What resonates in people’s minds when visiting battlegrounds and war memorials?

It might depend on each person’s perception, however, as humanity, a collective species on the planet, what binds us is a deep desire for peace and nonviolence, living together, and overcoming problems and challenges we may face daily.

On October 31, 2024, a group of foreign cyclists who came from Brazil, Canada, Poland, the USA, Greece, Belgium, and Ethiopia paired with Korean cyclists embarked on a bicycling tour to visit selected war memorial places dedicated to the United Nations Forces in the Korean War in Chuncheon City and
Gapyeong, Gangwon Province, South Korea.

The tour was organized with the Korea Tourism Organization and K-velo, a private venture provider of content services intended to serve the bicycle industry. The company offers information about bicycle training, events, and membership management, enabling customers to obtain various travel elements.

During the two Korean Wars of 1950-53, sixteen countries across all the continents sent combat units
and sacrificed thousands of soldiers in South Korea. It has been documented that, excluding the USA
which deployed 1,789,000 servicemen, approximately 150,000 other foreign soldiers fought in battles
3,360 were killed, 11,886 were injured and 1,801 missing in action. In addition, 1,376 foreign war prisoners were repatriated to 12 countries in 1953.

On a day filled with various activities, visiting a major war memorial, we paid our greatest respects to
the brave UN forces in the Korean War. Before lunch, we set on foot, visiting the Chuncheon District
Achievement Memorial Hall and an Ethiopia War Veterans Memorial Monument, built in 1968 along the
Bukhan River, followed by a canoe trip on the nearest lake.

During the afternoon, immersed in the amazing natural scenery of the area and crossing several bridges, we rode 23 km and reached Gapyeong to visit the actual battleground places known as the Commonwealth War Memorial dedicated to the battles of New Zealand, Australia, France, Canada, and the United States in the Korean War.

Nunus Gil Silva, a Brazilian cyclist, photographer, DJ, and model, was one of the participants who shared his experience with Pressenza…

Nunus Gil Silva, A Brazilian Cyclist, photographer, DJ, and model who lives in Korea.

“I was honored to be invited by KTO and K-Velo to visit the foreign war memorials in Chuncheon and
Gapyeong, which commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of international soldiers during the
Korean War.

Korea War Memorial of US Army, Gapyeong- gu.

In Chuncheon, the Korean War Memorial features exhibits that highlight the sacrifices of both soldiers and civilians, underscoring the city’s strategic significance during the conflict. Its serene setting invites reflection and remembrance. Following our visit, we enjoyed a delightful canoe ride together on Chuncheon Jungdo Mullegil, capped off with the local specialty, dakgalbi. In the afternoon, we traveled to Gapyeong, where additional memorials pay tribute to foreign soldiers, including those who fought in pivotal battles in the region. These sites embody the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation that defined the war, serving as poignant reminders of the diverse contributions made by countries in support of South Korea.”

We concluded our journey by visiting memorials dedicated to Ethiopia, the UK, France, Australia, New
Zealand, Canada, and the USA. Together, these memorials foster a spirit of gratitude and remembrance,
highlighting our shared history and commitment to peace across nations.

Throughout the day, we primarily commuted by bicycle, which offered a unique perspective of these significant locations and connected us to the battle sites where history unfolded. It was a day to cherish the peace we enjoy today, reflecting on the sacrifices and losses of those who fought for the freedoms we hold dear.”

Here are some photos of the cyclists who came, bicycling to visit sites where freedoms were fought for:

As an Ethiopian, it’s always interesting to visit such historical places connected with my homeland. It
also reminds me of the great significance of preserving world peace and global cooperation, in such
times when the Korean Peninsula is rocking with tensions. While riding my bike along the river, I
connected in spirit with the 3rd World March for Peace and Nonviolence, which started in San José, Costa Rica, on October 2, 2024.