Jangheung County Becomes First County-Level Region in South Jeolla to Win 'Veterans Culture Award'

Jangheung County in South Jeolla Province announced on the 16th that it has become the first county-level region in South Jeolla to receive the 26th Veterans Culture Award, hosted by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

At the 26th Veterans Culture Awards Ceremony, officials from Jangheung County are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Jangheung County

The county received a plaque and a prize of 20 million won at the awards ceremony held the previous day at the Provisional Government Memorial Hall in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, in recognition of its contributions to promoting veterans culture. This marks the first time in 16 years since Suncheon City in 2009 that a recipient from the South Jeolla region has been selected, and it is the first time for a county-level region.

The county has expanded veterans-related infrastructure by attracting the first national Jangheung National Cemetery in the South Jeolla region, constructing a veterans’ hall, and establishing the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial History Hall and Memorial Park. These facilities have been developed into integrated spaces for history, education, and remembrance.

In addition, the county has led the way in sharing veterans’ values across generations by operating participatory programs such as the Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Ceremony, student independence movement site tours, national defense and veterans essay contests, and the Veterans Culture Festival. Alongside these efforts, the county has worked to improve respect and welfare for veterans by increasing veterans’ allowances, installing nameplates for national merit recipients, providing consolation to bereaved families, caring for solitary veterans, and supporting veterans’ organizations on national defense pilgrimages.

A county official stated, “This award is the result of Jangheung’s history and spirit being recognized as a value in national veterans policy,” adding, “We will continue to lead as a local government at the forefront of veterans culture, connecting national defense, peace, and unification.”