Korean families visit ancient Japanese gold mines that hide dark past
South Korean delegation skipped Japanʼs official event but held their own ceremony at historic Sado mines. Korean officials and victims families gathered to remember forced-labor during wartime at this newly-listed UNESCO site
At a former mine-workers housing near the age-old Sado gold mines South Korean officials and families gathered to honor forced-labor victims. The ceremony which took place on nov-25 brought together nine families of Korean laborers Yoon Duk-min (South Koreas ambassador to Japan) and other ministry staff
The historical site — recently added to UNESCOs world heritage list in summer-24 — stands as a reminder of complex relations between these two nations. Located on Japans western isle the mines date back to mid-1500s; however their dark past includes war-time forced labor. South Korean group chose to skip Japans official memorial just one day before holding their own event (showing different views on how to remember this history)
The mines past remains a discussion point between Seoul and Tokyo: while Japan focuses on the sites industrial heritage Korea pushes for full recognition of war-time practices. The former workers quarters where Mondays event took place serves as a stark reminder of laborers daily life
