“I never imagined that a farewell I thought would be brief would leave me longing for a lifetime. My heart still aches.”
At Baengmagoji Observatory in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, on 24th October, 95-year-old Korean War veteran Gu-seop Shim recalled his painful separation from his mother.
“My parents went to North Korea, promising to bring back my younger siblings. Only my father and siblings returned. My mother promised to come back soon, but the armistice closed the way,” he recalled.
Shim was among approximately 30 veterans who joined 30 young volunteers from the Shincheonji Volunteer Group Eastern Branch and 25 staff members for a commemorative visit to White Horse Hill Observatory, the former Workers’ Party Headquarters and Cheorwon History and Culture Park.
Held under the theme ‘Love for Country, Sharing Peace, Heroic Tales: Honouring Yesterday’s Heroes Today’, the event continues an initiative launched in 2012 to honour veterans, preserve their experiences and help younger generations understand the history of war and the importance of peace.
Young Volunteers Welcome Veterans
Volunteers greeted the veterans with Korean flags, helping them from their vehicles and accompanying them throughout the visit. Some walked arm in arm with the elderly participants, while others pushed wheelchairs, carefully matching their pace.
After observing a moment of silence for those killed during the war, the group explored the memorial and historical exhibitions. One veteran paused at a photograph of the firearm he had carried during his service, recalling its considerable weight.
Volunteer Ju-yeon Lee explained that the Battle of White Horse Hill took place from 6th to 15th October 1952, involving fierce fighting between South Korean and Chinese forces. A local resident also shared memories of early settlers who cultivated farmland despite the danger of landmines, encouraging young people to visit historical sites to understand Korea's wartime history and division.
Shared Memories and Gratitude
At the former Workers’ Party Headquarters, still marked by bullet holes, veterans and volunteers took commemorative photographs, sharing laughter despite the painful history surrounding them.
Volunteer Min-jun Jeong recalled accompanying 96-year-old veteran Mun-hoe Heo in a rickshaw.
“He told me, ‘I’m so happy to be looked after today. You’re like a son to me.’ Visiting places that still bear the scars of war helped me better appreciate the veterans’ sacrifices,” Jeong said.
Jin-ho Song, 95, chairman of the Nowon District branch of the Korean War Veterans Association, experienced the conflict as a middle-school student.
“It is regrettable that those who died defending our country never lived to see the prosperous Republic of Korea today,” he said, urging younger generations to understand the past and help prevent similar tragedies.
Veteran Young-woo Yoo, 93, who served in the Cheorwon region during the war, said returning to the area brought back powerful memories.
“It takes me back to those days and stirs deep emotions. The volunteers treated us so warmly that it lifted my spirits,” he said.
In-seok Park, deputy head of the Eastern Seoul Branch of the Shincheonji Volunteer Group, said the event was especially meaningful because his own father had served in the Korean War.
“While preparing for the outing, I thought of my parents. I wanted to express my gratitude and respect to the generation that made so many sacrifices for our country,” he said.
He added that the organisation would continue supporting veterans through regular visits, wellbeing checks and companionship.
The 14-year initiative aims to honour the sacrifices of Korean War veterans, preserve their stories and strengthen connections between generations through practical acts of care and remembrance.
Source: vo.la/64drAvM

































