By Kang Gahui and Lee Jihae

The government on May 11 will commemorate for the first time the Donghak Peasant Revolution, whose 125th anniversary is this year, in a ceremony starting at 11 a.m. in Gwanghwamun Square.

Launched in 1894, the revolution was led by peasants who sought to overthrow feudalism and foreign influences and champion democratization. The first revolution came in March 1894 to topple the feudal system of the ruling Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). In September the same year, a second revolution sought to protect the country's national sovereignty from a Japanese invasion, which sparked the First Sino-Japanese War and later impacted the March First Independence Movement of 1919.

Formerly called the Donghak Riot, this historical event is now credited for laying the cornerstone of Korea's democratization movements. In 2004, the government enacted a special law to restore the honor of the revolution's peasants.

From this year, the revolution will be commemorated every May 11, the day when the peasants defeated royal forces in the Battle of Hwangtohyeon in Jeollabuk-do Province. Under the theme "The re-blooming of mung bean flowers and the hope of new history," the ceremony is expected to attract about 1,000 participants including Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon and the descendants of the revolution's victims.

Farmers from Gochang-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province, where the revolution originated, will perform udo nongak, or traditional farm music that developed in the province. This will be followed by an opening ceremony speech, the Pledge of Allegiance, commemorative address and more performances like a recital of the proclamation the peasants made in the county when they first armed themselves to join the revolution and "Kumgang 1894."

Commemorative events for the revolution will take place not only in Seoul but also in provincial regions such as Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, and Jangheung, Jeollanam-do Province.

kgh89@korea.kr