Yangpyeong-gun Shares History of French Participation and Vision for International Peace Park in Paris

Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province (Governor Jeon Jin-seon) announced on the 4th that on the 3rd (local time), it continued a meaningful schedule in Paris, France, to honor the sacrifices of the French troops who participated in the Korean War and to share the vision of the ‘Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park’ development project.

Jeon Jin-seon, Yangpyeong County Governor (center), is taking a commemorative photo after laying a wreath at the Korean War Memorial in Paris, France, on the 3rd (local time) to honor the sacrifice of French soldiers who participated in the Korean War. Provided by Yangpyeong County

The schedule for the day included ▲laying wreaths at the Korean War Memorial (near the Seine River) ▲visiting the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France and introducing the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park project ▲laying wreaths at General Monclar’s tomb ▲lunch with French war veterans and cadets from the Saint-Cyr Military Academy (Class 209, former cadet Gu Pil-gi) ▲and inspecting the Korean War commemorative plaque near the Arc de Triomphe.

Governor Jeon Jin-seon of Yangpyeong-gun and the delegation laid wreaths and observed a moment of silence at the Korean War Memorial located at Place du Bataillon de l'ONU, dedicated to the French UN Battalion that participated in the Korean War. This memorial, shaped like the Korean Peninsula, was erected in 1989, and in 2021, the names of Korean soldiers who died while serving in the French battalion were added.

Next, the Yangpyeong delegation visited the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France, where they met with Ambassador Moon Seung-hyun and Patrick Boudouin from the French War Veterans Association to discuss the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park project being promoted by Yangpyeong-gun. Governor Jeon emphasized the historical significance of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri, marked by the participation and sacrifice of the French troops, stating, "An international peace park is essential to transform the memory of war into a message of peace for future generations."

At this meeting, Ambassador Moon Seung-hyun said, “The Battle of Jipyeong-ri is regarded as a very significant battle in the history of the Korean War,” and added, “Next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, making it a meaningful year. I hope good results will continue through cooperation with local governments.” Additionally, the French War Veterans Association expressed full support, stating, “We are ready to actively cooperate in any form, including providing necessary materials, interviews, and videos, to ensure the successful establishment of the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park.”

Afterwards, the delegation moved to the Paris Invalides Cemetery to lay wreaths at the tomb of General Ralph Monclar, the commander of the French UN ground forces. General Monclar was a legendary commander who led the French battalion to victory against the Chinese People's Volunteer Army’s human wave tactics during the 1951 Battle of Jipyeong-ri. After retiring, he served as the director of the Invalides Hospital until his passing.

Governor Jeon Jin-seon said, “The schedule in Paris reaffirmed the friendship between the two countries that experienced the Korean War together,” and added, “With a pledge to never forget and remember the noble sacrifices of the French troops, we will do our best to ensure that the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park becomes a space symbolizing peace and solidarity between the two nations.”