The Memorial of Comfort Women, located in Seodaemun Independence Park, serves as an important tribute to the victims of wartime sexual exploitation during World War II under Japanese control. It aims to address misconceptions surrounding Comfort women while providing spaces for education, reflection, and remembrance. The design guides visitors through a narrative experience, encouraging a deeper understanding of this complex aspect of history.

DISTORTED VIEW

The first phase of the memorial, titled "Distorted View," confronts visitors with misconceptions and distortions about Comfort women. This space is designed to create a sense of disorientation, utilizing a double slit on one side of the hallway. This feature allows visitors to see a statue of Comfort women through an edited lens, reflecting the societal misunderstandings and misrepresentations that have historically surrounded their experiences.

EDUCATION

The second phase, "Education," provides a dedicated area for presenting historical facts and personal testimonies. This component enhances visitor awareness and understanding of the realities faced by Comfort women. It encourages visitors to engage with the information presented, facilitating a thoughtful dialogue about their experiences. The design promotes reflection and knowledge, allowing individuals to process the complexities of this painful history.

NEW UNDERSTANDING

In the third phase, "New Understanding," the memorial immerses visitors in an environment that embodies the suffering endured by Comfort women. This section includes elements that illustrate themes of entrapment and despair. Visitors may find themselves confronted with evocative installations that suggest feelings of being submerged or overwhelmed. This emotional engagement deepens their connection to the narratives that the memorial aims to convey.

COMMEMORATION

The final phase, "Commemoration," honors the 33 Comfort women who shared their stories and experiences. This space facilitates personal reflection and remembrance, allowing visitors to pay tribute to those who suffered. A notable design detail is the skylight, which connects the underground aspects of the memorial with the daylight above. This structural choice symbolizes the link between past trauma and present life, highlighting the continuing relevance of the memorial's message.