SDLC 110: Cultural Post #3

[Jinhoo Bong]

My cultural topic will be focused on the importance of respect and honor towards those who died serving Korea in the Korean War. The war of 1950, commonly called the 6-25 war in Korea is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, wars in Korea and the amount of honor and respect towards those who served is immensely important. Having had the opportunity to visit the relatively new veterans cemetery this past summer, I saw how much honoring the fallen meant. One of three cemeteries of such size and magnificence, the National Veterans Cemetery, required nearly $34 million US dollars in building. And in my personal experience, the feeling of being there was one of transience and absolute awe as the hill on which the cemetery is built on looks out onto the nearby mountain and being elevated, it looks out into the nature and holds a very tranquil ambience. Much thought and planning clearly went into the building of this cemetery as location, structures, and the cemetery itself was all perfect. There seemed to be no mistakes or risks, but rather the cemetery reflected years of careful planning and scrupulous work. The place reflected clearly that honoring those who fought to keep Korea independent is of absolute importance and deemed highly in the culture.