The Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom visited York this week to pay his respects at the Korean War Memorial, honouring the memory of those who fought in one of the twentieth century’s most significant but often overlooked conflicts.

During the visit, His Excellency met with Korean War veterans and their families, including members of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment and veterans of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, whose valiant service in Korea remains deeply valued by the Korean people.

It was soldiers of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment who served with distinction during the Korean War. As an antecedent regiment of today’s Royal Yorkshire Regiment, their legacy lives on in the proud history and traditions upheld by R YORKS soldiers today. That enduring bond continues to unite generations of service personnel and reinforces the Regiment’s connection to this important chapter of history.

The Ambassador said at the wreath-laying ceremony, “Today’s ceremony is a solemn reminder of the courageous British soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in a distant land to defend the freedom of a people they had never met. We will never forget their bravery, and ceremonies like this reaffirm the enduring friendship between our two nations.”

Reflecting on the legacy of those who served, he added, “Although we can never fully repay our debt to these brave men and women, we will continue to take every opportunity to honour veterans and their families to ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.”

This poignant moment in York was both a tribute to the past and a symbol of the lasting friendship between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Korea.