Seoul: South Korea’s archival records related to significant democratization movements have been added to UNESCO’s prestigious Memory of the World Register.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the records include documents from the April 19 Revolution of 1960 and the Donghak Peasant Revolution of 1894-95. The April 19 Revolution was a student-led movement that played a pivotal role in South Korea’s democratic development, while the Donghak Peasant Revolution was an armed uprising during the Joseon Dynasty that involved peasants and followers of the Donghak religion. This addition increases the total number of South Korean heritage items on the UNESCO list to 18.

This recognition by UNESCO underscores the global significance of South Korea’s historical struggles for democracy and social change. The inclusion of these records is expected to promote further awareness and understanding of the nation’s rich history and its impact on modern society.