History majors go on spring trip to study Imjin War

If you’re tired of studying in a jammed classroom during this fine weather in April, looking closely into a spring trip made by historians of Ewha will give you a fresh breath. Sixty-three Ewha students chose to visit certain war sites on the South Korean Peninsula, March 26 to 28, under the theme of the Imjin War. It was part of history major’s spring and fall trips that have been held annually since 1956.

Nine history major student volunteers prepared this trip since last winter vacation. Composed of sophomores and juniors, this organizing committee selected the theme, implemented schedules and took a preliminary trip before the event. Also, during the actual trip, those committee members explained details about each historical region.

On the trip, the students visited Tongyeong, Geoje, Jinhae and Jinju inSouthern Gyeongsang province. The sights included famous battle sights onHansanIsland , where General Yi Sun-shin fought, and Chokseongnu, where Ju Non-gea, a Kisaeng (female entertainer in Korean), threw herself into river while clutching a Japanese general who had recently conquered the area. As a result, she was immortalized as a patriot.

Furthermore, the organizing committee made an opportunity to compare prisoner’s camps made during the Imjin War to those created during the Korean War in the 1950’s.

When students visited the each place, they could better visualize what they learned in class, and make corrections where necessary. When Kim Seo-yoen (Liberal Arts, 1) went to Chokseongnu, she was able to clarify a misunderstanding she had of the place. “In the textbook from high school I learned about the place was where Non-gae jumped with the general. But under the pavilion, there was no sea but only ground; there is a nearby stone where Non-gea jumped that is now called Ui-am (Rock of Righteousness),” said Kim.

As some students corrected their misconceptions, some students also changed their minds after visiting the historical spots. When Park Young-eun (History, 4) entered the war prisoner camp in Geoje during the Korean War, she expected to see severe torturing tools. Yet, as she looked around the camp, she realized that her expectations were wrong. “Most of the North Korean soldiers who were kept in the camp were treated well and were allowed to hang their leader’s picture and their North Korean flag,” said Park.

Students felt that this spring trip was successful. “I liked the part that the organizing committee actually guided us in each place. Listening to someone who is a student like me made me feel comfortable,” said Choi Min-ji (History, 2).

Having finished the spring trip, history major students are now preparing for the fall trip, which usually lasts for one day. Taking into consideration the location and time period, the organizing committee and professors are now planning to go to Gunsan,Northern Jeolla province, where many historic relics of the Japanese Imperialistic period can be found.