The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), in collaboration with the Korea Culture Foundation, has launched a virtual exhibition on foreign independence activists who contributed to Korea’s liberation. The exhibition, hosted on the metaverse platform ZEP, aims to honor and reexamine the contributions of these individuals.
ZEP, one of Korea’s leading metaverse platforms, surpassed 6 million cumulative users and 1 million monthly active users as of July 2023. The platform enables users worldwide to engage in interactive experiences through mobile devices, tablets, and computers.
Long before the rise of the 21st-century Hallyu (Korean Wave), foreign independence activists became Korea’s first global allies. Recognizing Korea’s value and potential, they stood alongside Koreans in the fight against Japanese imperialism for Korea’s independence and global peace.
However, public interest in Korean history has declined, leading to a lack of awareness about these foreign activists. Meanwhile, Hallyu fans primarily focus on Korean pop culture, with little knowledge of the historical ties between their own countries and Korea’s independence movement.
Remembering the sacrifices of these foreign independence activists is essential to setting the historical record straight. It also serves as a foundation for global solidarity, fostering international cooperation to address contemporary issues.
By raising awareness of these activists, VANK aims to inspire both Koreans and Hallyu fans to engage with Korea’s history and culture, ultimately strengthening international cultural exchange. Just as Koreans and foreign independence activists joined forces a century ago, today’s global citizens can unite to build a better future.
VANK has carefully designed the exhibition space to ensure that visitors not only learn about foreign independence activists but also reflect on their own role in shaping the future. The exhibition consists of two main sections:
📌 Exhibition Hall
The Exhibition Hall introduces ten key foreign independence activists, including:
- William Alderman Linton
- Homer Hulbert
- Ernest Thomas Bethell
- George Lewis Shaw
- Frederick Arthur McKenzie
- Frank William Schofield
- Kaneko Fumiko
- Huse Tatsuji
- Du Junhui
- Zhe Boseng
Visitors can view photos, life spans, and official recognitions of these activists, with bilingual Korean and English card news providing further details on their contributions. Additional resources and links are also available for in-depth exploration.
📌 Experience Hall
The Experience Hall offers interactive activities that encourage visitors to actively participate in spreading awareness and engaging with history:
1️⃣ Take a commemorative photo with foreign independence activists
2️⃣ Watch educational videos on their contributions
3️⃣ Join petitions to honor their legacies
4️⃣ Write letters of gratitude to the activists
5️⃣ Draft advocacy letters addressing historical distortions, continuing their fight for justice
In addition to learning about Korea’s history and culture, visitors can engage in global discussions. Inspired by these activists, they can pinpoint contemporary issues requiring international cooperation and share their thoughts through a world map activity.
Through this virtual exhibition, VANK hopes to educate people both in Korea and abroad about the dedication of foreign independence activists. By carrying forward their spirit, visitors can contribute to building a more just and peaceful world.
VANK’s initiative serves as a reminder that history is not only about the past—it is also a guide for shaping a better future. Just as foreign independence activists once stood with Korea, today’s global citizens can unite to address the challenges of the 21st century.