The unveiling ceremony for the Goryeoin Independence Movement Monument is held on April 4 at Hwarang Amusement Park in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do Province. (Overseas Koreans Agency)

By Aisylu Akhmetzianova 

The country's first monument honoring Goryeoin, or ethnic Koreans from the former Soviet Union and Central Asia, who fought for Korea's independence from Japanese colonial rule in Russia's Primorsky Territory has been unveiled in a Seoul suburb.

The Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA) on April 4 held an unveiling ceremony for the Goryeoin Independence Movement Monument at Hwarang Amusement Park in Ansan, Gyeonggi-do Province, pledging to "more warmly embrace" Goryeoin residing nationwide.

Honoring the sacrifices and contributions of numerous unnamed Goryeoin who engaged in pro-independence activities, the monument was funded through donations raised by a national committee to erect a memorial to such activists.

OKA Vice Commissioner Byun Chul-hwan said at the ceremony, "We are deeply grateful and happy to have a monument erected to mark the noble spirit of Goryeoin pro-independence activists."

"This monument not only promotes the existence and value of renowned independence activists such as Gen. Hong Beom-do and Choi Jae-hyung, but also Goryeoin who fought for Korea's independence in areas including Russia's Primorsky Territory and distant Central Asia," he added. "I hope it plays a role in teaching our children about the pride spirit of independence and history of ethnic solidarity with the Goryeoin diaspora."

Those attending also included Ansan Mayor Lee Min-geun and city officials, descendants of Goryeoin, relatives of independence movement activists and Goryeoin from each region.

aisylu@korea.kr