In South Korea, the memory of Rabindranath Tagore resonates deeply, serving as a poignant reminder of his enduring impact on a generation of freedom fighters. Despite never setting foot in the country, Tagore’s legacy is immortalized through a statue prominently placed in Seoul’s bustling Jongno district, near Marronnier Park. Erected by the South Korean government in 2011 to commemorate the Nobel laureate’s 150th birth anniversary, in collaboration with the Indian embassy, this gesture speaks volumes about Tagore’s significance to the Korean people and their history.
Unlike in other nations he visited, where statues and plaques honoring Tagore are not uncommon, the memorial in South Korea holds a special significance. Tagore’s absence from the Korean Peninsula notwithstanding, his literary and political contributions left an indelible mark on the populace during their struggle for liberation from Japanese colonization. This enduring tribute stands as a testament to the profound impact of Tagore’s work, transcending borders and resonating across generations in South Korea.
