🇰🇷 Korean Lesson #10: [HISTORY] Memorial Day in Korea 🇰🇷

Honoring and remembering the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for the country

[HISTORY] Memorial Day in Korea

안녕하세요 여러분 👋

Today is a very special day in Korea: it’s Memorial Day, known as 현충일 (Hyeonchung-il), which takes place on June 6th each year. It is a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the soldiers and civilians who sacrificed their lives for the country during various conflicts, most notably the Korean War.

I) History

현충일 was established in 1956, three years after the Korean War armistice, to commemorate those who died in service. It is a solemn day marked by ceremonies, rituals, and expressions of patriotism.

After the Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, the conflict resulted in the loss of millions of lives and left the country in ruins. In the wake of the war, the South Korean government recognized the need to formally honor those who had sacrificed their lives for the nation’s freedom and security.

In 1956, the South Korean government officially designated June 6th as 현충일. This date was chosen because it falls during the late spring, a season symbolizing renewal and remembrance. The establishment of Memorial Day was intended to provide a national day of mourning and reflection, allowing the country to come together to honor its fallen heroes.

II) Key Vocabulary

현충일

hyeonchung-il

Memorial Day

기념하다

ginyeomhada

To commemorate

희생

hisaeng

Sacrifice

참전 용사

chamjeon yongsa

War veterans

국립묘지

guknip myoji

National Cemetery

묵념

mungnyeom

Silent tribute

국기

gukgi

National flag

조기

jogi

Flag at half-mast

Left: 일반 게양 (Regular flag hoisting)
Right: 조기 게양 (Half-mast flag hoisting)

III) Traditions

On 현충일, various ceremonies are held across the country. The main ceremony takes place at the 국립서울현충원 (National Cemetery in Seoul). Attendees include government officials, military personnel, and families of the fallen.
The ceremony often includes:

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