Incheon Landing Memorial Hall Teaches Youngsters About Korean War

Incheon Landing Memorial Hall Teaches Youngsters About Korean War

The Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall in the western port city is drawing a growing number of visitors. It was built to commemorate the historic beach landing operation during the Korean War that turned the tide in favor of the UN forces.

Most visitors are in their 60s and 70s, but there are also schoolchildren among them. As they view uniforms and weapons used during the Korean War, visitors are reminded of the consequences of war. Included in the exhibits is one of the distinctive corncob pipes used by U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, as well as weapons and uniforms used by both North and South Korean forces.

"Looking at the weapons and photos of the war brings back memories," one senior citizen who fought in the Korean War said. "Young people these days are not interested in history and seem to have no idea when or why the Korean War broke out. I wish more young Koreans would visit places like this to get an accurate view of their country's history." 

A growing number of children in Incheon are visiting the memorial hall on educational field trips, according to officials there. In the past, visitors peaked in June, when war veterans are honored on Memorial Day. But this year, around 60,000 people visited in March alone, up more than 30 percent from the previous year. Another visitor, whose parents came from North Korea, said, "Some young Koreans these days are unaware of the Korean War. I think it is important to teach them about the painful history behind the establishment of the Republic of Korea."

A visitor looks at photos exhibited at the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall.

The administrator of the memorial hall said the hall is especially useful for young Koreans who did not experience the war. "It is a place where they can learn about the sacrifices of our war veterans who gave their lives to save their country."

The outdoor exhibit features various armored vehicles, fighter planes, reconnaissance aircraft, tanks, ammunition and artillery used during the Korean War. A climb up to the observatory offers a view of Incheon bay and the sunset.

The city of Incheon plans to spend W28 billion to build a 24,000 sq. m memorial center on Wolmi Island by 2013 to honor the sacrifices of soldiers from 16 countries and medical support personnel from five countries who supported South Korea in the war.

City tour buses that run through downtown Incheon take visitors to the memorial hall, as well as making stops at Wolmi Island, Incheon Port and Songdo, the area the city is developing as a global town.

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