Life
Turn Toward Busan to honor Korean War veterans
A ceremony honoring Colombian veterans during Turn Toward Busan 2023. Busan Ilbo
At 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, sirens will suddenly blare across the city. Don't panic. The sirens are not an air raid or disaster alert; rather, they are part of Turn Toward Busan, an annual ceremony held to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the Korean War (1950-1953).
Turn Toward Busan takes place at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea. The ceremony was first observed in 2007 on the recommendation of Canadian Armed Forces veteran Vincent Courtenay, who was only 16 years old when he enlisted in the Canadian military to fight in the war. He has dedicated his life to ensuring the courage and sacrifice of soldiers during the Korean War is never forgotten.
In 2020, the central government designated Nov. 11 as International Memorial Day for U.N. Korean War Veterans, a national anniversary.
On that day, at 11 a.m., a 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 gratitude by turning toward the U.N. Memorial Cemetery in Nam-gu District and observing a moment of silence.
Turn Toward Busan concludes UN Weeks in Busan, Oct. 24 to Nov. 11, during which various programs are held to honor Korean War veterans. Programs include the World Peace Walk and the 2024 Busan World Peace Forum. For a full breakdown of UN Weeks events, visit (unweeksinbusan.or.kr).