Sangju City and Army 50th Division: "The Today They Defended, The Tomorrow We Will Build"

Commemorating the 17th Hwaryeongjang Battle Victory
Honoring the Largest Independent Triumph of the Korean War
A Symbolic Victory Achieved Through Unity of Civilians, Officials, and the Military
Passing on the Spirit of National Defense to Future Generations

Sangju City in North Gyeongsang Province and the Army's 50th Infantry Division will hold the 17th Hwaryeongjang Battle Victory Commemoration Event on September 6 at the Hwaryeongjang Battle Victory Memorial Hall and the Bukcheon Citizens' Park area in Sangju.

Urban event featuring armored vehicles and self-propelled artillery commemorating the victory of the Hwaryeongjang Battle in Sangju, Gyeongbuk.

This event is an integrated gathering of veterans, honorees, and citizens from the public, private, and military sectors. It aims to honor the significance of the largest independent victory by the South Korean military in the history of the Korean War and to carry on the spirit of national defense.

The Hwaryeongjang Battle, which took place in July 1950 in Hwaseo-myeon, Sangju, Gyeongbuk, saw the 17th Regiment of the South Korean Army, vastly outnumbered and outgunned, defeat the 15th Division of the North Korean Army. This was the first and largest victory achieved independently by the South Korean forces, blocking the North Korean advance toward Daegu and laying the foundation for the Nakdong River defense line.

The victory is especially meaningful because it was achieved through the combined efforts of local residents, who provided information and support, and the participation of the police, demonstrating a united front among civilians, officials, and the military. The fact that all members of the 17th Regiment were promoted by one rank immediately after the battle further underscores its historical significance.

The commemoration will begin with a tribute at the 6.25 Korean War Memorial at the Victory Memorial Hall. This will be followed by a commemorative address and congratulatory remarks (by the mayor of Sangju and the commander of the 50th Infantry Division), a speech by a veteran, the presentation of commemorative plaques to honorees, a performance by the Sangju Children's Choir, and a collective cheer, creating a solemn moment to honor the sacrifices and dedication of the war heroes.

Afterward, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a large-scale cultural event for citizens will take place at Bukcheon Citizens' Park. There will be military band and honor guard performances, taekwondo demonstrations, concerts by invited singers, and an exhibition of over 20 types of military equipment, including the K-2 tank. Attendees can also experience riding in an armored vehicle, offering unique military-themed content.

Additionally, tourism promotion, photo zones, and hands-on booths will be available to encourage participation from families. A patriotic literary and art event involving local elementary and middle school students will also be held, allowing the younger generation to learn about the sacrifices of national heroes and to share in the meaning of the victory.

Jeong Yusu, commander of the 50th Infantry Division, stated, "The Hwaryeongjang Battle was a turning point in the Korean War and a symbolic victory that established the pride of the South Korean military. Through this event, we will honor the spirits of the fallen and the veterans, and our soldiers will inherit this spirit to steadfastly defend our nation."

Officials attending the Gyeongbuk Sangju Hwaryeongjang Battle Victory Commemoration Event are taking a group commemorative photo.

Kang Youngseok, mayor of Sangju, said, "The Hwaryeongjang Battle is a victory preserved by Sangju and the cornerstone of peace that South Korea has maintained. We will do our utmost to honor the veterans and their families, and ensure that future generations never forget the spirit of national defense."

The Hwaryeongjang Battle represents more than just a military victory; it is a living testament to South Korea's security history, protected by the local community. Through this battle, Sangju established its identity as a city of national defense, and today's event serves as a platform to expand its historical significance beyond generations and regions, reaching across the entire nation.