Arch of Reunification facts for kids
Arch of Reunification in 2014
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| Coordinates | 38°57′52.300″N 125°42′56.940″E / 38.96452778°N 125.71581667°E |
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| Location | Pyongyang, North Korea |
| Width | 61.5 metres (202 ft) |
| Height | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Opening date | August 2001 |
| Dedicated to |
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| Dismantled date | January 2024 |
The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, was a huge arch in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. It was built in August 2001. This arch was a symbol of hope for Korean reunification, meaning North and South Korea becoming one country again. It was made to honor ideas for reunification that were suggested by Kim Il Sung, a former leader of North Korea. The arch was made of concrete and stood over the main road, the Reunification Highway. This road leads from Pyongyang all the way to the border with South Korea, called the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The Arch of Reunification was taken down in January 2024.
Contents
What the Arch Looked Like
The Arch of Reunification showed two Korean women dressed in traditional clothes, called chosŏn-ot (or Hanbok). One woman stood for North Korea and the other for South Korea. They were leaning forward, holding up a large sphere together. This sphere had a map of a united Korea on it.
Symbols and Meanings
The sphere on the arch was a symbol of three important ideas for reunification. These were the Three Principles of National Reunification, the Plan of Establishing the Democratic Federal Republic of Korea, and the Ten Point Program of the Great Unity of the Whole Nation.
At the bottom of the arch, there were bronze pictures carved into the surface. These carvings, called bas-reliefs, showed scenes from the Korean independence movement. This movement was about Koreans fighting for their freedom. The base of the arch also had messages carved into it. These messages were from different people, groups, and countries, all wishing for peace and reunification.
The arch was built during a time called the "sunshine policy." This was when the South Korean government tried to make friends with North Korea. They hoped to reduce fighting and bring the two countries closer.
Original Plan
The first idea for the monument was different. It was going to be a 55-meter tall pillar. This pillar would have had three branches. These branches were meant to represent Koreans living in the north, in the south, and in other countries around the world.
Why the Arch Was Taken Down
In December 2023, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, spoke at a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea. He said that South Korea had become a "military base" for the United States. This was because the U.S. was doing more military exercises and sending military equipment near the Korean peninsula.
A Change in Policy
At that time, Kim Jong Un announced that North Korea would no longer try to reunite with South Korea. He said that their relationship must change completely. North Korea also said it would launch new spy satellites, build military drones, and make its nuclear weapons stronger by 2024.
In January 2024, Kim Jong Un ordered the Arch of Reunification to be destroyed. This was another step in giving up on the goal of reunification. In a speech on January 15, he called the monument an "eyesore." He also ordered that North Korea's constitution be changed. The new constitution would say that South Korea is North Korea's "primary foe and invariable principal enemy."
Demolition Confirmed
The Arch of Reunification was taken down sometime between January 19 and 23, 2024. This was seen in satellite imagery. The South Korean Ministry of Unification officially confirmed the news on January 24, 2024.
Gallery
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The arch at night
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A closer look at the top of the arch. You can see a map of the Korean Peninsula and its islands like Jeju, Ulleungdo, and Dokdo. There's also Korean writing that says "3대헌장" (samdae heonjang), meaning "3-point charter."
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A bronze carving at the base of the arch, showing the Korean people.
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Another bronze carving at the base, showing the Korean people.
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See also
In Spanish: Arco de la Reunificación para niños
