What building is it?

Today, October 3rd, is a national holiday in Korea, commemorating the founding of the first Korean nation and the start of Korean history over 5,000 years ago. Despite enduring numerous invasions due to its peninsula location, Korea maintained its sovereignty until 1910, when it was annexed by Imperial Japan, turning Korea into a colony from 1910 to 1945.

Gyeongbok Palace is a must-visit for foreign visitors to Korea. While tourists admire its beauty, Koreans remember its dark history. The Japanese Colonial Government Building was constructed from 1916 to 1926 during the Japanese occupation. It was an imposing concrete structure with marble decorations built in front of the palace to undermine the authority of the Joseon Dynasty and assert the image of a new ruler over the land.

The building stood through various historical changes until it was demolished in 1995. After its demolition, the site was restored to its original state, allowing the restoration of Gyeongbok Palace and serving as a space for historical monuments.

Before the demolition, there was a national debate. Some argued for preserving the building as a reminder of Korea’s painful history under Japan and as part of modern Korean history. Others believed tearing it down was necessary to reaffirm Korea's identity and move past historical grievances. Today, most Koreans support the restoration of the palace's historical form. How about other former Japanese colonial buildings which still exist in Korea? Should we keep demolishing them all?

What do you think? Should dark historical symbols be preserved, or should they be removed like the Colonial Government Building? Please, share your thoughts in the comments below.✔️