I went out for a walk with my dog following my footsteps today. I took pictures of the Korean school on the way. Deep in the dark forest stood the school. The sign in Korean on the wall reads "Thank you, daddy and mom".
Let me add the graphic detail about around here. In the 16th century, the then European superpowers began to invade and occupy Asian and African countries. They always dispatched missionaries at first, who had Bibles on the one hand and arms on the other. The Japanese rulers were afraid to be occupied by them and prohibited Christianity. Some people, however, didn't obey the rule and were persecuted. This area was a former execution ground. Thus, this area had been isolated until 40 years ago when a famous prestigious high school moved there. Until then, only the Korean school stood here.
At present, the environment has changed remarkably. The most massive-scale municipal park and the archaeological museum as well as the above noted high school were constructed in this district one after another. My house is also located here. It's like a newly-built artificial housing district. It's very comfortable to live here. Around the Korean school, however, it sounds like the hands of the clock are at a standstill. It's said that pupils who attend the school receive an anti-Japanese education and are forced to respect Kim Jong-il in such a deserted area. I wonder what will become of the Korean pupils?
(Vocabulary)
follow one's footsteps 足の向くままに歩いて行く
missionary 宣教師
execution ground 処刑場
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