세월호 5주기… 천막 떠난 자리에 '기억•안전 공간' 공개<br /><br />A new memorial space has opened in Gwanghwamun Square for the victims of the Sewol-ho ferry sinking. <br />It replaces an altar that was there for almost five years.<br />According to our Choi Si-young the area will be more than just a reminder of the 2014 tragedy. <br />At the opening ceremony for the new memorial, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said he could not leave the space empty after the original altar was removed,.. because the sinking of the Sewol-ho was more than a disaster -- it prompted Koreans to ask what the purpose of their government is.<br />"Here I affirm that our country can never allow such a disaster to happen again. We should continue to use this space for commemoration... and to remember the very reason our government exists."<br />So, the space isn't just for the Sewol-ho ferry disaster -- it symbolizes a commitment to making the country safe.<br />"Under the theme of memory and light, this memorial space brings people together to remember the victims of the Sewol-ho ferry disaster."<br />People are invited to see not only photos of those who died... but also paintings commemorating the efforts of their families to find out what really caused the tragedy.<br />People can also watch a video showing a timeline of events from the day of the tragedy to the removal of the altar.<br />They can also experience an entirely different feeling in a space that's completely closed and lit only by candles.<br />This artwork, the city says, is supposed to encourage a feeling of "solace."<br />"This space is meaningful because, in our daily lives, it helps us citizens be more aware of disasters."<br />"This space needed to be made so that we never see something like the Sewol-ho disaster again."<br />A memorial service will take place this Saturday here in central Seoul ahead of the 5th anniversary of the ferry's sinking... next Tuesday, April 16th.<br />Choi Si-young, Arirang News. <br />
