18. Korean Victims Monument
How many times did you dream of your homeland?
This monument was built here
With the united will of your compatriots.
Made of the stones of your homeland,
It stands facing the Korean Strait
With victims' names engraved.
Explanation
This monument was built at the western end of Honkawa Bridge by the Hiroshima Branch Office of the Korean Residents Union in Japan, on April 10, 1970. At first, the monument was erected near the place where the horse saddle of Prince Lee (a member of the Korean royal family) was found after the bombing. In July, 1999, it was moved to the south of the Atomic bomb memorial mound in Peace Memorial Park, after various quarters expressed their concern at its absence from the main body of the park.
According to “A-Bomb: A City Tells its Story,” published by the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation in 1971, there were around 60,000 Korean nationals present in Hiroshima during WWII. Of those present at the time of the Atomic-bombing, it is estimated that between 30,000 and 40,000 Koreans were exposed to the Atomic-bomb in Hiroshima City. The carving on the monument states that over 20,000 Koreans died as the result of the bombing, however the exact number has yet to be properly ascertained.
It is said in Korea that the souls of the dead ride to heaven on the backs of turtles. This monument is standing on a turtle-shaped base and built facing to their country. The Korean national flower, (Korean hibiscus) donated from Korea, growing around the obelisk. There is a memorial service held at this monument on August 5 th every year.
Location: Peace Memorial Park, Naka-ku