Korean Atomic Bomb Victims Memorial

The Memorial Monument for Korean Victims of the Atomic Bomb is one of the memorials located within Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Originally established in 1970 at the west end of Motoyasu Bridge, it was relocated in 1999 to its current site on the western side of the park, just north of the east end of Motoyasu Bridge. The monument was first built near the location where Prince Yi, a member of the Korean royal family, was found after the bombing. At the end of World War II, it is estimated that around three million Koreans were living in Japan, and tens of thousands are believed to have been exposed to the atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Many Koreans lost their livelihoods due to Japan’s annexation of Korea during the Meiji period and came to Japan in search of work, while others were forcibly mobilized as wartime laborers. The memorial follows the legend that the souls of the dead ascend to heaven on the backs of turtles: a stone pillar stands on a turtle-shaped pedestal, topped with a crown carved with twin dragons. Access to the memorial is available from Atomic Bomb Dome Station by crossing Motoyasu Bridge, as well as from Honkawacho Station via Aioi Bridge or Honkawa Bridge.