Ambassador to the Republic of Korea commemorates the Battle of Kapyong in Seoul

The Korean War, 1950–53, was the first major conflict of the Cold War and the first to involve troops, including Australians, fighting under the auspices of the United Nations Command (UNC). It began with the North Korean invasion of South Korea and ended with an armistice that left the Korean peninsula divided. 

The Battle of Kapyong was a significant battle, during which Australian, Commonwealth and other UNC forces helped stop a communist advance on the South Korean capital, Seoul.

The Australian Embassy in Korea set up a special photo exhibition at the War Memorial of Korea. It commemorates the Battle of Kapyong and the service of Australian troops involved, and introduces their personal stories curated by the Australian War Memorial. The Embassy also plans to host a similar exhibition later in the year in partnership with Gapyeong County. 

On the anniversary of the battle, the Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Ms Catherine Raper, visited the photo exhibition and marked the day, remembering all the Australians who served in the Battle of Kapyong. 

Some 18,000 Australians served during the Korean War and in the post-armistice phase, including some 50 nurses.  As well as the around 340 who tragically died, some 1,200 who were wounded, and around 30 were taken prisoner during the war. During the Battle of Kapyong, more than 30 were killed, nearly 60 wounded and a small number taken prisoner.