평안북도 선천지역 3·1운동의 전개와 성격

Abstract

This study investigates the March First Independence Movement that took place in the Seoncheon region of Pyeonganbukdo Province in Korea. The region was included from the early planning stage of the movement, and there the first movement took place. However, research has not been properly conducted on the region. The Seoncheon-gun was a transportation hub at the time, and as such, suffered from severe exploitation of the Japanese force ever since the era of Korean Empire. Against this background, people of the Seoncheon region took interest in efforts to restore national rights, leading to a movement to repay national debts and save the nation with education. Meanwhile, the influence of Christianity was exceptionally strong in the Seoncheon region as to being called ‘Kingdom of Christianity.’ The influence of Cheondogyo was also strong, although not as much as Christianity. Christianity in the region was closely tied to the March First Independence Movement as manifested by activities of minister Yang Jeonbaek and Shinseong School; in fact, Christians played a pivotal role in preaching and spreading the ‘Statement’ as well as in planning and deploying the independence movement. The March First Independence Movement in the Seoncheon region grew fast as more than 10,000 people took part in between March first through eighth, led by teachers and students of Shinseong School who were in their teens and 20s. This was an outcome of organizing religious entities for Christianity and Cheondogyo, amid heightened yearning for national independence among local residents. However, the March First Independence Movement in the Seoncheon region dissipated equally quickly. The actual protest is deemed to have ended on March 8, as Christian and Cheondogyo organizations were hit hard by severe watch and oppression by the Japanese force, and their blockade efforts made further gatherings impossible. This study has historical significance for investigating the March First Independence Movement north of the Han River, which has been neglected before. However, there are limitations as well. The March First Independence Movement in the Seoncheon region may be investigated further if related court rulings by regional courts and courts of review can be found.