The Declaration of Independence, F-51D Mustang designated as cultural assets

The March 1 Declaration of Independence and Korea’s first combat plane will be registered as cultural properties. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced the notice of registration for the Proclamation and F-51D Mustang fighter-bomber on Monday. The Declaration of Independence contains a list of 33 representatives of Korean people. During the March 1 movement, the leaders proclaimed the independence of Korea and the liberty of the Korean people in the paper of the length of 44.9 centimeters and width of 20.1 centimeters.

“The document is one of the most critical cultural assets in the independence movement," the Administration said. "It should be highly valued as it served as a momentum to ignite nationwide demonstrations.” The two original copies of the document are possessed by the Seoul Art Center and an individual owner.

The F-51D Mustang is a fighter-bomber manufactured by the U.S. and the Republic of Korean Air Force introduced the plane on July 2, 1950, immediately after the outbreak of the Korean War.

The administration also registered personal belongings of Hansen’s disease patients in Sorok Island of Goheung, South Jeolla Province. The articles left by the deceased are designated as the cultural property no. 663 and are composed of 14 items and eight types including medical knife, pot, ladle and other living tools made by people with Hansen’s disease (possessed by the Sorokdo National Hospital). The displayed items reflect the poor living conditions of leprosy patients.

김상운 기자sukim@donga.com