Life
Turn Toward Busan honors Korean War veterans
Turn Toward Busan ceremony at the UN Memorial Cemetery in Korea in 2022.
Nov. 11 is a unique date on the calendar as it is the only date when the same number, one, is repeated four times. Many countries worldwide designate Nov. 11 as a commemorative holiday. In Korea, it is celebrated as Pepero Day because 11/11 resembles the shape of the popular cookie sticks.
In China, Nov. 11 is an unofficial holiday called Singles' Day that celebrates people who are not in a relationship. The date was chosen because the numeral 1 resembles a bare tree, which is Chinese Internet slang for an unmarried man who has not added "branches" to his family tree.
While the holidays mentioned above are just for fun, Nov. 11 holds significant meaning in several nations. In the U.K. and other Commonwealth Nations, the date marks Remembrance Day to commemorate the end of World War I and honor all armed forces members who have died in the line of duty. In the U.S., Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday to honor those who have served in America's armed forces.
Here in Busan, Nov. 11 also holds significant meaning. On this date, the city holds a memorial ceremony called "Turn Toward Busan." During the event, citizens observe a one-minute moment of silence at 11 a.m. to honor the people who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War (1950-1953).
Canadian vet Vincent Courtney.
Turn Toward Busan was first observed in 2007 on the recommendation of Canadian Armed Forces veteran Vincent Courtney. City leaders designated Turn Toward Busan an official anniversary in 2020.
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, a commemorative siren will sound across Busan for one minute, followed by a 21-gun salute, the customary ritual signifying the nation's highest honor for fallen soldiers. During this time, citizens are encouraged to express their gratitude by turning toward the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Nam-gu district.
■ WORDS TO KNOW
commemorate: (v) 기념하다
Commonwealth of Nations: (n) 영국연방(영국을 중심으로 캐나다; 호주; 뉴질랜드 등이 결성한 연합체)
designate: (v) 지정하다
numeral: (n) 숫자
resemble: (v) ~을 닮은
salute: (v) 경례하다
Single's Day: (n) 중국 광군제