Yangpyeong County Shares Korean War History and Vision of International Peace Park in Paris

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Eom In-yong] Yangpyeong County announced on the 6th that it held a meaningful event in Paris, France on the 3rd (local time) to honor the sacrifices of French troops who participated in the Korean War and to share the vision of the 'Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park Project.'

The itinerary consisted of ▲Paying tribute at the Korean War memorial (near the Seine River) ▲Visiting the Korean Embassy in France and introducing the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park project ▲Paying tribute at the grave of General Monclar ▲Lunch with French war veterans and Saint-Cyr military academy cadets (Class 209) ▲Inspection of the Korean War memorial plaque near the Arc de Triomphe.

A delegation led by County Governor Jeon Jin-sun paid tribute and observed a moment of silence at the Korean War memorial at 'Place du Bataillon de l'ONU' (UN French Battalion Plaza). The memorial was constructed in the shape of the Korean Peninsula in 1989, and in 2021, the names of Korean soldiers who died in action as part of the French Battalion were additionally inscribed.

The Yangpyeong County delegation then visited the Korean Embassy in France, met with Ambassador Moon Seung-hyun and officials from the French Veterans Association, and explained the 'Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park' project being promoted by the county.

County Governor Jeon Jin-sun emphasized the historical significance of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri, which holds the participation and sacrifices of French forces, and stated, "An international peace park is absolutely necessary to transform the memory of war into a message of peace for future generations."

At this meeting, Ambassador Moon Seung-hyun said, "The Battle of Jipyeong-ri is evaluated as a very meaningful battle in Korean military history," and added, "Next year marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, which is a significant year, so I hope good results will continue through cooperation with local governments." The French Veterans Association expressed full support, stating, "We are fully prepared to actively cooperate in any form—whether materials, interviews, or videos—necessary for the successful development of the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park."

The delegation then moved to the Les Invalides Cemetery in Paris to pay tribute at the grave of General Ralph Monclar, who was the commander of French UN ground forces. General Monclar was a legendary commander who led the French Battalion in the Battle of Jipyeong-ri in 1951 and won against the Chinese forces' human wave tactics. After retirement, he served as director of Les Invalides Hospital where he spent his final years.

County Governor Jeon Jin-sun said, "The schedule in Paris was an occasion to reaffirm the friendship between the two nations that experienced the Korean War together," and added, "With a commitment to remember and honor the noble sacrifices of French forces, I will do my best to ensure that the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park is developed as a space symbolizing peace and solidarity between the two nations."