Korean War Memorial Unveiled

On 20 October 2005 Prime Minister and Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Helen Clark announced that work was underway to erect the New Zealand Memorial in the United Nations' Memorial Cemetery in Busan, Korea.

Helen Clark said that the memorial is dedicated to the 6,000 New Zealanders who served with the United Nations’ forces in the Korean War and its aftermath, and commemorates the 45 who lost their lives in the conflict.

"The memorial has been designed by artists Fred Graham and John Edgar, and Warren and Mahoney Architects. It is made of Coromandel granite. Along its sides are 45 cuts into the granite, each marking the loss of a New Zealand serviceman during the Korean War.

Hon. Phil Goff, Minister of Defence receives a commemorative plaque from Major General Hwang, Commander of the 1st Republic of Korea Infantry Division, during the ceremonies at Busan. New Zealand Veterans of the war in the background.

"Supporting bronze plaques offer an explanation of the symbolism of the memorial and have a dedication in English, Maori, and Korean," Helen Clark said.

Helen Clark said that the memorial project has been well supported by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade staff in Seoul, by Korean Airlines, who are transporting the 5.7 tonne memorial to Korea free of charge, and by the United Nations Memorial Cemetery and its Custodian Ambassador Byun.

The memorial was officially dedicated in Busan in November. The Prime Minister was in attendance. Six Korean War veterans travelled to Korea for the dedication ceremony.