Dark Tourism: Painful memories of Jeju Island - Korean Independence (Aug. 15) and the Jeju Hangil Anti-Japanese Movement

The emerald sea and vast expanses of pasture, the fields of fragrant springtime canola flowers, and the windy island paths marked by basalt stone walls. This is undoubtedly Jeju scenery, and peaceful scenery at that. However, during the Japanese Occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945, Jeju was used as a strategic outpost due to its proximity to Japan. Particularly at the end of World War 2, Jeju became an area where Japanese forces prepared to make a last stand, resulting in the island being caught up in the final frenzy of the war. This year marks the 72nd anniversary of the end of World War 2, and so in remembrance, here are a few of the wartime occupation sites that you can view for yourself and learn more about this tragic event in Jeju’s history.