Yong Wan Bryan Choi한국어Student Independence Movement Memorial
Translated from the Korean original. Read the Korean original
Student Independence Movement Memorial Tower
Yong Wan Choi (Third year, Gwangju First High School)
Deep-rooted memorial tower
standing firm and tall
stirring the spirit of the Hwarang
in hearts of boiling blood
they gave their lives and youth, all of it
for the nation flickering in the wind
that they sought to save
The blood of Dangun flowing in the white-clad people
not even Japanese guns and swords could violate
in every corner of the three thousand ri
they cried out "Long live independence!"
and told the whole world of Mugunghwa Korea
Today is Students' Day, the third of November
gathering young strength welling up with hope
let us follow our seniors and march on unceasing
on the right path, our path, the torch is burning
(November 3, 1957, the year the memorial tower was erected)