[국가유산지킴이기자단] Korean Memorial Day: Remembering the brave souls that sacrificed their lives for the Nation

최종편집 2026-04-22(수)

[교육연합신문=이채원 학생기자]

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June 6 marks Korean Memorial Day (현충일), a day dedicated to honoring soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Battle of Bongoh Town, and the Battle of Cheongsan-ri. It is a solemn occasion for South Koreans of all generations to recognize and remember the sacrifices made by these soldiers for the nation.

For many, the Seoul National Cemetery (국립서울현충원) is the place to commemorate this day. Located in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, the Seoul National Cemetery serves as a solemn resting place for South Korean veterans and four notable presidents of the Republic of Korea. Open to the public on most days, the cemetery honors the memory of over 165,000 individuals who contributed to the nation’s history and defense.

Among those commemorated are Syngman Rhee, South Korea’s first president (interred in 1965), and his wife Franziska Donner; Park Chung Hee, the third president (1979), and his wife Yuk Young-soo; Kim Dae-jung, the eighth president (2009), and his wife Lee Hee-ho; and Kim Young-sam, the seventh president (2015), and his wife Son Myoung-soon. Their gravesites draw visitors who pay tribute to their legacies and the roles they played in shaping modern Korea.

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Memorial ceremonies have been held at the Seoul National Cemetery since 1956, attended by the president of South Korea, numerous government officials, and civilians. It begins at 10 am on June 6 every year, when a siren rings all around the country and the flag of South Korea is raised. During this time, South Koreans observe one minute of silence to pray and show respect for the sacrifices made by their fellow countrymen in service of the Republic.

A song known as the Memorial Day Song (현충일 노래) is played during the memorial ceremony as civilians and military officials to lay flowers on the graves for the soldiers. It is also very common for businesses and households to display the Korean national flag during the month of June as a sign of respect and honor for the sacrifices made.

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It is important to recognize the noteworthy actions that have been taken by these soldiers and civilians during this period of time, not only just to show respect, but also to recognize how much South Korea has grown throughout the years in utilization of these sacrifices. Citizens from all over the world are encouraged to take part in this memorial service for all those who have dedicated their lives for the service of others.

이채원 학생기자 emiliewonie@gmail.com 이 기자의 다른 기사 보기