Remembering 'The Forgotten War'

Photo By Sgt. SeoWon Lee | A memorial stands on the first floor of the Freedom Protection Peace museum at Dongducheon, South Korea. The sculpture was made in honor those who fell during the Korean War and to remind the younger generations of the sacrifices made.  

DONGDUCHEON, SOUTH KOREA, SOUTH KOREA

03.06.2015

Story by Pfc. SeoWon Lee 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

DONGDUCHEON, South Korea – After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the Korean peninsula was split, and two nations were formed. Both nations’ governments proclaimed to be the ruling government of the entire peninsula.

The tensions rose, and war broke out when North Korean troops crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea June 25, 1950.

According to the Department of Defense Casualty Analysis System, more than 36,000 Americans lost their lives, making it hard for some to understand why this conflict has been referred to as “The Forgotten War.”

For those on the Peninsula, the war is far from forgotten. Cities in every direction have been touched in some form during those horrific years.

Heading north from Camp Casey, visitors will find Soyosan Mountain, which is famous in Dongducheon for its beauty. Near the entrance to the mountain’s hiking course stands a museum, which contains historical artifacts from the war.

Established in 2002, the Freedom Protection Peace Museum was organized to help citizens and Soldiers on the Peninsula remember and learn about the tragic events of the past. For less than one dollar, Soldiers can see static displays of tanks, airplanes and naval guns used by allies during the Korean War.
The museum has four floors, each representing a different aspect of the war.

The first floor gives an overview of the events starting from the liberation of Korea in 1945 and the events leading up to the war. It ends with the armistice.

The second floor focuses on the nations that were involved in the conflict. It tallies a total of 21 United Nation countries and shows equipment used by their troops. Soldiers can learn about each nation’s uniform and famous battles such as the battle of Jipyeongri.

The third floor contains a timeline of major events and operations such as the Incheon Landing, also known as Operation Chromite. Visitors can view videos about the war in English and Korean, and copies of resolutions written by the U.N. Security Council. A current exhibit depicts Dr. Lee Ho-wang who is well known for isolating the Hantaan virus, which infected thousands of Soldiers during the war.

After visiting the main floors, Soldiers may visit fourth floor where special exhibits with different themes are presented. Visitors should contact the museum to find out the schedule for fourth floor exhibits.

The museum not only offers a great educational opportunity, but also an opportunity for Soldiers to experience multiple aspects of Korean culture. The museum is located near Korean restaurants, which makes it convenient for Soldiers to try out different Korean cuisines after hiking the mountain or visiting the museum.

According to Mr. Lee Kwang-mook, a curator with the Freedom Protection Peace Museum, a children’s theme park is scheduled to open this spring, which will give Soldiers with children a chance to come out for an educational and fun time together.

To find out about exhibit at the museum, please call: 031- 860-3330-3.

For more information about great leisure activities, please visit the Morale, Welfare and Recreation website at: http://www.mwrkorea.com

• Date Taken: 03.06.2015
• Date Posted: 03.08.2015 06:22
• Story ID: 156331
• Location: DONGDUCHEON, SOUTH KOREA, KR