길영희 吉瑛羲
First principal of Incheon Middle School and Jemulpo High School, an educator known for labor-centered education and a student participant in the March 1st Movement
| Life | 1900 ~ 1984 |
| Era | 근현대 |
| Clan | 해평 길씨 |
Life & career
Gil Yeong-hui (1900-1984) was an educator born in Huichon, North Pyeongan. He is introduced as a member of the Haepyeong Gil clan (the clan is confirmed only in some sources). After graduating from Pyongyang Higher Common School he entered Gyeongseong Medical College, and in 1919 took part in the March 1st Movement as a student representative and was imprisoned, losing his enrollment as a result.
He then attended Baejae school and studied at Hiroshima Higher Normal School, but because of his March 1st record was not given a regular post at public schools, and is said to have refused to adopt a Japanese name until liberation. After liberation he became the first principal of Incheon Middle School and also headed Jemulpo High School, founded in 1950, serving until his retirement in 1961.
He took Ahn Chang-ho's motto of building the nation through sweat (yuhan heungguk) as his educational guide and stressed labor-based education, and is known for practices such as unsupervised examinations. After retirement he ran Daeseong Academy in Incheon and founded the Garu-sil farmers' school in Deoksan, Yesan, and died on March 1, 1984. In 2005 he received a presidential commendation for his role in the March 1st Movement.
March 1st and Student Years
While studying at Gyeongseong Medical College after Pyongyang Higher Common School, he joined the 1919 March 1st Movement as a student representative and was imprisoned. This led to a move to Baejae school and then Hiroshima Higher Normal School.
Principal of Incheon Middle and Jemulpo High
After liberation he became the first principal of Incheon Middle School and concurrently led Jemulpo High School, taking Ahn Chang-ho's motto of building the nation through sweat as his educational guide and stressing labor-based education.
After Retirement
After retiring in 1961 he ran Daeseong Academy for students retaking entrance exams in Incheon and founded the Garu-sil farmers' school in Deoksan, Yesan. He received a presidential commendation in 2005. His clan and parts of his career differ between sources and need confirmation.
Grave
His burial place could not be confirmed.