A Historical Journey Through Jeju's 4.3 Events from Seotaro Orem to Tohjinmok

The history of the 4.3 incidents in Seogwipo is marked by small plaques and grave sites situated between tourist attractions, still present in the landscape. Seotaro Orem in Daejeong is a massacre site where preliminary arrest victims suffered, while Baekjoilsonji refers to a memory space where the remains of the victims, being descendants from a common ancestor, are collectively honored. Namwon's Hyeonhyang Joint Grave and Songnyeongigol represent the sacrifices and clashes that occurred in the Uigi-ri area, conveying the process of grave placement afterwards.

Tojinmok in Seongsan is a coastal site where residents from the eastern region were sacrificed, revealing a history hidden behind the bright tourist image of Seongsan Ilchulbong. This trip is not just a checklist of places; instead, it aims to engage with the narratives and testimonies provided by the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation first. At graveyards and commemoration spaces, let us prioritize remembrance and silence over photography.

Seeing Seotaro Orem and Baekjoilsonji together connects the sites of state violence and the time families spent recovering their loved ones. Hyeonhyang Joint Grave and Songnyeongigol illustrate the differing deaths and memories in the Namwon area, while Tojinmok shows the tragedy along the Seongsan coast. The five scattered locations across Seogwipo remind us that 4.3 was not just an event in one village but a history that disrupted the lives and family relations of the entire island.

Before visiting, let’s check the years of the events and the characteristics of each location, and refrain from oversimplifying the expressions on the information signs at the site. Maintain respect by not leaving any food or noise at the graveyard and keeping a distance during family ceremonies and rites. Some spots require passing through agricultural lands and narrow village roads, so let's avoid large vehicles and rely on the official site guides from the Jeju 4.3 Peace Foundation rather than incorrect oral histories.