Korean War, 1950 - 1953

Paper spinners adorn a wall to mark the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Photo Ja Mez.

A tower of soldiers. Photo Ja Mez.

The Korean war, the hot war which proxied for the cold one, and which has divided the Korean peninsula for 57 years, started 60 years and four days ago.

I'm not sure why South Korea chooses to mark, and even celebrate somewhat, the start of the war. Many displays, to be sure, have been appropriately sombre and informative, but there have also been displays more suitable for a happy event: near Myeongdong last weekend, we found dancers and acrobats performing on a stage -- altogether a fairly exciting event.

In any case, the war had profound implications right into the present. North Korea's sinking of the South Korean corvette Cheonan is just the latest in a long string of provocative incidents between the two states - a trend that isn't likely to stop soon.

I constantly question why so many in Korea are bent upon unification - surely, if both sides abandoned hope of re-uniting, tension would decline and a stable situation could be found. I found a clue in an article about North Korea's World Cup experience:

"...the North Koreans are keen for their southern neighbours to do well in South Africa. As mentioned previously, the Republic of Korea’s 2-0 victory over Greece was broadcast here, and the North Koreans were delighted by their performance."

Despite 60 years of division, and constant propaganda from both sides, the bonds of nationality are still strong.

A dancer on stage at the festivities. Photo Ja Mez.