Memorial Day is an official remembrance day in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) held on June 6 each year.
It commemorates those who died while in military service during wars or battles, primarily during the Korean War.
During the war, South Korea was supported by a UN force led by the USA, while China and Soviet Union fought for North Korea.
According to statistics, about 660,000 South Korean soldiers lost their lives during the war.
After the war, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces participated in the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, the 2001—2014 war in Afghanistan, the Iraq War and the number of United Nations peacekeeping operations.
During these wars and conflicts, South Korea lost more than 5,000 soldiers, almost 11,000 servicemen were wounded, and several soldiers were reported missing.
Memorial Day in South Korea was first observed in 1956.
The national flag is flown at halt-mast during the day.
