Japanese signboards to be posted at Independence Hall

From next year, Japanese signboards will be installed to explain the exhibits in all the exhibition rooms at Independence Hall. The installation of the boards will be completed by month-end.

The signs are intended to provide Japanese tourists with an understanding of Korea's view of the events that took place here during Japan's 1910-45 occupation of the Korean Peninsula. Korea and Japan will co-host the 2002 World Cup. More than 90% of the visitors to Independence Hall are Japanese.

English and Chinese explanations also will be provided on the signboards. Currently, only English is provided on most exhibits.

The providing of Japanese explanations was deferred in light of enduring anti-Japanese sentiment on the part of some people, but a poll conducted late last year showed that 90% of those surveyed were in favor of Japanese signboards.

An official at Independence Hall said that the response to a trial signboard was positive. He added that the true meaning of Independence Hall could not be conveyed without the signboards. However, some claim that setting up the signs runs counter to the wishes of the public.

Lee Kwawg-Pyo kplee@donga.com