Upcoming Holiday: Memorial Day in South Korea 🇰🇷

On June 25th, 1950, one of the bloodiest conflicts in modern history erupted on the Korean peninsula. The Korean War, as it became known, would involve nearly 60 countries, devastate all major cities in North and South Korea, and lead to the deaths of millions of civilians.

As a result, the entire month of June has been designated as “the Month of Patriotism,” with the most important day being Memorial Day on June 6th. But what does this occasion mean for our students? 

Below, we’ve put together some basic information about this holiday, including some discussion questions that touch on its less sensitive aspects. And as always, we’ve thrown in some relevant vocabulary (bolded) that students will enjoy learning.

What is Memorial Day About?

Although the Korean War was what sparked the creation of Memorial Day, the holiday honors veterans, soldiers, and individuals who gave their lives for their country, whether they did so during wars or the country’s independence and democracy movements.

• Can you tell me about some of your country’s national heroes?
• In your opinion, who is the most important person in your country’s history? What’s the most important event?

Since the pandemic, Memorial Day has also become a tribute to public servants who died fighting COVID-19.

What Happens on Memorial Day?

The biggest event of the day is the ceremony held at Seoul National Cemetery. You can get an idea of it from this video:

Then, at 10 a.m., a siren rings across the country, reminding people to take a moment of silence to remember those who sacrificed their lives. Traffic on main roads also comes to a halt.

• I heard that there is a moment of silence the morning of Memorial Day. Could you tell me about that?
• I heard that traffic stops for the moment of silence. Is this true?

In preparation for Memorial Day, many schools have children draw pictures of soldiers or write essays to honor the troops currently serving at the border with North Korea.

• What do you remember doing for Memorial Day when you were a child?

Memorial Day is also when many people visit the national war memorial museum, which focuses on the Korean War.

• Have you ever been to the War Memorial museum in Seoul? Would you recommend it?

Most students won’t want to discuss sensitive topics related to this holiday, but we can ask them what they plan on doing with their day off.

• How do you spend Memorial Day?
• What events will your city/town host on Memorial Day?

You can also ask your students more general questions, such as the following:

• Do you think Memorial Day is an important holiday?
• Would you ever consider joining the military? Is being a soldier a respected career in your country? Why? Why not? 
• I heard that all men in South Korea have to do military service. How long is military service and what is it like?

You can also share about Memorial Day or a similar holiday in your country, and what people do on that day.

• In my country, we do X on Memorial Day. Do you do that too in Korea?

Finally, to learn more about South Korea's Memorial Day, check out this report:

We hope this gives you enough ideas for conversation topics related to this holiday. Happy tutoring!