Goyang Geumjeong Cave massacre

Background

Following the South Korean-led recapture of Seoul in the Second Battle of Seoul during the Korean War, South Korean authorities in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, arrested individuals suspected of sympathizing with North Korean forces. Between 9 October 1950 and 31 October 1950, police detained these individuals along with their families and summarily executed them at the site of a former gold mine known as Geumjeong Cave. In total, 153 unarmed civilians were killed. The killings occurred around the same time as the Namyangju massacre in the neighboring area of Namyangju.

Victims

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (South Korea), which later investigated the killings, found that most of the 153 victims, including eight teenagers and seven women, had no relation to rebel or partisan activity.

Discovery and investigation

In 1995, families of the victims excavated the remains of the 153 people killed at the site. Years later, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission examined the case as part of its broader review of wartime and postwar civilian killings in South Korea.

Government response and legal proceedings

In June 2006, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on the South Korean government to apologize to victims' families and erect a memorial at the site. The government did not act on this recommendation. In 2007, the Commission renewed its demand, calling for an apology, compensation, and a memorial; the government again declined to act on these recommendations.

The matter subsequently went before the courts. On 28 November 2011, the Seoul Central District Court ordered the South Korean government to apologize to victims' families, pay reparations, and fund a memorial commemorating those killed.

Status