Gwanghwamun Square to glow blue in tribute to 23 UN Korean War allies

Gwanghwamun Square in downtown Seoul will glow blue Wednesday evening, as Seoul invites residents and visitors to honor United Nations veterans whose sacrifices helped defend Korea's freedom and peace during the 1950-53 Korean War. The Seoul Metropolitan Government will hold a public memorial at the Garden of Gratitude on Wednesday, marking UN Veterans International Memorial Day with candlelight, a special lighting ceremony and opportunities for citizens to share messages of appreciation. The evening program will begin after sunset with a candle-lighting event, allowing visitors to receive free LED candles and gather around the installation known as Lights of Gratitude 23. At 8 p.m., 23 lights representing countries that sent troops to the Korean War will glow blue, the color associated with the United Nations. The lights will turn on and off in sequence 23 times, symbolizing gratitude to the countries and veterans who contributed to defending Korea. Visitors will also be invited to write messages of remembrance and appreciation at stations near the installation and the entrance to Freed