Nat'l Memorial Museum of Forced Mobilization under Japanese Occupation The occurrence of forced labor during wartime mobilization from the Sino-Japanese War to the end of World War II is a particularly tragic history for Korea. Over five million Korean citizens and prisoners of war were conscripted to perform labor in Japan and other locations around the world. It is estimated that from 270,000 up to 810,000 Koreans died in this crime against humanity.

Space Information

12,062Square meters
floor areas
+3 / -4Three stories and
four basement levels
2015Project
Completion

This proposed Memorial Hall, built in tribute to the victims of forced labor, will be constructed in the port city of Busan. The meaning is also implicit in its location that it was the port of departure and return where victims were taken by ships to remote parts of Asia.
The hall not only serves as an exhibition space, but also as an educational institution, research center, and documents processing facility. The huge floating mass emphasizes historical symbolism; moreover, the rough terra-cotta of the exterior wall represents the painful memory of forced labor. The new building will be visually and physically connected to the adjacent United Nations Park in order to maximize openness and visibility. Also the building naturally integrates with the surroundings by retaining an existing walk path.

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