Gwangjin-gu Erects Memorial Monument for 3,136 War Veterans Honoring Their Noble Sacrifice

On the 20th, a memorial monument was erected and unveiled at Gwangjin Mugunghwa Garden
Over 150 veterans organization leaders and members attended, featuring a military band medley performance
Six 2.6m-high monuments engraved with the names of patriotic heroes who participated in the Korean War and Vietnam War

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) held an unveiling ceremony on the 20th at Gwangjin Mugunghwa Garden to establish a memorial monument for veterans who participated in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

This monument was established to honor the noble spirit of the veterans who dedicated themselves to the country and to deeply cherish gratitude for their efforts.

The monument was created in Gwangjin Mugunghwa Garden, where Korea’s national flower, the Mugunghwa, meaning "a flower that blooms forever and never withers," is planted, adding deeper significance.

The event was attended by about 150 people, including Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, Jeon Jong-ho, Director of the Seoul Regional Veterans Office, Ha Sang-ho, President of the Vietnam War Veterans Association in Gwangjin-gu, key guests, heads and members of veterans organizations. The ceremony proceeded with a progress report, commemorative speeches, congratulatory remarks, and a military band performance. The military band’s medley of military songs united the hearts of all attendees.

The unveiling of the monument followed immediately. Six monuments were revealed, each measuring 1.5 meters wide and 2.6 meters high. The names of 1,732 Korean War veterans, 1,362 Vietnam War veterans, and 42 veterans who participated in both wars?a total of 3,136 names?were inscribed. Additionally, a contemplative sculpture was installed beside the monument to ensure the contributions and dedication of the veterans are remembered for a long time.

Ha Sang-ho, President of the Vietnam War Veterans Association in Gwangjin-gu, said, “I am grateful to everyone who supported us in every way until the monument was erected. I hope this place becomes a sanctuary that embraces and soothes painful wounds and sorrows.”

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, stated, “I express my respect and gratitude to the veterans who sacrificed for the country and their families. I am very honored to create a place close to daily life where the noble spirit of our national heroes can be commemorated.” He added, “We will continue to expand respect and policy support for veterans’ families so that those who have dedicated themselves to the country can live with pride.”