Let me start off by saying this one was a little emotional for me. As both my grandfather's served in this War that essentially never ended. It was incredible to learn about it first hand, and I think every American should visit this Memorial at least once in their life. Also I took the least amount of photos here because I was just that immersed in it.
Started my morning with breakfast at The Original Pancake House as it was Children's Day in Korea, a holiday where parents spend the day with their children. Really kinda awesome, it was a long wait, but the food very good. It's different from The Original Pancake House I used to visit in Anaheim, this one was more like a Denny's or classic diner, but it's the only breakfast place nearby that opens before 11am.
After Breakfast I got changed ane walked down to The War Memorial of Korea, which is just around the corner from my house. As you can see in the pictures, the place is massive, I had no idea.
Each Country that provided troops has it's own memorial mounted. And every country that provided financial support as it's flag being flown in front of the Museum.
The Museum itself is crazy, It's like I dunno 6 stories or something, I maybe went though about 3. It starts of talking about what led the Japanese agreement to pull out of the country, the divided country and division of ideals. The country wanted to be whole again, but half wanted freedom, the other believed communism would be better given the state of the country and needs of the people. Kinda like in America today ( only such toaters call it socialism).
The North then colluded with Russia, who would only offer support if China did, and China did. When the North invaded, the ROK(Republic of Korea) was unprepared, out numbered, and lacking comparable weapons and equipment. The North quickly advanced, not only did they kill all their opposers (civilians mind you), but their supporters as well. They also took all the food which was to be rationed and distributed, but wasn't, so these people, they're people were left starving.
Communism is very sad, my friends.
As the ROK was being pushed back, President Truman petitioned NATO to intervene. NATO stated as the only Government in Korea it recognized was the ROK they would be sending troops, as well as medical and financial aid. The US took the lead with General McCarthy in charge of the UN troops. The USA made two stipulations to sending troops, the would have to be approved by the USA, and the division sent had to be a minimum of 1000 soliders.
It really was amazing walking through and seeing how many countries sent their support. Soliders, weapons, medics and medical supplies. I think it was Norway who outfitted and staffed a ship as a hospital and sent for the wounded. Belgium and the Duchy of Luxembourg joined together to send one division. I'm crying just writing this down. The world banded together to help these people who wanted to be free.
Unfortunately the war never ended, the two parties are still essentially in a stalemate, and both still dream of a reunification. But look how South Korea has grown and prospered under democracy. There's a quote on a wall in the museum "In War, no one wins" in my opinion it's after war that the winning begins. It's what you do after the fighting, that makes a difference.
There's a room where they honor the foreign soliders who died defending their country on the wall it says "Our Nation Honors Her Sons and Daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."
It just brings tears to my eyes. There's another room where the uniform of every division from every country who sent troops, or medics, or administratives is on display. There is just so much that I didn't even get to see it all.
It was such an incredible experience, if ever you find yourself in South Korea this is a must see.
After that eemotional experience, I went to Paik's Coffee for an iced tea before heading back home. It took way more out of me than I realized so after taking to my mom, I fell asleep.
What Did I Wear?
The morning was chilly so to breakfast I wore Black YMI jeans and a pale Green sweatshirt that says Sewing Queen made by my Sister in law, and my favorite sweatshirt.
To the memorial I wore some cutoff Levi's and my favorite cropped Tshirt from the Surrealists.