[일반] June 1, 2008 dynamic busan/Paying tribute to spirits of Korean War victims
- Writeradmin
- Date2008-06-09 09:56:43
- Count2631
Paying tribute to spirits of Korean War victims Opening hours are between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (6 p.m. in summer) from Monday to Sunday through the year. Entrance is free of charge. For more information, please refer to the U.N. Memorial cemetery's Web site (www.unmck.or.kr)
The only UN Meorial cemetery that comforts souls
sacrificed for world peace, freedom
The U.N. Memorial cemetery in Korea, situated in Daeyeon-dong, Nam District, is the only U.N. cemetery in the world. This is where each and every soldier, who made a valuable sacrifice in a foreign land during the Korean War, is resting in peace. This may explain why one has a strangely subdued feeling and a sense of solitude the moment he or she enters the compound. The sorrows and untold stories of numerous spirits seem to have lasted more than half a century. It gives a sad feeling, which, however, can hardly be expressed by the word "sadness" alone.
The number of UN soldiers sacrificed during the Korea War totaled 40,896. These victims represent 17 countries out of the total 21 that took part in the war, including the United States, Britain, Turkey and Canada. Out of the total, the remains of 11,000 war dead from 17 countries had lain in this cemetery once, but the number has been reduced to 2,300 now. 
On every second and fourth Saturdays, the 53rd Division holds ceremonies, hoisting flags and playing national anthems of participating countries. On its outer boundary lies the Sculpture Park and APEC Peace Park, which provide space for culture and rest for visitors. The Sculpture Park was built in 2001 to display the works of artists of countries that participated in the Korean War, while the APEC Peace Park was newly decorated to prepare for the APEC summit in 2005 and other events.
Kim-un, poet
** How to get there: Take Subway No. 2 and get off at Daeyeon Station, get out through Exit No. 3 and it is within 15 minutes' walk. Visitors can also use No. 68 bus at Seomyeon Subway Station or No. 134 bus at Busan Station.
Photo1: Children take a look-around while listening to explanations by a guide during their visit to the UN Memorial cemetery, established to pay homage to the spirits of the dead during the Korean War.
Photo2: A visitor attaches a flower to a name plate.