Memorial honoring 22 nations in Korean War unveiled at Gwanghwamun Square

SEOUL, May 12 (Yonhap) -- A memorial honoring the 22 countries that sent troops or other forms of support to South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War opened to the public Tuesday at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. An opening ceremony for the "Garden of Gratitude" unveiled 23 sculptures symbolizing South Korea and the 22 nations that supported the country under the U. N. flag following North Korea's invasion of the South on June 25, 1950. The stone sculptures, shaped in the form of rifle salutes, stand at 6.25 meters and beam lights from the top at night. Arranged from south to north, they represent each of the 22 nations in the order they entered the war, with the sculpture symbolizing South Korea at the northern end. The memorial also features an underground hall with a media exhibition on South Korea's recovery from the ashes of the war. "Gwanghwamun Square, where Koreans and foreigners freely meet, is the location where the Garden of Gratitude can most shine," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said at the ceremony. Before its opening, the memorial drew questions from some civic groups over whether it would be appropriate at the square, which is home to statues of premodern-era figures, such as King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Oh, who spearheaded the project, is running for his reelection in the June 3 local elections. He is currently suspended from mayoral duties after registering as a preliminary candidate in April. The 22 countries that supported South Korea during the war are the United States, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Thailand and Turkey. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon (R) looks at newly unveiled stone sculptures commemorating countries that supported South Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on May 12, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap) yunhwanchae@yna.co.kr(END)