[Special] 2024 Dongguk University 4.19 Hiking Festival
On to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)!
The Dongguk Hiking Festival celebrated its 64th anniversary this year, starting with the first event in 1970. It is held annually to commemorate the noble will of the students of Dongguk University who strove to defend democracy against dictatorship at the center of the April 19 Revolution in 1960.
The April 19th Revolution was a historic event that took place in April 1960, when university students led protests against the dictatorship and injustice of the regime of the day and united with sympathetic citizens in a nationwide civil revolution that resulted in the deposing of the regime.
During the April 19th Revolution, Dongguk University students were in the forefront of the march, displaying the Korean flag, and many students, including Noh Hee-doo, a third-year law student of Dongguk, were killed by police firing and violence. In September 1963, the government established the National 4.19 Democracy Cemetery in recognition of those who defended liberty and democracy, and the cemetery has since been dedicated to the memory of the democratic heroes who died or made contributions during the revolution (as of March 24, 30 alumni of Dongguk University have been buried at the cemetery).
Dongguk University continues the tradition of holding a memorial ceremony and a hiking festival at the 4.19 Democracy Cemetery every year on the Friday before April 19th to honor the noble souls of those who died during the April 19th Revolution and to inspire unity and pride among all Koreans.
In the interviews below, we hear from Dongguk University's official ambassador, Donggam, and other international students who participated in the event, along with photos from the event.
Interview I (Donggam)
Q1. Since many students are not familiar with this event, can you give a brief description?
- This event was started to commemorate the 4.19 events and is now celebrating its 64th anniversary. A simple phrase shouted by the protesters of Dongguk University, “On to the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)!” was the moment that transformed the April 19 student demonstration into a democratic revolution, and the event is held annually to honor that spirit.
(Choi Yu-seok, Department of English Language, Interpretation & Translation 20)
Q2. As Dongguk University's official ambassador, what role does Donggam play in this event?
- We are helping to honor the memory of Dongguk University alumni who led the April 19 Revolution. Specifically, we help organize the event by being present when the president comes to give a tribute, by delivering flowers, and by observing a moment of silence with him.
(Kim Soo-bin, Department of Buddhist Studies, 21)
Q3. With what mindset are you approaching this event?
- We are excited and grateful that the purpose of the memorial event is to honor the noble spirit of the event, and we think it is a great opportunity to combine it with a hiking festival also to promote health. (Choi Yu-seok, Department of English Language, Interpretation & Translation 20)
- I intend to inherit the spirit of the April 19th Revolution and continue to carry it with me throughout my life. (Kim Soo-bin, Department of Buddhist Studies, 21)
Q4. What is your advice to Dongguk students?
- While many students seem to have stronger memories of the “hiking festival,” I hope they remember that the reason Dongguk University held the event, and the chance for students to participate, began with the sacrifice from Dongguk University seniors. We hope that the spirit of the event will keep them grateful and appreciative of what made this democracy what it is today.
(Choi Yu-seok, Department of English Language, Interpretation & Translation 20)
Interview II (International Students)
Q. Could you briefly explain your experience of the event?
- My professor talked about this event, and since I love to walk around and hike, I joined her for the event. The hike, it was nice. It was nice to come here, look around, the scenery is beautiful, and it’s nice. (Keshab Shrestha, Researcher at Dongguk Bio Lab)
- Actually, I have never tried hiking, but my professor told me it wasn’t going to be so hard, so I came with her. The way up here, was very difficult, my legs were shaking, and I was telling my professor that I can’t make it to the top. But then people helped me, they carried my bag, and so. But now, it’s good, I’m fine now. (Zahra Batool, PhD student at the Department of Biomedical Engineering)
Pictures from the event