Seoul Commemorates Korean War Anniversary with International Tribute
Seoul, South Korea – A solemn ceremony marking the 76th anniversary of the Korean War unfolded on the evening of June 23rd at Gwanghwamun Square’s “Garden of Gratitude.” This marks the first time a Korean War commemoration event has been held in this prominent public space.
A Symbol of International Solidarity
The “Garden of Gratitude,” inaugurated last month, stands as a tribute to the 22 United Nations member nations and their veterans who participated in the Korean War. The centerpiece of the garden features 23 stone pillars, each standing 6.25 meters tall, arranged in a north-south line symbolizing both South Korea and the UN forces. These pillars are ordered from south to north, reflecting the chronological arrival of allied forces on the Korean Peninsula. The national flags of the 23 participating countries were also displayed during the commemorative ceremony.
At the ceremony’s stage, messages of thanks and remembrance were displayed in the languages of the 23 nations, including phrases like “Thank You” and “We Remember the Sacrifice of Heroes.” As dusk settled, the stone pillars were illuminated, casting a warm glow over the city center.
A Night of Remembrance and Emotion
Around 600 attendees, including war veterans and citizens, gathered for the event. The lighting of the pillars at 8 PM was met with a collective gasp of admiration from the crowd.
Veteran Ryu Jae-sik, 94, who served as a student soldier and was wounded during the war, was visibly moved to tears. “To see an event like this held in the heart of Seoul brings tears to my eyes,” he stated. “I believe the fallen heroes resting in the National Cemetery would also be grateful.”
The event also drew a significant number of younger attendees, including those in their 20s and 30s. Pyo Jeong-ho, 26, who experienced a severe explosion during his military service in 2022, expressed his gratitude: “It’s incredibly comforting to know that the public remembers and honors those who sacrificed for our country.” A group of around 50 runners from a local running club completed a 6.25km route around Gwanghwamun Square before joining the ceremony, many sporting Taegeukgi motifs on their headbands.
Global Contributions Recognized
The stone pillars themselves are constructed using stones donated by the participating nations. To date, seven countries, including India, the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece, have contributed stones. Germany provided a segment of the Berlin Wall, while the Netherlands inscribed the phrase “Sacrifice for Peace” on their donated stone. City officials noted that stones from Sweden and other countries are expected to arrive soon.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon remarked, “I believe the way we remember our heroes defines the character of a nation. We will continue to foster the Garden of Gratitude as a place where gratitude and respect flourish, and where future generations can naturally learn the value of patriotism.”
The Seoul Metropolitan Government is hosting a series of patriotic events, themed “Freedom We Protected Together 76 Years Ago, Memories We Cherish Together,” at the Garden of Gratitude until June 27th, in observance of Patriotic Month.
International Visitors Express Gratitude
Many international visitors were seen taking commemorative photos in front of the stone pillars representing their home countries. Dasu Kurang Gophal, 60, from India, shared his appreciation: “I am thankful that Korea remembers the sacrifices made by Indians. Seeing the donated stone from India here brought me joy, and I took several photos.” India played a crucial role during the Korean War by dispatching a medical unit to treat UN soldiers and civilians.
