Daegu｜Cheongna Hill's 90-Step Staircase: A Sacred Site of the March 1st Movement

The March 1st Independence Movement was a significant historical event during Korea's Japanese occupation, marking a nationwide resistance against Japanese rule. On March 1, 1919, Korean independence activists in Gyeongseong (now Seoul) proclaimed the Declaration of Independence, sparking anti-Japanese protests across cities in Korea. In Daegu, a historically significant site is Cheongna Hill. A century ago, the 90-step staircase served as a refuge for protesting students and activists evading Japanese surveillance. It is regarded as the starting point of the March 1st Movement in Daegu. Daegu has introduced five themed alley tours, with the Modern Alley route being particularly moving. 👍 Lee Sang-hwa's Residence: The home of anti-Japanese literary figure Lee Sang-hwa, who was renowned for his patriotic writings during the Japanese occupation. The house was initially slated for redevelopment into a commercial building but was later purchased by the Freemasons and donated to the government for preservation. 👍 Seo Sang-don’s Old House: Seo Sang-don was a prominent textile merchant and a key figure in the National Debt Repayment Movement during the Japanese occupation in 1907. He played a pivotal role in the anti-Japanese resistance. 👍 Cheongna Hill: Originally a burial site for the impoverished who couldn’t afford proper funerals, this area lacked grand tombstones or descendants to pay respects. Known as a pauper’s graveyard, it became a significant site when Presbyterian missionaries arrived over a century ago. Undeterred by its reputation, they built three houses here blending Korean and Western architectural styles, featuring sunrooms with arched windows and triangular roofs. The site also includes a restored Jaejungwon, a medical facility where missionaries provided both spiritual and medical care, marking an important chapter in Daegu’s modern history. Post-pandemic, only one of the three houses is open to the public. A recommended route is to start at Cheongna Hill, explore the missionary houses to learn about the March 1st Movement, and then descend the staircase to visit the Modern Alley, gaining a deeper understanding of the historical context. 📍 Address: 2029 Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea 🚗 A 10-minute walk from Banwoldang Station or a 5-minute walk from Cheongna Hill Station.