New War Monuments in Iconic Korean Square Spark Criticism Over Militarism

Located across from the US embassy, the monuments feature honour guards in “present arms” military posture, prompting criticism that they are a symbol of militarism in the city’s most iconic location. Each monument stands at 6.25 metres (20.5 feet), symbolising the start of the war on June 25, 1950. The square already contains several monuments to Korean national identity, including statues of King Sejong, the 15th century monarch credited with creating the Korean alphabet, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the revered naval commander who repelled Japanese invasions in the 16th century. Critics argue that the new installation disrupts a space traditionally used for public gatherings, protests and leisure. Many tourists who were interviewed recently appeared indifferent to the sculptures clustered along one side of the square, as they took photographs in the vicinity while dressed in hanbok, the traditional Korean attire.