UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea
UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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I give this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! You have to read up a little on the history of the Korean War to fully appreciate this cemetery, otherwise it just becomes another tourist stop, and it deserves more than that. There's lots of walking, so if you have difficulty walking on your own, this one might be challenging even in a wheelchair as the roads are steep with narrow pathways in some areas. As you walk in the main gate, there's a Memorial Service Hall to the right. I recommend starting there and watching the 12-minute video about the war, the cemetery, and who's buried there. It is played in Hangul and English at alternating times. The City of Busan also provides free tour guides, so you can inquire when you arrive to see if one is available. Mr. Choi KuSik was my guide, and told me many stories about the cemetery and the soldiers buried there that you probably wouldn't have found online. And the good thing for me - he spoke my language! Thank you again Mr. Choi. As you walk vast area, you see several signs reminding you that it is a place of respect. That's overshadowed by the city skyline of skyscrapers and a golf driving range in the near distance. I guess you can't hold back progress when you share the city area. As you walk through, you see some pretty impressive monuments such as New Zealand, Columbia, Philippines, and more. But the one that I thought was so subdued was South Korea. There were close to 20 KATUSA (to include unknown soldiers) that are buried in the top left corner of the cemetery, but their area is not as ornate as the other countries'. I'm not sure if that was intentional, but make sure you make that stop in that part of the cemetery. Besides teaching me about the KATUSA, Mr. Choi also told me that South Korea has had a special relationship with Turkiye since the war because they were so supportive in their combat aid, and consider them a brother country. That's also why South Korea provided aid to Turkiye after the recent devastating earthquakes here in Feb 2023. Memorabilia Hall I and II, Daunt Waterway, Wall of Remembrance, UN Forces Monument, Unknown Soldiers' Pathway - lots to see and worth the visit.
Frank SolorzanoFrank Solorzano
30
The UN cemetery is located almost in downtown, very easy to reach by public transport. The idea of establishing the cemetery was born even during the Korean war. Being one of the bloodiest conflicts with so many casualties, there were many cemeteries all over Korea, so UN proposed forming the central memorial cemetery. Have in mind this is the only UN cemetery in world. Busan was chosen as it hasn't ever been occupied, even during the strong invasion of joint North/Chinese/Russian forces, when they conquered almost the entire peninsula and the city served even as a capital for a short period. The cemetery strongly reminds on such in US. Personally, having in mind the number of casualties I expected to be bigger, but you can cover it in 30-45 min. As you enter the main gate to the right is a Memorial Hall where you can watch a short movie about the war. After that you enter the Symbolic area where are 22 parts of land with flags of countries who supported SK and UN. The central UN flag rises at 10 AM and lowers at 4 PM. Below is the main grave area with fallen soldiers. Further down is the Wall of Remembrance with engraved names of fallen soldiers and eternal flame, and at the end the UN monument
Dejan BrakiDejan Braki
00
A must see in Busan. The guards greet you with a friendly bow when you enter and you can smell the lush scent of pine upon entry. The first thing you notice is the carefully manicured trees. They cut in a Korean style and give the cemetery an aura of sacredness. You can enjoy getting lost in the many trails and gaze at the impressive vistas of Busan many hills. There’s some museums and galleries you can learn about the war and the gravestones are beautiful and serene. You really sense this place is well taken care of. It’s a needed respite from the bustling street and traffic just a few meters away. It’s so quiet and peaceful inside. No wonder this place is a top rated destination in Busan on Google maps, you won’t be disappointed!
Britz ManBritz Man
00
Surprisingly small to me. I have visited Arlington and the cemetery at Omaha beach. This is no where near the size of those locations. But it is a well laid out very attractive and solemn cemetery. Different areas commemorate fallen heroes from the various countries the supported the UN action in Korea. Also a small center with some very basic information about the Korean War. I'm glad I visited here. Within very short walking distance is the Busan museum, another place worth your time for some insight into Korean history.
Bert FarwoodBert Farwood
30
The cemetery is impressive from the calmness and high degree of maintenance to make it a significant resting place and memorial for the Korean War. One disappointment though was that I was told off for walking on the grass to have a closer look at the graves. You can read only a fraction of them from the path and I was trying to find one in particular of a British soldier who’s story I had read about in the Seoul war museum. I’ve never been to a cemetery where you are not permitted to approach graves to pay respects.
RoryRory
30
Immaculately maintained cemetery in memory of the soldiers from many different nations who gave their lives for the freedom of South Korea. I was lucky enough to catch the flag ceremony, I didn't expect to get emotional but it really hit me. The Koreans who take care of this place are the real deal, and they do it properly. Visually the place is stunning, and I was especially impressed with the water trench filled with colorful fish. This is a place that is worthy of your time and respect.
digita wooldigita wool
20
Nearby Attractions Of UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea
Busan Museum
Peace Park
국립일제강제동원역사관
United Nations Peace Memorial Hall
UN Sculpture Park
부산광역시 수목전시원
Tongmyong University (TU)
BM Busan Türk Şehitliği

Busan Museum
4.4
(979)Click for details

Peace Park
4.5
(687)Click for details

국립일제강제동원역사관
4.5
(432)Click for details

United Nations Peace Memorial Hall
4.6
(263)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea
Ssangdungi (Twins) Dwaeji-gukbap Headstore
공원칼국수
진주냉면 대연본점
Gwangmyeong-jip
덕산명가참소국밥
착한낙지 남구직영점
거창맷돌순두부
맛찬들왕소금구이 대연점
풍년곱창
Ssangdung-e Dwaeji-gukbap, Daeyeon Branch

Ssangdungi (Twins) Dwaeji-gukbap Headstore
3.9
(1.2K)Click for details

공원칼국수
4.2
(799)Click for details

진주냉면 대연본점
3.5
(631)Click for details

Gwangmyeong-jip
4.2
(484)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
93 UN pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea
Map
Phone
+82 51-625-0625
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Website
unmck.or.kr
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(142 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
educational
Description
The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea, located at Tanggok in the Nam District, City of Busan, Republic of Korea, is a burial ground for United Nations Command casualties of the Korean War. It contains 2,300 graves and is the only United Nations cemetery in the world.
attractions: Busan Museum, Peace Park, 국립일제강제동원역사관, United Nations Peace Memorial Hall, UN Sculpture Park, 부산광역시 수목전시원, Tongmyong University (TU), BM Busan Türk Şehitliği, restaurants: Ssangdungi (Twins) Dwaeji-gukbap Headstore, 공원칼국수, 진주냉면 대연본점, Gwangmyeong-jip, 덕산명가참소국밥, 착한낙지 남구직영점, 거창맷돌순두부, 맛찬들왕소금구이 대연점, 풍년곱창, Ssangdung-e Dwaeji-gukbap, Daeyeon Branch

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