The Korea Times
Tucked near the southern bank of the Imjin River is one of Korea’s lesser-known memorials, but one that holds significant importance for the families of those remembered and the nation at large. The National Memorial for Abductees during the Korean War is a heart-wrenching reminder of the depravity of war. Nearly 100,000 ordinary Korean citizens were taken captive by the government directive of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Most were abducted during the 1950-53 war, but a significant number were taken in the succeeding decades. This memorial hall is situated in the park at Imjingak in Paju City, Gyeonggi Province, and is about as close as ordinary citizens can get to the Demilitarized Zone without special permits or guided groups. The Gyeongui train line from Seoul and several bus routes connect the park with the larger capital metropolitan area. Conceived and built in 1972 as a symbol of hoped-for unification, the park hosts many memorials to various military units that defended the nation during the war. The park was once merely a somber host to the Peace Bell
Go to News Site