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Founded in 1955, covering an area of 343 acres National Cemetery, Seoul
has become a national sacred place where over 160,000 soldiers and other patriots
rest in peace. Under the tower situated in front of the main entrance stand the
Hyeon Chung Tower and Gate where more than 102,000 memorial tablets have been
enshrined. This place is one of the must see spots in this city.
Along with the memorials of the Korean patriots, there also lay graves of meritorious
people, soldiers, policeman, and reservists. You will find here over 50,000
gravestones arranged according to their status. There lay buried the bodies
of 15 national leaders of the March 1st Movement and loyalist troops from the
last years of the Joseon Dynasty.
Besides, amongst other facilities of this holy place Hyeon Chung Memorial Pavilion
and the War Memorial Hall are visit worthy. While the Pavilion features films
about Korea's freedom fighters, the Memorial Hall exhibits war artifacts and
photos. However, one thing must be remembered that the visitors to this holy
place should dress moderately and conduct themselves well in this sacred locale
of departed heroes.
Memorial Monument (Hyeon Chung Tap)
The Memorial Monument represents the faithfulness and strength of those who
died for the country's sake and the great accomplishments of all martyred patriots.
Here you will find about 104,000 cenotaphs preserved inside the memorial to
respect the spirits of soldiers whose bodies have not been found.
Monument of Unknown Student Volunteer Soldiers
In the beginning of Korean War on June 25, 1950, a huge number of young students
from all over the nation volunteered to fight. Fighting the enemy bravely with
the army and police many of these volunteer student soldiers died a young, but
heroic death. The remains of some of their bodies were found and brought to
the National Cemetery for burial in April 1964.
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