Ah, here we are, in front of Danseongsa. It feels like a part of my soul. It's quite emotional to finish the path of revolution here. Danseongsa, which I used to manage, sparked the growth of theaters in this area, turning it into the mecca of Korean cinema.

Originally, this spot was home to the Left Podocheong. Alongside the Right Podocheong, it was responsible for public safety in Hanyang, akin to today's police stations. With modernization, Podocheong was renamed Gyeongmugug.

Afterward, Gyeongmugug went through various name changes - Gyeongmucheong, Gyeongbu, Gyeongsicheong - and eventually ceased to exist after losing sovereignty. However, approximately a decade later, a Gyeongmugug was resurrected in Shanghai, China. In April 1919, with the establishment of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, a Gyeongmugug was also formed, with Kim Koo serving as its inaugural chief.

Podocheong's significant responsibility included the Sunra duty, which involved patrolling during nighttime travel restrictions. This curfew was established during the Joseon Dynasty in King Taejong's reign, underwent slight adjustments in King Sejong's era, and had specific curfew hours set after King Sejo's time.

The curfew was documented as 'Yageumbeop' in the 〈National Code〉. This regulation barred travel without a special pass. However, in instances of injury, illness, childbirth, or unavoidable situations, individuals could inform the Sunra officer or a designated checkpoint, the Gyeongsuso, to seek permission for travel.
Officials sometimes needed to travel at night for official duties, and they used a separate travel pass called the 'Beomyamulgeumcheop.'

During the Joseon Dynasty, the curfew system was abolished in 1895 as Joseon adopted certain universal practices from other countries. The introduction of streetlights in some areas reduced the necessity for curfews. The abolition of the curfew system signaled a change of era for Seoul citizens, marking the beginning of modernity.

Choe Sihyeong, the second leader of Donghak, is an important figure to recall here. After succeeding Choe Je-u, he advanced Donghak's organization and ideology. Despite evading government arrest, he successfully published Donghak's scripture, the 〈Donggyeong Daejeon〉, and a lyric book named 〈Yongdam Yusa〉. He also established a hierarchical structure within the Donghak organization, forming units like 'Po' and 'Jeop,' thereby solidifying its organization.

Thanks to these efforts, Donghak grew in influence, leading to the Donghak Peasant Revolution in 1894.

After the Donghak Peasant Revolution, Choe Sihyeong once again became a fugitive. He was captured by government troops in Wonju in 1898. After a perfunctory trial, in June 1898, he met his end through execution by hanging. Lee Yuin presided over the trial, with Cho Byunggab among the assistant judges. You're right.
It was the corrupt governor of Gobu, Cho Byunggab, a key figure contributing to the spark of the Donghak Peasant Revolution. The flames of revolution surged for a year but ultimately couldn't bear fruit.

The path of revolution is undoubtedly long and arduous. But ending the final tour of 'The Path of Revolution' like this doesn't seem appropriate.

On October 1st, 1926, a significant event took place. A new Japanese Colonial Government of Korea to reign Joseon was established on the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was a grandiose building that took 15 years of planning and construction. Its massive size was intimidating, a clear reflection of Japan's intent to establish the most authoritative building.

But you know how strong we are. On that very day, Na Woonkyu's 〈Arirang〉 premiered at Danseongsa. Arirang stirred a sense of longing for independence among our people. I believed that the invisible fiery spirit could triumph over the soulless massive building right before our eyes.

How was the tour? Walking with me on Course 7 of the Jongno Modern Street's 'The Path of Revolution,' didn't Jongno seem different? Despite the fact that people are chased by their busy daily lives now, we can still revisit the history of those who worked to save our daily lives.