Over the past couple of years the IAK have been working on building a memorial for Irish people who died in the Korean War. Together with the support of the Embassy of Ireland in Seoul, The Somme Association, and The Royal Ulster Rifles Association we have gradually seen this project come to a reality, especially over the past few months.
Overall, 159 people of Irish origin are known to have died during the Korean War, the majority of which fought with the British forces. Not all who perished were soldiers, as seven members of the Columban order and Anglican nun, Sister Mary Clare Witty, also died during the conflict. It’s worth noting the Columban order’s commitment to Korea as they are in disadvantaged communities around the country.
The IAK is very happy to announce that following many long hours and much commitment, the laying of this monument will finally become a reality. On Thursday, April 25 at the Korean War Memorial in Yongsan, a small ceremony will take place.
The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) have invited a dozen Irish veterans as part of their April Revisit Korea programme, during which the memorial will be unveiled. These veterans are mainly from the Royal Ulster Rifles and other British regiments. There is also a veteran from the US 8th Cavalry attending as well. About half of the veterans will be accompanied by family members and there will also be family representatives from 2 soldiers who were killed in action.
This memorial has been generously supported by the Emigrant Support Programme, part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ireland.
The IAK would also like to give special thanks to all members of the public who generously supported this programme through our own individual fundraising campaign. All in all, the IAK has committed a donation of close to 7.5 million Korean won. Without your support and interest in our activities we could not be able to make this memorial as successful a venture as it is.
Irish Association of Korea 한국아일랜드협회 