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Exhibitions

The First Exhibition Room – Martyrdom

God Remembered Them

Learning is the theme of the first exhibition room, which defines ‘martyrdom’ and introduces the history of Christian martyrdom in Korea and the world.The history of Christianity is history of persecution and martyrdom closely intertwined. Through the lives of these martyrs, we can reflect onthe life of Jesus and return to the essence of faith that does not neglect the suffering of the Cross and hearken tothe inner voice that encourages us to love both God and our neighbors.

Martyrdom in the History of World Christianity

After the martyrdom of Stephen, the first martyr in the history of Christianity, there wereearly church martyrs, who established the first church, middle reformation period martyrs, who renewed the church, modern periodmartyrswhoopenedthedoortomissions,andpresent-daymartyrswhoconfronttheinjusticeoftheworld.

Late Chosun period Catholic Martyrs

Before Protestantism had reached Korea, Catholic Christians encountered numerous persecutions such as Shinyu Persecution of 1801, Gihae Persecution of 1839, Byeongoh Persecution of 1846, while spreading the seed of the Gospel in Korea. At the expense of their blood, Korean Christians were grantedreligious freedom.

Japanese Colonial Period Protestant Martyrs

Protestantism arrived in Korea in the late 19th century and many died for their faith during Japanese Colonial period and the Korean War. These martyrs secured the purity ofChristian faith by choosingtolay downtheirlivesratherthanworshipping Japanese shrines. Despite gruesome tortures, they confessed “we will serve no other god, but the LORD” until their last breath.

The Korean War Protestant Martyrs

Along with the Japanese Colonial period, the Korean War also produced many martyrs. Amid the division of the country from theKorean War, the martyrs practicedChristian love and reconciliation beyond ideological dissension. During the war, the ministers and members of the church were willing to give up their life to protect the church and partake in the suffering of the congregation. Their spirit of martyrdom leads us today to the reconciliation and love of Christ.

Video ExhibitionRoom

This documentary featuresstories ofKorean Protestant martyrs. Duration: 14 minutes 59 seconds.

Audio Exhibition “The Writings of Martyrs”

There are audio files of sermon script, praise, prison letters, and poems.