UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea (Busan): A Solemn Tribute to Heroes** 🌹🕊️

#holidayitinerary
The **UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan** is the **only United Nations cemetery in the world**, honoring **2,300 fallen soldiers** from 11 nations who sacrificed their lives during the **Korean War (1950–1953)**. This serene 35-acre park blends remembrance, history, and architectural symbolism, offering visitors a profound reflection on peace and sacrifice.

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## **Why Visit?**
✅ **Global Significance**: The **only UN cemetery** dedicated to Korean War veterans, with graves from the UK, Turkey, Canada, and more .
✅ **Historical Legacy**: Originally held **11,000 graves**; now **2,300 remain** after repatriations .
✅ **Symbolic Monuments**:
- **UN Forces Monument**: Engraved with doves and a message from former President Park Chung-hee .
- **Wall of Remembrance**: Lists **40,896 names** of UN casualties .
- **Unknown Soldiers’ Pathway**: A cascading water feature honoring unnamed heroes .
✅ **Peaceful Atmosphere**: Manicured gardens, reflective ponds, and daily **flag-raising ceremonies** .

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## **Must-See Highlights**
1. **Memorial Service Hall**: Designed by architect **Joong-up Kim**, it screens a **12-minute documentary** about the war and cemetery .
2. **Grave Sections**: Arranged by nationality, including the **largest British contingent** outside the UK .
3. **UN Sculpture Park**: Features artworks symbolizing unity and peace .
4. **Turn Toward Busan Ceremony**: Held annually on **Nov. 11 at 11 AM**, where the world pauses to honor the fallen .

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## **Visitor Essentials**
📍 **Location**: 93 UN Pyeonghwa-ro, Nam-gu, Busan .
⏰ **Hours**:
- **May–Sep**: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- **Oct–Apr**: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- **Open 365 days/year** .
🎫 **Admission**: **Free** .
🚌 **Transport**:
- **Subway**: Line 2 to Daeyeon Station (Exit 3), then **18-min walk** .
- **Bus**: 68, 134, or 138 to "UNMCK/Busan Cultural Center" stop .

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## **Pro Tips**
- **Dress Respectfully**: Avoid shorts/sleeveless tops; maintain silence .
- **Guided Tours**: Available at the **UN Peace Memorial Hall** nearby (closed Mondays) .
- **Nearby Attractions**:
- **Busan Museum** (next door) .
- **Gwangalli Beach** (30-min bus ride) .

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### **A Living Legacy**
The cemetery also serves as a **final resting place for veterans** who chose to be buried here decades later, like British soldier **James Grundy**, who kept his promise to return to his comrades .

**"They got a lot of us old fogies buried out there... I’d like to be a part of it."**
— *U.S. veteran Boyd L. Watts, interred in 2020* .

**Ready to pay your respects?** This hallowed ground is a powerful reminder of the cost of peace.