Heroes Cemetery – 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.

There is a Korean War Heroes Cemetery located in Pyongyang that is dedicated to 568 North Koreans who are considered heroes in the war. Each tombstone marker has a portrait with details about the fallen. All of the remains were brought from burial sites around the country in time for the inauguration of the cemetery on July 25, 2013 to mark the 60th anniversary of the armistice.