Photos Fwd: Internationals in the Jeju Island Visit the Gangjeong Village on June 26

All the image source: Kim Kyung-Duk, Seogwipo Daily Newspaper, June 28, 2010










* The below is from No Jeju Naval Base Vigil (Facebook) before the visit. Thanks very much, N.

Date:	Saturday, June 26, 2010
Time:	6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location:	Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do,

Description:

New leadership is coming to Jeju with the June 2nd gubernatorial elections, with that leadership can come change.The current administration has put into motion plans to develop a naval base in Gangjeong for the use of U.S. and South Korean Aegis destroyers outfitted with missile defense systems. For months the people of Gangjeong village have protested this development. So far the village has garnered support from more than 1,000 people walking the olle trail, which passes the site, in signatures alone. These individuals have done a small part by signing petition against the proposed base. (*Note: The petition now has more than 7,000 signatories for less than two months)

On [June 26th, starting at 6:00pm] the people of Gangjeong Village and I ask that you come to the village to learn more about the proposed plan and display concern regarding the repercussions of such development. The naval base would undoubtedly;

-- Add to the unnecessary stimulated interest in worldwide military expansion
--Destroy natural habitat and environmental sites deemed precious by the UNESCO world heritage site.
--Inevitably create Jeju as a target in lieu of military conflict
--Contradict Jeju's notion of representing a "peace island."
--Create opportunity for commercial development that would inevitably increase the cost of living and social divide.

The event will start off by inviting whomever to dine at the local restaurant from 7:30 to 8:30.

--After dinner the vigil will begin at the local community center (directions and map coming soon.)
--Here the mayor of the village will speak on behalf of the community to inform us why the naval base is not only not necessary but destructive to the well being of Gangjeong.
--After the Mayor speaks Sung Hee Choi, a leading activist against the base will discuss how the issue is not just a local issue but global. The floor will then be open for discussion.
--Wilkine Brutus and Josh Fisher will perform poetry regarding the power of peace.
--After the performance we ask that you sign the petition.

Information on the proposed plan will be available as well as works created by local artists in opposition to the development.

There will also be an opportunity for individuals to write a letter to the South Korean ambassador of your home to convey your concerns. We will mail the letters and provide a sample letter you may reference.

This vigil is meant to provide more information on a topic that is significant to all of us. Please Please come, if not for only an hour to show concern. There will be a few people driving and can give rides if needed.

For more information please refer to the articles below.

http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=395

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/jan2010/2010-01-18-01.html

http://www.rjkoehler.com/2010/01/19/proposed-naval-base-causes-uproar-on-jeju-the-island-of-peace/

http://www.creative-i.info/2010/03/23/jeju-island-navy-base-proposal-reaching-boiling-point-your-help-urgently-neeeded/

http://nobasestorieskorea.blogspot.com/2010/05/photos-gangjeong-jeju-snapshots-on-may.html

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* Related blog

Saturday, June 26, 2010
[Jeju Update][국문 번역]Text Fwd: A Letter and A Poem: Stop to Build the Naval Base