(Stripes Korea)
For Koreans, June is a month to honor those who fought for the nation’s freedom. The month features various ceremonies, patriotic events and historical TV programs emphasizing national defense. Memorial Day on June 6 is a public holiday dedicated to remembering fallen heroes. On June 25, Korean War Day commemorates the day when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel in 1950, initiating the Korean War. This day honors Korean War heroes, recognizes the contributions of UN forces and the importance of the ROK-U.S. alliance. Many Koreans visit the National Cemetery and the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul as well as the U.N. Peace Memorial in Busan during this month.
(Hyemin Lee)