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By Honorary Reporter Stephanie E. Effevottu out of Nigeria
Photos = Korea.net Flickr

Every year on June 25, Koreans commemorate those who served and died in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953.

As a historian specialising in war, I am very interested in this conflict because of its continuing influence on world politics and international relations and because it has historical parallels with the civil war in my country from 1967 to 1970.

I am also deeply impressed by how remarkably Korea has progressed over the past few decades to become one of the world’s leading economies. Studying this development has provided deeper insights into how post-conflict countries like Nigeria can overcome the effects of war and conflict, rebuild their economies, and build strong socio-political institutions.

If you are interested in the war and want to know more than just what is in the history books, you should visit the following five places.

Korean War Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Located in Seoul’s Yongsan-gu district, this facility aims to prevent conflict by recalling the lessons of the Korean War. The approximately 33,000 artifacts on display include 10,000 in the indoor and outdoor exhibition halls.

This memorial is a great place for history buffs, especially those interested in the Korean Wars. Exhibits showcase weapons and equipment from prehistoric to modern times and highlight notable military figures. Admission is free and guides are fluent in English, Chinese and Japanese.

United Nations Memorial Cemetery

United Nations Memorial Cemetery

This cemetery in Busan houses the remains of soldiers of the UN Command who were killed in the Korean War. Originally, the cemetery contained around 11,000 graves of soldiers and veterans from 21 countries; another 2,300 were buried there after their remains were repatriated. This is the only UN cemetery in the world and has been declared a cultural heritage site by the government.

Every June, visitors lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers to express their wish for a peaceful world. Doves are carved at the UN Forces Memorial and marble plaques on the memorial wall list the names of fallen and missing UN soldiers. Next to the cemetery is the UN Peace Memorial Hall, which displays a comprehensive chronology of the war.

Seoul National Cemetery

Seoul National Cemetery

This facility is dedicated to Korean veterans, including those who died during the independence movement, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. It also holds Korean Remembrance Day on June 5 each year, with artifacts related to these conflicts displayed in exhibition halls and parks.

Imjingak Resort

Located in Paju, Gyeonggi-do Province, just 7 km from the military demarcation line, this site is one of the most visited sites in the demilitarized zone. The park is intended to provide comfort to Koreans separated from their hometowns, friends and families due to national division.

Imjingak exhibits war-related artifacts, statues and monuments associated with the war. Freedom Bridge helps preserve the historic Imjingang Railway Bridge nearby, and the resort includes a memorial hall, monuments, a park and recreation areas.

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*This article was written by an honorary reporter of Korea.net. Our honorary reporters come from all over the world and share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.