Refugees Longing for Home (실향민 망향탑) - Sokcho, Korea - Figurative Public Sculpture on Waymarking.com

Refugees Longing for Home

실향민 망향탑

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This is a multi-element sculpture consisting of life-size figures a silhouette cut-out, and larger than life portions of arms and hands.

The first component depicts and elderly man and woman with a young boy, standing by an empty chair with a cane. In back of them is a silhouette cut-out in the figure of a man, giving one the feeling of the void they have left behind. These life-size figures are mounted on a circular dais surrounded by stone tablets of polished granite with the seals and names of the five provinces that made up North Korea at the time of division in 1953, when the armistice was signed. (see photo gallery).

These figures are facing north toward an elevated arch made of polished granite. reaching from the two sides of the arch are larger than life bronze arms and hands reaching toward each other, but not touching. Walking through this arch leads one to a small garden.

This monument, erected in 2007, overlooks the East Sea and the road leads from here along the coast as far as the DMZ where there is a viewpoint overlooking the mountains and coastline of North Korea. There are several museums there and many shrines and monuments.

This poignant monument embodies the deep sorrow of the Korean people who have suffered not only the division of their homeland, but the division of families, as many people were displaced from the north, seeking freedom in the south. The longing for the unification of countries and families is captured in this moving memorial.

There is a plaque listing the members of the committee responsible for erecting this statue, but strangely absent is the name of any artist or artists who actually created the sculptures, and there is no apparent signature.

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There are almost thirty sculptures in this park, most of them dating from 1991 when the 17th World Scouting Jamboree was held here. Visitors arriving from the south on Route 7 along Korea's scenic eastern coast are greeted with this charming park, also known locally as Haemaji Park. A walk along the shore path can be romantic, and traditional diving women may be seen offshore. And there is the mermaid lovers statue on the rocks with its tales of romance. Early risers will be treated to spectacular sunrises.

Or, one can stroll through "Lover's Lane" among more than two dozen sculptures from the abstract to the powerful statements of the yearning for reunification of this divided nation. In the center of the park is an amphitheater for outdoor performances, including weekend performances during July and August.

Sokcho regards itself as the gateway to the legendary mountains of Seoraksan National Park, especially striking in the autumn with views from its peaks across to the north.

Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Refugees Longing for Home Figure Type: Human Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Unknown Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 2007 Materials used: bronze and granite Location: Seorak Sunrise Park - Sokcho, Korea

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