National cemeteries see surge of visitors as South Korea commemorates Korean War

Members of a volunteer group from the Seoul Central District Court clean headstones at the Seoul National Cemetery in Seoul on June 1 2026 during the Month of Patriots and Veterans AJP Yoo Na-hyun — Volunteers clean graves at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul on June 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - Visitors have been flocking to national cemeteries across the country to pay tribute to fallen soldiers and war heroes, as June is observed as the month commemorating the Korean War (1950~1953).

Citizens pay their respects at family graves during a visit to the Seoul National Cemetery in Seoul on June 1 2026 as South Korea marks the Month of Patriots and Veterans AJP Yoo Na-hyun — Visitors clean graves at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul on June 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

A general view of the Seoul National Cemetery in Seoul on June 1 2026 as South Korea marks the Month of Patriots and Veterans AJP Yoo Na-hyun — National flags are seen at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul on June 1, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

Many visitors paid tribute with flowers and moments of silence at the Seoul National Cemetery in southern Seoul, where soldiers and others who died for the nation are laid to rest.

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs plans to hold various events, programs, and memorial services for veterans and their families across the country as part of efforts to raise awareness of the sacrifices and contributions of war veterans, independence fighters, and national merit recipients.