World · East Asia & Pacific · 1 hr ago
Seoul marks UN veterans’ memorial day with lights and candles
On Nov.
11, Seoul held a memorial for UN veterans at Gwanghwamun Square.
The annual day honours UN forces who fought in the Korean War and their contribution to South Korea’s freedom and peace.
At the square’s Garden of Gratitude, 23 beams of blue light represented South Korea and the 22 countries that sent forces to the war.
Visitors could also light LED candles and leave messages of remembrance and thanks.
The memorial day became an official commemorative day in 2020, and the Garden of Gratitude opened in May to honour the countries that took part in the war.
The ceremony gave residents and visitors a public way to remember the veterans and reflect on freedom and peace.
Seoul held a memorial event at Gwanghwamun Square on November 11 to honour UN veterans who fought in the Korean War.
The event included a candle-lighting programme for citizens and blue lights symbolising the UN.
After dark, 23 beams of blue light rose above the square, representing South Korea and the 22 countries that fought in the war.
The annual memorial day is observed on November 11 and was designated a legal commemorative day in 2020.
A separate ceremony was also held at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, where Lee Joong-keun laid a wreath as a national representative for the second year in a row.
- Who
- The Seoul Metropolitan Government organised the event, with citizens and foreign visitors invited to take part.
- What
- A memorial event honoured UN veterans, including candle lighting and a display of blue lights.
- When
- November 11, 2026.
- Where
- Gwanghwamun Square’s Garden of Gratitude in Seoul.
- Why
- To commemorate the sacrifices and contributions of UN veterans who fought to defend South Korea’s freedom and peace during the Korean War.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
November 11 was designated a legal commemorative day for UN veterans.
The Garden of Gratitude opened to honour the sacrifices and dedication of countries that fought in the Korean War.
Visitors could take part in the candle-lighting programme at the Garden of Gratitude.
Blue lights were scheduled to illuminate the site, with 23 lights switched on and off in sequence.
Twenty-three beams of blue light rose above Gwanghwamun Square.
- Date
- November 11, 2026
- Location
- Garden of Gratitude, Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul
- Lights
- 23 beams of blue light
- Countries represented
- South Korea and 22 countries that fought in the Korean War
- Commemorative day
- Designated a legal commemorative day in 2020
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What people are saying
The sacrifices and dedication of UN veterans made the freedom and peace of today's Republic of Korea possible
I hope this memorial event will remain a precious memory in citizens' daily lives and become an opportunity to reflect together on the values of freedom and peace