Red Festa Festival

Red Festa Festival is a big one event in this year all the events at Gwangju City, South Korea. It is worked and lead by The Education and Research Team, The May 18 Memorial Foundation. The colors and objective of the event would like to show about the modern democracy in South Korea, especially for the May 18 Democratic Uprising that had occurred on from 18-25 May 2008.

This program educate youths in South Korea on Human Rights for Peace and Democratic, particularly youth in Gwangju City. The event in this year going to celibate on 24 May 2008 at Keumam Street (downtown of Gwangju City) and it is a public event; everyone can join and take look in that event day. Red Festa Festival had stared in 2006, it was put ideas together between youth and staff to decorate out look and easy understand of meaning. All participants can join and walk around from 02pm to 10pm at the place, the street going to ban for all vehicular drives. The titled in this year is “Emotion of The May 18 Democratic Uprising (Koum Soung)” that have 10 element programs. Emotion are would like to show the part of our physical and mental. It is a bit difficult to explain for the Emotion, but all of theses are relevant to citizens or youth to show sympathy for Gwanju citizens during The Uprising. It an important event to remind Gwangju citizens about patriotism of their hero struggled and give up theirs in the cause to bring democratic in South Korea.

Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar is a 2007 International Intern in The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Mr. Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar is from Mogolia

Tumenbayar Chuluunbaatar's background

I started my work experience as lawyer consultant for medical company which had a special focus on providing medical service for disadvantaged group of people such as retired, unemployed and disabled who can not afford quality service in private hospitals. As lawyer I was often involved in getting their health and social insurance. This experience gives me deep understanding what does mean the right to health, how this right needs to be accessible, affordable for all, how this need to be regulated by state policies and programmmes. My concern of the human rights situation made me to work in the Centre for Human Rights and Devlopment, NGO working actively in Mongolia on protection and promotion of human rights. In CHRD I work as assistant on the “Program for combating against human trafficking in Mongolia”. Our program has been working in following areas- Prevention, protection and prosecution of human trafficking crime, - Victimization, protecting victims - Ensuring effective prosecution and enforcement of laws. Also, I am involved as an assistant of coordination on law reform working group which aims to amend criminal code article 113 under the provision “Human buying and human selling”. I was involved in case analysis, comparative studies of legal provisions in different countries on trafficking. I am also responsible for coordination and preparation of logistics in organizing trainings for police officers at grassroots level from districts police offices of urban area and Ulaanbaatar, which was held from August to December, 2006I also coordinated and prepared logistical issues for working meeting on amending and changing the Advertisement Law which is held on 18th January, 2007. Working as a assistant on coordinating advocates working group where protecting victims of human trafficking crime. I am friendly, easy for communication, like singing and playing on guitar. Last seven months I have been working on human rights field. Everyday, in my work place I listen and get knowledge on problems and issues related to violation of human rights in my country and other countries, too. Therefore, I think that issues about human rights, democracy and peace are not only our country issues, it is also relevant and connecting to all countries and earth, as well . Hence, every countries and people need to join or work together to protect, combat for and promote human rights, democracy and peace. From these reasons I am applying for human rights internship to the May 18 Foundation in Gwangui, South Korea. Because I have goals where I want to learn and improve my skills and knowledge by referred below. These are:- Learn and exchange information about experiences, skills and present condition of human rights on South Korea and other countries from friends who will join to this internship.- Build good communications among human rights defenders through sharing news or information - Introduce to participants about present human rights condition of Mongolia.Finally, by involving in this program I will improve my knowledge on human rights, democracy and peace and improve my working skills at regional level. Also, I want to make a network among civil societies and develop partnership work with NGOs and people who are protecting human rights.

Tumenbayar Chulunnbaatar made his final report presentation

Ms. Thency Gunasekaran is 2007 International Intern in The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Ms. Thency Gunasekaran from Malaysia

The journey towards becoming a modern and democratic society has not been an easy one for Korea. The Kwangju Uprising that took place in May 1980 is a major event that has played a key role in shaping Korean politics as we see it today. What began as a student protest in the city of Kwangju escalated and became an armed civilian struggle. The government troops then enacted brutal acts of violence on the citizens of this southwestern city. Although the 10-day struggle ended in military suppression, this particular event, also known as the May 18 Uprising is undeniably one of the most important and significant events that has helped shape South Korean democracy and politics, especially in the 1980 and 1990s.

A lot of research has been done on the Uprising. Various articles written, song sung, documentation done. However, little documentation has been done on the women's experiences during this Uprising. Very little documentation has been done on the roles that the women played during this Uprising.

This research paper aims to document the voice of the women who experienced, contributed, participated and actively shaped the May 18 Uprising in 1980. This paper will document the roles that women have played during this uprising. it cannot be denied that women are an integral and important of any society. As such, there is a need to accord these women the recognition due to them.

She was doing final presentation

Read some stories are available here,

The Story of JeonOK-JU http://joonsfamily.com/index.php?s=150610d74c1de08ee29b1f8fdb59f034&showtopic=17379&st=40.com

The Story of Anh Sung-Ryea http://joonsfamily.com/index.php?s=150610d74c1de08ee29b1f8fdb59f034&showtopic=17379&st=40.com

The Story of Hong Geumsug http://gshin.chonnam.ac.kr/cnu518.com

Thency Gunasekaran talking about her self

I’m Thency and by nature I am a very friendly, energetic, passionate, adaptable and practical person. Professionally I enjoy exploring new ideas and concepts, looking for innovative ways to solve any problems or situations that might arise during the course of my work. I like to try different ways of doing things instead of always following what has been tried and tested. I am able to work independently with minimum supervision but at the same time I am also able to work in a team.

My passion lies in human rights issues with a special focus on trafficking of women and children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labor. I consider human trafficking a form of slavery and believe it should be eradicated with utmost vigor. In recent times I have been working with marginalized communities using a rights based approach as well as active participation from the community itself. This has served to remind me of the importance of knowing one’s rights to be able to actually claim them when they are violated. I strongly believe that education and awareness are very vital elements when we talk about rights and democracy. By education I’m not referring to an institutionalized education. I’m actually referring to the process of raising awareness as a whole. One does not need to be highly literate to know one’s rights or to be entitled to one’s rights. A person is entitled to their rights regardless of their status. This is something that I will work on in future. Many people aren’t aware of this and sadly this contributes to their rights being continuously violated.

Where skills are concerned my strength lies in organizing events be it workshops, trainings or others. I am also a competent public speaker who enjoys sharing information with people. I enjoy conducting trainings as well. I take great delight in working with and interacting with people. The human mind is something that continues to fascinate me till today. I have had the opportunity to attend various trainings on topics that range from Gender-based violence, good governance, leadership, professional etiquette, conflict mediation, presentations and public speaking, child sexual abuse, personal safety for children, writers for women’s rights and marketing. All these workshops have helped me to open my thinking and look at things from various perspectives. As for my hobbies, I enjoy reading, listening to and playing music, dancing and meeting people from various backgrounds. These activities serve as a method for me to relax and unwind after working. Everything that I have involved myself in and participated in has served to mould me to be what I am today. My passion and interest to bring about change is a strong drive factor that pushes me to try and do what I can to bring about a better understanding and respect for human rights in my country.

My expectations, objectives, and interests on the human rights internship program.

I first heard about the May 18 Human Rights Internship Program last year. At that time the program and learning experience it had to offer intrigued me. Unfortunately I couldn’t apply for it then. A year down the road, my interest in the program has increased as during this past one year, I have had the opportunity to read, listen and learn a little bit about the foundation, its purpose and aims as well as the role it plays in promoting human rights and democracy.

I have been involved in voluntary work since 2003 only. Although my interest and passion has always revolved around issues affecting humans, justice and equality, I only got the opportunity to actively do something constructive when I entered university. Since my university days I’ve been actively involved with local Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) – mainly with groups working on women’s rights, child’s rights and youth development.

I’ve been an active member of AIESEC, a global youth run organization that aims to foster peace and understanding via developing the potential of young people, sensitizing them towards social issues and providing them with the opportunity to experience and understand various cultures. I believe that peace can only be achieved when humans learn to accept each other without prejudice. My time in AIESEC exposed me to the reality that many young people are actually not aware of what’s happening around them, in the world. Thus I made it one of my goals to incorporate a stronger presence of political and social issues within my organizations’ activities and projects. I took up the role of the person in charge of member development. This enabled me to plan my members learning. I utilized this platform to reach out to the youth in my university to raise awareness about important issues like human rights, gender issues, child’s rights, women’s rights, HIV/AIDS, globalization, the state of the indigenous people and the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity.At the same time, my volunteer work with the local NGO’s exposed me to the harsh realities of the human rights and political scenario in Malaysia. I realized all was not well. This exposure has helped shape and challenge my thoughts and viewpoint. I became convinced that working for human rights is something that I wanted to do. Hence my decision to work with Empower right after my graduation in 2006. Working with Empower has given me the opportunity to experience working at the grassroots level with marginalized communities as well as doing work like administrative tasks, organizational tasks, report writing, training and so on. Empower uses the rights based approach in our training and project. This has enabled me to familiarize myself with instruments like the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Elimination on All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, The UniversalHuman Rights Declaration and this has in turn reinforced my believe that education and awareness about the importance and the value of freedom and rights is a vital element in ensuring that a person’s right is upheld. I strongly believe that it is extremely important for society to be aware that a lot of things that they take for granted or struggle for is in actual fact a basic right.

One of the main reasons for my interest in the internship program is that having read about the May 18 Uprising incident, having met and spoken to some Koreans, I realized that there is a sense of patriotism and pride that they exude when they speak about their country’s struggle for democracy. It struck me that these are people who seem to truly appreciate democracy and their freedom. This is something, sadly not very apparent amongst the Malaysian youth I’ve met. Not many youth seem to realize that the price for democracy and freedom has been great…..it doesn’t come easy.

I believe that I can learn a lot from this internship. I would like to know what is it that makes the Koreans so aware of the importance of democracy, freedom and the up-keeping of human rights in a nations survival and growth. I’d like to bring that knowledge to share with the youth of my country as I believe that the youth play a crucial role in the quest for freedom.

My objectives for applying for this internship would be to gain more exposure and knowledge about the Korean struggle for democracy. I’d like to know about the history of the struggle and what is it that continues to drive the people to strive to maintain democracy and respect human rights. I would also like to learn and observe how Korean NGOs work, the approach that they use when handling human rights issues. I would also like to bring back what I would learn in Korea to share with my fellow activists in Malaysia. I believe that the theoretical knowledge as well as the practical experience I would gain from this internship will prove to be invaluable in my quest to promote and uphold human rights.

My expectations towards this internship would be to firstly, be able to learn in depth about the Korean struggle for democracy and to appreciate the sacrifices that have been made to achieve democracy and uphold human right. I would like to learn and listen to the people themselves about their experiences, and how even after such a devastating incident like the Uprising, the people have managed to rise again and move on with life.

Secondly, I hope to experience a challenging internship where I will be able to learn new skills and knowledge, stimulate and challenge my mind and way of thinking. At the same time, I would also like to contribute to the May 18 Foundation in any way that I might be able to. Networking with the people from the foundation and the other interns would also be something I hope to do as well.

Last but not the least, I would like to experience the Korean culture. The best way to learn about people is to actually live amongst them, speak to them, learn their language, experience their culture and to be open to learning experiences. My exposure through my reading as well as interacting with Korean friends has deepened my interest in Korea and her culture as a whole.

With this, I sincerely hope that I will be given the opportunity to participate in this internship program as I believe it will be a fulfilling and beneficial experience for both sides. I hope to be able to interact and engage with activists from Korea and others as well in order to learn from them as well as to share my experiences.

Read more here http://thencysfootprints.blogspot.com/

The May 18 Memorial Foundation

Intro to Korean Democracy
Uploaded by peterahon

Announcement for 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

"I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me” a reflection made by Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, participant from Thailand last year. The May 18 Memorial Foundation is announcing the application for the 2008 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School. For this year, application is made more competitive to screen the number of applications. Emphasis on organizational partnership is given importance, so applicants endorsed by their organization will be the priority. Since the foundation will not be able to provide multiple translations, English language will be the medium for exchange.The GAHRFS aims to contribute to the development of democracy and human rights throughout Asia. Twenty five (25) participants will be selected from among applicants from all over Asia who have been working for human rights, peace and democracy. They will be given an opportunity to learn and experience the history and development process of human rights and democracy in South Korea. The folk school will also serve as an opportunity for participants to exchange and network with other human rights activists.One of the perks of attending the Folk School is the opportunity to be endorsed for a scholarship. For the last two years the foundation has been supporting scholars to Sungkonghoe University for their Master of Arts in Inter-Asia NGO Studies (MAINS). They were chosen and selected by the folk school committee based on their active participation and performance during the folk school.Interested applicants should download the form enclosed. Applicants are advised to read carefully the guidelines and the rules for their application to be considered. The foundation shall only accept and entertain applicants who will properly comply with the set guide and rules.
This information is available in our website with this link:
http://twurl.nl/ocwqae


Application form is also available here:
http://groups.google.com/group/518solidarity/web/revised%20form%202008%20Folk%20School.doc


Testimonials from the Participants of the 2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

"Today, years after the supreme sacrifice made by the people of Gwangju, they continue to inspire and teach us lessons, which is why we are here. The Gwangju Uprising reminds us to experience the spirit of democracy in our day to day life. And the democracy groups in Korea; the Folk School in particular has shown us how to make democracy a part of our daily lives. The Folk School by constantly revisiting events of the May 18 Uprising, invites us to re-live the events, the ordeals and the sacrifices of the victims that we may never again be the victims of oppression. By organizing activities such as those we saw at the Liberty Park where young students were immersed in serious discussions on the merits of democracy; the various fora organized to raise awareness of the significance of the May 18 events; the educational tours we had at the Busan Democracy Park and the visit to the Human rights Commission in Seoul, are but a few activities meant to nurture and develop the spirit of democracy in our daily life".
- Mr. Damaso G. Magbual, ANFREL


"Again and again thank you for this chance and I am so grateful for these enlighten learning process here and thank you for endless help what you have done to me. Finally, the sauna bath is really an unforgettable experience where I can be my self without any shame as the human being and acceptance as who am I".
- Ms. Damairia Pakpahan, RUMPUN


"I recognized that the power of small individuals could forge and unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me".
- Ms. Ratchada Arpornsilp, Thailand


"Through this program, all participants were learning that democracy in an on-going process. Democratic process demands times and unstoppable efforts. Democracy was fought and won through eternal vigilance and wary surveillance over decades and for many generations despite of their diverse social, cultural or political context. People were bound and united once their democratic and human right was violated".
- Ms. Nurul Rochayati, Indonesia


Reflection on 2007 Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School

by Ratchada ArpornsilpDuring September 3-14, 2007, I was given a chance by the May 18 Memorial Foundation to participate in Gwangju Asian Human Rights Folk School (GAHRFS) held in Gwangju, the place where democratic uprising was demonstrated and its spirit had prevailed.To me, GAHRFS had led to a great deal of fruition. This significant event consisted of many components ranging among intensive lectures on Korean democratic development and society, discussion to exchange lesson-learnt and experience, individual and group presentation, "Beautiful Holiday" film screening, study trip to National Cemetery of May 18th Democratic Uprising and historical sites, photography workshop, home-stay, rice ball (Joo Muck Bab)making session, sport's activities, and picnic. Well, this was a combination of many various fractions which either deliberately or unintentionally had contributed to the uniqueness and specialization of this program.Definitely GAHRFS accomplished in revitalizing the spirit of May 18 Democratic Uprising in Gwangju taking place in 1980 to other Asian participants. Though Korea has a long history of democratic development and revolution against dictatorship rule, it has so far been overshadowed by its economic success and entertainment K-pop culture in global arena, especially in Asia. Therefore, this event, with a perfectly-blended combination of compatible activities, literally brought me back into 1980, basically equipping me with domestic and global, as well as social, economic and political context of Republic of Korea (ROK or so- called South Korea) during that transitional period due to the assassination of President Park Chung-hee in December the year earlier and the pervasive antagonistic atmosphereof Cold War era with Soviet Union invasion into Afghanistan along with intensive election campaign running around the United States between incumbent Democrat Jimmy Carter and Republican opponent Ronald Reagan.Apparently during that critical juncture in South Korea's political vacuum and prospect for transformation, the world was framed into bipolar with domination of the United States against Soviet Union under the rationale of ideological confrontation. Even since the end of Korean war, ROK has always been the United States' strategic partner in containing Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or namely North Korea) and balancing the power in the peninsula. Consequently, regardless whatever cost, the United States would prop up the regime that stabilized the country. General Chun Doo-hwan, then Head of the Defense Security Command was in charge of the investigation into the assassination. On May 17, 1980, Chun Doo-hwan repealed all civilian rules, extending martial law to the entire country and disbanding the National Assembly. That was when the people of Gwangju stood up against the military control following by bloody massacre.Another outstanding nature of this folk school was the selection of its participants which was divided into 3 groups considering the working experience of each participant in their respective NGO fields; senior, middle-level and junior. The nationalities were diverse across Asian continent. As a result, GAHRFS had provided an ideal forum of how people with distinguished background and experience could plausibly assemble together to share their common concerns as well as lesson-learnt. The interpersonal relations among participants interacting with one another gave me such an impressive feeling and rare opportunity to actually see people from conflicting area as India and Pakistan or Taiwan and China join the laughter and understanding even still at personal level.At the end of GAHRFS, I realized that people around the world, even they might look different, they precisely shared a great deal of similarity. Thailand’s history and political development also had been through many militarized authoritarian regime and countervailing student movement and democratic uprisings. Besides, I recognized that the power of small individuals could forgeand unite in solidarity to bring about the constructive change to the world. Eventually, GAHRFS was a true moral blessing and encouragement to me.

Book Report on The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising

Book title: The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising
Published: The May 18th History Compitation Committee of Gwangu City
Translator: Lee Kyung-soon, Ellen Bishop

This book “The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising” is a non-fiction and historical book about the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising in South Korea. This book have five main chapters. First, The character of the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising, It showed the reason of the uprising and other relevant matters after the May 18 Democratic Uprising.

Second, The last of the Yushin system and the insurgent troops on December 12, 1979, it reported the political background and the Yushin revolution, Yushin System was a typical military dictatorship, Most of the citizens were unhappy this period. Martial law was declared throughout the country after the October 26 incident when the Chief of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency associated Park Churg-hee.

Third, The retreat of democratization. President Choi resigned and Mr. Chun Doo-hwan became the new President. On his new lead, he had adopted 3 measures to disempower the Choi Cabinet. It was a usurpation of political power, it was not democratic, so most of people were unsatisfied. Especially, students all over South Korea, Which gave rise to the student movement.
They had a meeting with the representatives from 23 universities and presidents of the students councils and agreed to stage peaceful demonstrations only on their campus. To me, the students were the main pillar of democratization, they had prepared and appealed to all people to stand up against dictatorship. Anywise, rumor had spread of government attempt to restore the old regime, so campaign for school democratization on campus became a political movement for democratization of the nation, more than 50,000 people participated in the street campaign in “the national democratization rally” on 17th May, at the same day new military power had been preparing for the horrible scene of the day after.

Fourth, The May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising. This chapter showed the day’s quelling the campaign, the beginning of the tragedy, the battle of army, the situation on the 19th of May and the day after until 27 May, the birth of the citizens’ army and the withdrawal of paratroopers.

Fifth, The meaning of the May 18th Gwangju Democratic Uprising, revival of the Gwangju democratic Uprising and meaning.After reading the book, I can imagine the situation during the uprising and its cause. I have my sympathy for the citizens under the dictatorial regime, I felt so sad to see how the military leaders suppress the citizens during the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, it was merciless and brutal enough to be branded as a massacre, Their cruel actions were irrespective of age or sex, all of these were violation of human rights.

In this book the authors main purpose was to show the activities and characters of the May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising, especially the author portrayed a very bad regime as contrasted with the noble deed of the Gwangju citizens who vigorously struggled to gain back democracy.

I am so grateful to the students and youth of Korea, especially the student of Chonnam University who are so brave as well as the rest of the Gwangju citizens who died during The May 18 Democratic Uprising. They started the democratization movement and general consciousness raising. Chonnam student held a general election for the General Student Council that became the leader of the democratization movement. Otherwise the students’ movement was the most fundamental power for democracy, they would be in the first row and the head of campaign and demonstration against military forces. They were responsible also in appealing for people participation with other students, citizens, and professors to participate.

In conclusion, the 1980 Gwangju Democratic Uprising was not a disgrace but an honor, and full of glory. In my opinion, we should keep and point out to all students and people that it was a very important part of history, although they may not have won the battle, but they have shown a great commitment and solidarity for their struggle to bring democracy to South Korea. They did not do it only for their self or family but they did it for our generation and the next generation.

A Day Before Parliamentary Election

Korea’s Parliamentary Election Day is nearing. Held once every five years, the occasion marks a day off on April,09.2008 as elections take place. However, shopping centers, department stores, shops, restaurants, and tourists locations will still be open during regular hours of operation. All banks, government offices, private businesses, and schools will remain closed.for me i was a promoter to all people in down town of Gwangju city go to vote tomorrow. in the campinge have 6 term and in my term have 4 member, a indonesian girl, a korean man and women, and me. on our hand with alot of brochrea and a banna, we started to walked around the down town with yell(Toh Poey Ha Ce Yo) it mean go to vote tomorrow. only 30 mn everyting in our hand had gone. for my own feeling it so diffence between i did this task in Koren and Sweden or Cambodia. for Korean people they so interested what we do or other advertiser, when we give most of people get and say thinak you. but for Sweden or Cambodia's when i did,thire's face so steangth and maybe they think i am a crazy man or mentail problem, most of that said to me No No......

Vouluntees Tour on Uprising Relevant Place

This my tour study at 29, March 2008. that day really fantastic for me. this tour had occured for 50 volunteer,4 staff from Foundation, a Guide, a Driver and Two International intern(one is me), the scedule had stared from 10.00am all participan have to invlove before 5mn in front of The May 18 Cultural Center.

The study tour introdution, that tour focus on 3 aims place, frist Consecrated Ground for the Spirit of Democracy, Civil Rights, Peace and Reconciliation. Second, Chonnam Prov.Hall and May 18 Democracy Rotary. Thirt, The May 18 Cemery, and Education Center for Liberty, Democracy and Justice.

Consecrated Ground for the Spirit of Democracy, Civil Right, Peace and Reconciliation

Althought, The May 18 Gwangju Democratic Uprising has been a focal point in the Korean Democratization Movement since 1980, the May 18 Memorail Campaign was started with a government grant and privated donationas in 1994. While the graves to the victims of the Uprising were neglected under the pseudo-civillian governments of Chun Doo-hwan and Rho Tae-woo, pro-democracy advoates and regular citizens saw them as sacred ground. Gwangju is constructing a memorial to the uprising in the Sangmu New Town District, the former headquarters of the Martial Law Forces and detention facilities during the Uprising. The memorial include the May 18 Liverty Park and the May 18 Memorial Parck. After the Provincial Government Relocates to its new offices, the old Provincial Government relocates to its new offices, the old Provincial Hall, site of the Citizens Army's last stand, will also be used as a memorial to the Uprising.When the contruction of these memorials are completed, the spirit of May 18 will be engraven on the hearts of all people struggling for liverty, democracy and justice. Gwangju will become a sacred place for democracy, where civil rights, peace and reconcilliation will live forever

The May 18 Cemetery, An Education Center for Liberty, Democracy and Justice

The May 18 Cemetery, Which sits on about 14 acres of land in Ugjon-dong, Puk-gu (North District) was completed in May 1997 and had a commanding view of Mt.Mudung. Atree planting campign startd by citizens on November21,1996 and dedicated to the spirti of democracy, has helped to spread the May 18 message to the whole world.
The May 18 Cemetery also function as an eduction center which teaches that injustice and ictatorship should never return to this country. For the oppressed people of the world who continue to struggle for liberty, democracy and justice, it has become a shrine to democracy, the place have The May 18 Memorial Tower, Photogaphic Memorial Hous, The Monument to Tree Donors, The May 18 Exhibition Room, History Square and Mang-dong old Cemetery.

My Expereance

During the day with the drak sky, the tour was rental a bus and fit for all of folk. the bus tie was circleing and a staff form Foundation said hellow to all audient but in Korean languages, my turn cameing and i had introudued my self. that was discrepancy culture, if i was travelling around or tour to somewhere with my friends that will be someone or all of us become singers or dancer with the culb hard, in Cambodia. but here so quiet, they just speark around or told to someone set next to them only. afew minute after tour guride had introduce somethings but i don't understand cus they spearking only Korean language, for me i just look out window to see all crazy fast vihical on the road, to me Korean like to drive so fast, i think if dangerous occering it will be serious problem. The bus was reached the place, we can call it Freedom Hall, this frist goal have some part but we had started with Photo and Ducument Hall, they walked around and see all the picture and some items, the guied he spork only Korean, so i just learn for the brochler and signal of the borad. nearly an hour to saw Picture Hall, it was nearly a lanch time, so i had leave before a group to help to prepare food for group, that time we was setup Gmeg Peb for food and some bottles of warther. everything had done and group was set all together in 4 lines and eat. me had set in the middle of line, next to me is a korean guy that he study at university, i have a friend from Cambodia(he said). the bigest problem had occure to me, how is your feeling if you going to jail(the prison that put demotrater), for me i feel unconfortable althoungt it not real. me and group of volunteer was got to jail by preten the real situation, the door was close. the group feel nerous with the sound from guide we have to setdown, he had told some life of prisoner. for me it was so differnce between my purpose and was in jail of the idel democratic people, i had feel so stronge and i happy to be here the place of hero. the last for first place we vistied the military court, had make a sence of being jude to the prepirter.

Second place, we had travel around to see the centrl or downtown that was the hotest place during uprising

Third place, The May 18 Cementery, it still the same i can see around but i don't understand from the guride, i throng i had to trep him away. lynna is a woman staff in Foundation and he had was my guide to talking about rilegen or belive, she told me that the bigget riligent here is New Cristant after buddar and the last old Cristant. long the way walk to new cementory i had make a conversation between me and a volunteer, she told me why she want to spork with me, cuz she want improve her English language. that is the same way of cambodian did. the exhabition hall in new cemetery it really fantastic i like they decorated so much, it look like westen style but korean.