'Miracle of Siru Island,' Danyang

During a recent visit to Danyang in North Chungcheong Province, I explored the Suyanggae Prehistory Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of Paleolithic artifacts, particularly stone tools. The museum is located at the largest prehistoric site and deserves to be designated on the UNESCO World Heritage List. . This archaeological site was discovered during the excavation of remains submerged by the construction of the Chungju Dam in the early 1980s.

As I strolled outside the museum, I was deeply moved by a newly erected bronze statue of a woman holding a baby. Situated along the road with views of Siru Island, the statue added a poignant touch to the experience.

Approximately 50 years ago, Typhoon Betty ravaged the Korean Peninsula, severely impacting the central region. On Aug. 19, 1972, torrential rains from the typhoon caused devastating flooding in Seoul and surrounding areas. Siru Island in Danyang County was hit particularly hard, submerging the island and forcing residents into extreme survival measures.

In a harrowing incident, 242 residents from 44 households on Siru Island faced a dire situation as floodwaters rose. At midnight, 198 of these residents took refuge in the island's highest structure — a water tank 7 meters tall and 4 meters in diameter. Children and women huddled inside the tank while young men clung to the outside for 14 hours. Despite their desperate efforts, a 100-day-old baby perished under the strain, with the grieving mother holding her deceased baby through the night. Ultimately, 197 of those who sought refuge survived, though seven individuals hanging from a nearby pine hut were swept away by the floodwaters.

This event, known as "The Miracle of Siru Island," evokes in me the memory of the Hungnam Evacuation, known as the "Miracle of Christmas" on Dec. 24, 1950, during the Korean War. The SS Meredith Victory and other vessels orchestrated a historic rescue, evacuating approximately 105,000 soldiers and 98,000 civilians from Hungnam in North Korea, to South Korea's Busan and Geoje Island. This operation not only offered a chance for a hopeful future but also demonstrated humanity's resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. My deep fascination with the Hungnam Evacuation led me to write several columns on the topic in this paper in 2012 and 2019.

Due to the construction of the Chungju Dam in 1985, most of Siru Island is now submerged and largely uninhabited, with only a small portion remaining above the surface. The island’s name, "Siru," derives from its shape, resembling a traditional Korean steamer used for cooking rice cakes.

On Aug. 19, 2022, a significant event took place at the Danyang Culture Sports Center, marking a painful chapter from 50 years ago. The gathering honored the unity and sacrifice of Siru Island’s residents, and for the first time in half a century, key figures from that period were reunited.

Following the ceremony, events included the unveiling of a memorial statue, exhibits, a joint birthday party, a folk song performance and recalling of survivor testimonies. Video recordings of survivors were also shown. Amid this life-and-death crisis, these people overcame the disaster through cooperation and unity, though some lives were lost.

"The Miracle of Siru Island" stands as a powerful testament to human courage and solidarity in the face of disaster. By honoring the survivors and remembering those lost, we acknowledge the strength that helped them overcome immense challenges. The name "Danyang" itself, derived from "Yeondanjoyang," where Taoist hermits with miraculous powers are said to govern the land, embodies the spirit of resilience that we strive to preserve. These memorial efforts ensure their story continues to inspire future generations, highlighting the enduring power of community and perseverance.

Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.