Controversial 'Garden of Gratitude' Gains Attention in Seoul

 
Seoul City announced on June 22 that it will hold a commemorative week for Armed Forces Day from June 23 to 27, themed 'Freedom We Defended Together 76 Years Ago, Remembering Together.' The events will include a ceremony honoring veterans and participating nations, cultural performances, citizen experience programs, and a cheering event for participating countries linked to the World Cup, all taking place in Gwanghwamun Square.
 
Notably, the Garden of Gratitude emerged as a symbolic political and administrative space during the recent mayoral election.
 
Mayor Oh Se-hoon discussed the factors behind his election victory in a recent television appearance, highlighting the Han River Bus, the Seun District redevelopment project, and the Garden of Gratitude as key examples.
 
In the broadcast, Mayor Oh stated, "If it weren't for the election, this policy wouldn't have received such a spotlight. The Democratic Party launched a concentrated attack, but when people visit, they feel moved by the space."
 
He added, "As citizens came to see and experience it, they began to take photos and share them voluntarily, creating an atmosphere that the criticisms were unfounded."
 
During the election, the Garden of Gratitude became a major point of contention in political debates.
 
The ruling party raised concerns about the feasibility and budget execution of the Gwanghwamun Square restructuring project. In contrast, Seoul City maintained that the Garden of Gratitude, created to honor the sacrifices of Korean War veterans and participating nations, should not be a subject of political controversy.
 
Since its establishment last year, the Garden of Gratitude has become a prominent attraction in Gwanghwamun Square, drawing domestic and international veterans, bereaved families, young people, and foreign tourists.
 
Through this Armed Forces Day commemorative week, Seoul City aims to develop the Garden of Gratitude into a cultural space where citizens can experience the values of freedom and peace, beyond just a memorial site.
 
The 76th anniversary of the Korean War commemoration ceremony on June 23 is expected to attract over 500 participants, including veterans' organizations and youth. The event will feature a flag-raising ceremony for participating countries and a lighting ceremony for 23 gratitude lights, along with performances honoring the sacrifices of veterans who defended freedom and peace.
 
During the commemorative week, activities such as trying on military uniforms, experiencing combat rations, security history quizzes, and a game to find participating countries will be offered. On June 25, a cheering program for the World Cup match between South Korea and South Africa will also take place.
 
Seoul City expects that this event centered around the Garden of Gratitude will help spread a culture of 'everyday gratitude' among citizens.
 
In the political arena, this case is seen as a symbolic example of the 'policy-oriented politics' emphasized by Mayor Oh, as a space that was at the center of intense controversy during the election is now functioning as a representative space for veterans in Seoul.
 
Yoon Jong-jang, head of the Seoul Welfare Department, expressed hope that many citizens will visit the Garden of Gratitude and participate in the events to share the meanings of gratitude and remembrance.