Arch of Reunification
The Arch of Reunification (officially Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification)[1] is a sculptural arch located south of Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It was opened in August 2001 to commemorate Korean reunification proposals put forward by Kim Il-sung.[2]
Arch of Reunification | |
Location in Pyongyang | |
Coordinates | 38°57′52.300″N 125°42′56.940″E |
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Location | Pyongyang, North Korea |
Width | 61.5 metres (202 ft) |
Height | 30 metres (98 ft) |
Opening date | August 2001 |
Dedicated to |
|
Arch of Reunification | |
Chosŏn'gŭl | 조국통일3대헌장기념탑 |
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Hancha | |
Revised Romanization | Joguk Tongil Samdae Heonjang Ginyeomtap |
McCune–Reischauer | Choguk T'ongil Samtae Hŏnjang Kinyŏmt'ap |
The concrete arch straddles the multi-laned Reunification Highway leading from Pyongyang to the DMZ. It consists of two Korean women in traditional dress (chosŏn-ot), symbolizing the North and the South,[2] leaning forward to jointly uphold a sphere bearing a map of a reunified Korea. The sphere is the emblem of the Three Charters; the Three Principles of National Reunification; the Plan of Establishing the Democratic Federal Republic of Korea and the Ten Point Program of the Great Unity of the Whole Nation. The original plan was to have a 55-metre pillar with three branches to represent Koreans in the north, the south, and overseas.[1]
The plinth of the structure is engraved with messages of support for reunification and peace from various individuals, organizations, and nations.
The arch appeared on a postage stamp in 2002.
References
- Justin Corfield (July 2013). Historical Dictionary of Pyongyang. Anthem Press. pp. 8–. ISBN 978-0-85728-234-7.
- Harris, Mark Edward (2007). Inside North Korea. Chronicle Books. p. 37. ISBN 978-0-8118-5751-2.