In the history of Korean independence movement from Japanese rule, the five years from 1910, when the Yi Dynasty fell by the invasion of Japanese Army, to 1914, the year shortly before the end of the First World War, had been a first transition period...
In the history of Korean independence movement from Japanese rule, the five years from 1910, when the Yi Dynasty fell by the invasion of Japanese Army, to 1914, the year shortly before the end of the First World War, had been a first transition period from the struggle of righteous army to that of independence movement. During the five years, Vladivostok, a Russian port located in the Far East, formed a base for the movement. Some Koreans established a residential quarters, Shinhan Village, there, and organized an assembly called "Shinhan Village Association" and a corps of independence movement called "Kwonuphoe". These organizations established "Hanmin School", which inspired the spirt of the independence movement.
This paper aims, firstly, to survey the processes of deportation of Koreans in Vladivostok from "Kaechukni" to a new residence which Russian government provided. Secondly, we look at the procession of organization of Shinhan Village Association, the first assembly of the migrants, and the regulations of the board and its decision. Then we consider the organization of "Kwonuphoe", its board, regulations and activities. Lastly, we examine the first newspapers and cultural activities in Shinhan Village.
Most of the paper is dedicated to the background of Hanmin School as an educational institution for Korean immigrants to teach their children their native language, history and culture. It will be considered with regard to the Russian policy of Russianizing Korean on the one hand, and fervent national education on the other. We describe in detail the leading founders of Hanmin School, the managerial states of the School and its curriculum. In an appendix, nine pieces of "chang-ga (vocal music)" such as the national anthem and "Keongukka (the national foundation song)" are recorded which were taught at School to inspire the spirit of national independence. In addition, the list of 501 anti-Japan Koreans in the Russian territory of the Far East and their activities are printed, which Japanese spies of the consulate general at Vladivostok collected to report in February, 1911.