The Memorial of Comfort Women is situated in Seodaemun Independence Park, South Korea. It serves to honor and remember the experiences of Comfort Women who faced exploitation during World War II under Japanese rule. The design aims to shift the focus from viewing these women as mere victims to recognizing them as individuals with valuable stories. The overall concept revolves around guiding visitors through a journey, leading them from a place of confusion to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment.

Distorted View

In the first phase, known as Distorted View, visitors confront the previously held misconceptions about Comfort Women. The design features a double slit that changes how visitors perceive memorial elements. Through this altered viewing angle, participants can see figures of Comfort Women in a way that highlights historical misrepresentations. This design choice is intentional, encouraging critical thinking about how narratives have been formed over time.

Education

The next phase, Education, provides essential information through historical facts and personal testimonies. The layout is arranged to create an engaging learning space, allowing visitors to fully understand the cultural and historical context surrounding Comfort Women. Elements of the design contribute to an atmosphere that invites contemplation and learning, making it easier for visitors to connect with the content.

New Understanding

Following the educational phase, visitors enter New Understanding. This area captures the emotional weight of the experiences faced by Comfort Women. The design includes features that evoke feelings of entrapment and suffocation, encouraging visitors to empathize with the historical trauma. By immersing people in this environment, the memorial allows for a more profound exploration of the narratives at play.

Commemoration

In the final phase, Commemoration, a dedicated space honors the voices of 33 women who bravely shared their stories. This area fosters a sense of reflection and recognition, urging visitors to engage meaningfully with these narratives. The design creates an atmosphere of respect and acknowledgment, ensuring that the memories of these women are preserved.

A skylight above the Commemoration area connects the underground memorial to the outside world. It symbolizes the link between past experiences and the present, allowing natural light to illuminate the space, reinforcing the message of remembrance and understanding.