The 3rd Victory Commemoration Ceremony for the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain [Photo courtesy of Seoraksan National Park Management Office]

The Seoraksan National Park Management Office announced on the 5th that it held the '3rd Victory Commemoration Ceremony for the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain' around the War Memorial of the Seoraksan Mountain District in Seoraksan-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon Province, in observance of National Security and Veterans' Month.

This event was organized to reflect on the historical significance of the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain during the Korean War and to convey the history of national defense and the value of peace preserved by national parks to future generations.

Notably, the attendance of junior soldiers who are successors to the soldiers of the U.S. 8th Army who participated in battles like the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain during the Korean War drew attention.

Attendees paid their respects and offered flowers at the War Memorial of the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain, commemorating the sacrifices of Korean and American soldiers who fought for freedom and peace on foreign soil over 70 years ago.

Through this, the historical significance and value of the ROK-U.S. alliance, forged through the Korean War, were reaffirmed.

The Battle of Seoraksan Mountain was fought by ROK and UN forces to secure a strategic stronghold in the Seoraksan Mountain area during their advance north along the East Coast in the Korean War, holding significant historical importance.

Military personnel attending the event reviewed the footsteps of their senior comrades, strengthening their sense of security and patriotic spirit.

Officials from related organizations, including Sokcho City, Shinhungsa Temple, military units, veteran organizations, and educational institutions, also attended the event to share the significance of the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain.

Additionally, the 'Patriotic and Veterans' Art Competition Commemorating the Victory of the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain,' in which about 100 local elementary school students participated, was held concurrently.

The students learned the meaning of national security and veterans' month by expressing the pain of war, the preciousness of peace, and the beautiful nature of Seoraksan Mountain through their drawings.

Side events included an exhibition of photos and artifacts from the excavation of Korean War remains, displays of military equipment and army provisions, and experiential activities.

Park Jong-young, head of the Resource Conservation Division at the Seoraksan National Park Management Office, said, "It was a meaningful event that re-examined the historical significance of Seoraksan National Park from a national defense perspective," and added, "We will continue to strive to convey the value and history of national parks to future generations."

The 3rd Victory Commemoration Ceremony for the Battle of Seoraksan Mountain [Photo courtesy of Seoraksan National Park Management Office]