PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2026

 MPVA to Launch ‘Overseas Veterans Belt Stamp Tour’ in Shanghai in May, with Plans to Expand to the U.S. and France

[Korea, April 10] The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (Minister Kwon Oh-eul) announced that, in commemoration of the 107th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, it will launch for the first time in Shanghai, China, from May to November, an experiential program titled the “Veterans Belt Stamp Tour,” which connects overseas historic sites of the independence movement.

The “Veterans Belt” is a project designed to connect major overseas bases of Korea’s independence movement so that the public can directly experience and remember them. As its first initiative, the Shanghai program has been organized around historic sites in the Shanghai area, including the Provisional Government building, in order to expand the utilization of the Shanghai headquarters of the Provisional Government, allowing participants to follow the footsteps of the independence movement and reflect on its historical significance.

The Shanghai Veterans Belt Stamp Tour consists of three locations: the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea Shanghai Headquarters (Madang Road), the Memorial Hall for Yun Bong-gil (site of his patriotic deed in Shanghai), and the graves of independence activists in Shanghai (Wanguo Cemetery). The tour operates by having participants visit designated overseas historic sites of the independence movement and collect stamps, enabling an active historical experience beyond simple viewing, including completing activity sheets. In addition, mobile-based guidance for the historic sites will be provided.

Ahead of its full-scale launch in May, on April 11 (Saturday), following the commemorative ceremony for the 107th anniversary of the establishment of the Provisional Government to be held locally in Shanghai, Lee Jong-chan, President of the Liberation Association, along with descendants of independence meritorious persons, will directly participate in the tour to share its significance and encourage public interest.

To promote public participation, participants will be recruited on a first-come, first-served basis through the Shanghai HERO (History Exploration Research Organization) historical research group during weekends and school vacation periods via advance reservations (www.ourbohun.co.kr). On-site explanations of the historical significance of the three sites will be provided, along with stamp verification. In addition, stamps will be installed at the sites so that visits can be certified without prior registration, and the program will also be promoted through domestic travel agencies such as Hana Tour to encourage broader participation.

Participants who submit tour reviews (written accounts) will receive commemorative goods related to Baekbeom Kim Koo and the Provisional Government buildings, and outstanding entries will be awarded prizes including the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Award.

Starting with the Shanghai Veterans Belt this year, the Ministry plans to expand the program to the western United States in 2027, in conjunction with the opening of the former headquarters building of the Heungsadan in Los Angeles (currently under renovation), and subsequently to Chongqing in China and France.

Minister Kwon Oh-eul stated, “The ‘Veterans Belt Stamp Tour’ will serve as an opportunity for the public and future generations to deepen their understanding of the history of the independence movement and veterans affairs by experiencing the spirit of the forebears who devoted and sacrificed themselves for Korea’s independence in distant foreign lands,” adding, “The government will do its utmost to ensure that both the Korean public and people around the world can directly experience and remember the history of Korea’s independence through the systematic preservation, management, and revitalization of overseas historic sites of the independence movement.”