Participants of the Descendants Exchange Camp from UN Allied Nations Invited
Basic Design for "The Light of Gratitude 22" Completed
Stone Pillars Taking Shape... Design Reflects Unique Identities
On June 8, Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon invited the descendants of Korean War UN veterans to Gwanghwamun Square and introduced them to the "Garden of Gratitude," which is currently being developed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The city is creating the "Garden of Gratitude" as a symbolic space to express gratitude and respect for the 22 countries that participated in the war, with the goal of completing the project by 2027.
On this day, Mayor Oh invited 130 participants of the "UN War Veterans Descendants Exchange Camp," which is organized by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, to Gwanghwamun Square. The camp is an event designed to pass on the bonds formed through the war to future generations, and is being held from June 6 to 12 in Seoul, Busan, and other locations over a period of seven days and six nights.
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon is introducing the "Garden of Gratitude" to the descendants of UN war veterans participating in the "UN War Veterans Descendants Exchange Camp" at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 8th. Seoul City
The camp includes 130 participants from 13 countries, including 45 descendants of war veterans from both Korea and abroad, as well as university students currently enrolled in domestic and international universities. At the event, Mayor Oh stated that 75 years ago, when the very existence of the Republic of Korea was under threat, 1.95 million young people from 22 countries around the world stood together to defend freedom. He said that the camp participants are not only the descendants of heroes who protected Korea, but also young leaders who remember and carry on this history. He emphasized, "Through the Garden of Gratitude, we will not simply commemorate the past, but will transform it into a future-oriented space of exchange, where the participating countries can expand the values of freedom, peace, and friendship."
Currently, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is constructing the Garden of Gratitude at Gwanghwamun Square as a symbolic space expressing gratitude and respect for the 22 countries that participated in the Korean War. On the ground, light pillar sculptures made from stone sent by the 22 participating countries will be installed, and a media wall will be created underground.
The basic design for "The Light of Gratitude 22" was completed last month, and the city plans to open it to the public in the spring of next year. The city will place a 7-meter-tall dark gray stone pillar for each country, with lighting installed inside the pillar to create a spectacular nighttime scene of light pillars stretching toward the sky, symbolizing the spirit of freedom.
The stones will be sourced from quarries in the 22 participating countries. The pillars will be based on the same type of stone, but will be designed to allow donated stones to be swapped in and out, accommodating up to four stone pieces per pillar. Even after completion, if a new stone donated by a participating country arrives, it can be replaced. Originally, only 22 pillars were planned, but the city decided to add one more pillar to symbolize Korea, making a total of 23 pillars.
Eight countries, including Greece and India, have already expressed their intention to donate stone, and discussions are ongoing with the other countries. Mayor Oh stated, "I expect the Garden of Gratitude to serve as a bridge connecting Korea and each country, sharing the common values of freedom and peace, and playing an important role in moving toward a brighter future."
A bird's-eye view of the 'Garden of Gratitude' being created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Seoul Metropolitan Government
A bird's-eye view of the light pillar sculpture to be installed on the ground of the "Garden of Gratitude" being created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Seoul Metropolitan Government
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