Chinese Memorial – Pyongyang – North Korea

Memorial Site

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, aided by the Soviet Union and the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army, fought against the Republic of Korea and the United Nations Command from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953. The war began when the North Korean leader Kim Il-sung sent 75,000 soldiers across the 38th parallel to attack South Korea on June 25, 1950. While the ceasefire agreement was signed on July 27, 1953, the war has technically not ended.

While the exact numbers are unknown, it is estimated that the North Koreans suffered 406,000 military casualties of war. The North Koreans claim that almost 3 million civilians died.

The Sino-Korean Friendship Tower in Pyongyang is dedicated to Chinese soldiers of the Korean War. The 30-meter granite memorial displays the names of 22,700 fallen Chinese solders including that of Mao Anying, Mao Zedong’s eldest son, who was killed in the war on November 25, 1950.