Ilgwang Mining Village: Where Beautiful Nature Meets Painful History

WHY VISIT

Visit ‘Ilgwang Mining Village,’ a site with a history of forced labor. Ilgwang Mining Village carries the painful legacy of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period. The scars of this history remain visible today. In the 1930s, Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining Co, Ltd. developed the Nikko Mine (Ilgwang Mine) to exploit Korea’s copper resources. Mining operations began in 1937, and the mine became one of the country’s top five copper producers. Starting in 1944, many Koreans were forcibly mobilized to work in copper mining and subjected to military training. The working conditions were extremely harsh, leading to immense suffering. As a result, Ilgwang Mining Village gained notoriety as a ‘hellhole workplace.’ At the entrance to the mine, you can still see remnants of the Japanese occupation, including the ruins of Japanese-style offices and houses once used by executives. Structures like laundries, wells, and communal toilets reflect the harsh conditions endured by forced laborers and offer a glimpse into their daily lives. Although the village has declined over time following the mine’s closure, it retains much of its original character, providing insight into how our ancestors lived during the Japanese occupation. Beyond its historical significance, the site is also a picturesque agricultural complex, adorned with pink muhly and silver grass that create a stunning view in every season. Experience the echoes of your ancestors’ footsteps in this mining town where history and nature intertwine.