Governor Jin Sun Jeon Meets French Veterans
Discusses Cooperation on Yangpyeong International Peace Park Project
Strengthening Korea-France Friendship Ahead of 140th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
Reaffirming the Historical Significance of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri... Agreement to Enhance Collaboration
Yangpyeong County in Gyeonggi Province (Governor Jin Sun Jeon) announced on the 19th that on the 17th, key French officials visited the county and had a conversation with the governor regarding the Yangpyeong International Peace Park development project.
Jin Sun Jeon, Yangpyeong County Governor (right), is seen having a conversation with key French officials visiting Yangpyeong County on the 17th regarding the Yangpyeong International Peace Park development project. Provided by Yangpyeong County
This meeting was organized to commemorate the historical ties between Korea and France, who fought together in the Battle of Jipyeong-ri during the Korean War, and to discuss the direction and cooperation plans for the International Peace Park project.
The French delegation visiting Yangpyeong County included: Patrick Baudouin (President of the UN French Battalion Veterans Association), Alain Nass (Korea Representative and Vice President of the UN French Battalion Veterans Association, former Defense Attach? at the French Embassy in Korea), Jean-Fran?ois Klein (Professor at the French Saint-Cyr Military Academy), and Lee Geunse (Professor at Kookmin University and Director of the Monclar Korean War Research Center).
President Patrick Baudouin said, "The Ssanggul Battle and the Battle of Jipyeong-ri that took place in Yangpyeong are significant battles in the history of the Korean War, where the French Battalion played a major role, and it is deeply moving to be here. I am deeply grateful for Yangpyeong County's efforts in developing the International Peace Park and projects related to the Battle of Jipyeong-ri. The International Peace Park will serve as a solid foundation for preserving the historical memory of Yangpyeong County."
He also stated that he would spare no effort in providing relevant materials and support through French and Monclar Korean War research centers, as well as the Saint-Cyr Military Academy. In addition, he pledged to actively promote Yangpyeong County's projects and plans to French institutions in Korea, such as the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the French International School.
Vice President Alain Nass commented, "Some Korean soldiers who participated in the Battle of Jipyeong-ri were admitted to the French Saint-Cyr Military Academy on the recommendation of General Monclar, and to this day, Korean officers continue to be produced through ongoing exchanges with the Korea Military Academy. Together with the Monclar Research Center, we will conduct in-depth research into the achievements of Korean soldiers who fought in the Battle of Jipyeong-ri."
Additionally, Professor Lee Geunse, Director of the Monclar Korean War Research Center at Kookmin University, and Professor Jean-Fran?ois Klein of the French Saint-Cyr Military Academy also emphasized their commitment to supporting the Yangpyeong International Peace Park development project and related initiatives. The French delegation requested cooperation in managing French Battalion historical sites in Jipyeong-ri, such as the Jipyeong Brewery and Ssanggul Battle Monument. They also expressed their intention to actively participate in the 2nd Yangpyeong International Academic Symposium, which will be held in 2026 to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France.
Governor Jin Sun Jeon responded, "Yangpyeong County deeply recognizes the historical significance of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri, and especially believes that the achievements of General Monclar should be further highlighted. We will positively consider and actively review the proposals from the French side."
After their meeting with the governor and county officials, the French delegation laid flowers at the UN French Battalion Memorial for the Battle of Jipyeong-ri and toured French Battalion historical sites in the Jipyeong-ri area.
Yangpyeong County plans to use this meeting as an opportunity to strengthen the international status of the Yangpyeong International Peace Park project and to further solidify friendship and cooperation between Korea and France in celebration of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Previously, the county has been working on developing the International Peace Park in the area of 561 Jipyeong-ri to preserve the historic site of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri and create a memorial space for the fallen, as well as promoting the construction of the Yangpyeong Museum to shed light on the county's history.
To this end, a plan was established in 2023 and the project has been progressing step by step. In April 2025, the county passed a preliminary feasibility assessment for the establishment of a public museum, and in June, the 1st Yangpyeong International Academic Symposium was held. In July, an application for the central investment review of local finances was submitted. If this review is approved, the county plans to accelerate the project from 2026 by formulating detailed exhibition and operation plans and initiating the basic architectural design.
The Yangpyeong International Peace Park is scheduled for completion in 2029 and, together with the Yangpyeong Museum and Peace Park, is expected to become a cultural and recreational space for county residents.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
