PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR WELCOMES NEW UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL CEMETERY IN KOREA (UNMCK) CUSTODIAN

The United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea located in Busan is the final resting place of the fallen UN soldiers and war veterans who fought in defense of peace and freedom following the outbreak of the Korean War on the 25th of June 1950. The UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea comprises monuments donated by the participating nations as well as Memorial Service Hall, Memorabilia Hall, Wall of Remembrance, and the UN Forces Monument. Citizens of all nations come to the UNMCK to pay their respects to fallen heroes of the war.

During the call, both sides discussed the importance of the UNMCK in honoring Korean War Veterans by commemorating their sacrifices and contributions in defending the Republic of Korea. The Philippines was one of the largest force providers during the 1950 Korean War, sending 7,420 troops from the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) to help the Republic of Korea. Of the 7,420, 120 Filipino soldiers lost their lives in battle.

A friend of the Philippines and former career diplomat, Ambassador Suh Jeong-in has an extensive background in multilateral affairs including serving as the Government representative and Executive Director of the 2019 ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit held in Busan and as Permanent Representative of Korea to ASEAN. The Philippine Embassy wishes the Ambassador all the best in his new role as the UNMCK custodian. END