Room at Busan City Hall. The program will include an introduction to the initiative, words of encouragement, a launch pledge by expedition members, a departure ceremony featuring the presentation of uniforms and the expedition flag, and a commemorative photograph.

Approximately 70 people are expected to attend the ceremony, including members of the Busan Liberation Expedition, the head of the Busan Branch of the Korea Liberation Association, and the chair of the Committee for the Establishment of the Busan Independence Movement History Museum. The event will provide a meaningful opportunity for participants to reaffirm their commitment to preserving and promoting the spirit of the independence movement across generations.

Mayor Chun Jae-soo is expected to say, “The Busan Liberation Expedition is setting out to remember and carry forward Busan’s proud historical legacy and transform that commitment into energy for the city’s development.”

“This year, the expedition will visit Kazakhstan for the first time. It will be a meaningful opportunity to reflect not only on the spirit of independence demonstrated by our forebears, but also on the resilience and sense of community shown by the Koryoin,” he is expected to add.

He is also expected to state, “Busan Metropolitan City is steadily advancing the construction of the Busan Independence Movement Memorial Hall with the goal of completing it in early 2027. We will continue working to pass Busan’s proud history of the independence movement on to future generations.”