Songjukhoe

Teachers and students of Sungui Girls’ School in Pyongyang formed the secret society Songjukhoe, raising funds for the independence movement and helping families of exiled activists.

In 1913, when military rule had closed off open activity, the Sungui Girls’ School teachers Kim Gyeong-hui and Esther Hwang and their students founded Songjukhoe ("Pine and Bamboo Society"), pledging to stay as steadfast as pine and bamboo. Members sent money raised from dues and handicraft sales to independence groups abroad and supported the families of exiled activists.

After graduating, members became teachers around the country and set up branches, and they helped lead women’s demonstrations in the March First Movement. It is counted among the women’s independence organizations at home in the 1910s.