The Personal Effects of Patriots Who Died for the Country Should Be Returned to Their Descendants

Preservation of 970 Korean War Artifacts Over 2 Years by National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage
Support from Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation Team Due to Staff Shortage... Removal of Foreign Substances, Drying, and Restoration
Goal is Full Delivery to Bereaved Families "Family Participation in Sample Collection Crucial"

On the morning of the 25th, members of the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Team are excavating and recovering the remains of South Korean soldiers who died in battle during the Korean War near Baengmagoji, Hwaseolmari Hill, Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Province. / Photo by Joint Press Corps

Baengmagoji in Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do (Northwest Hill 395) was the site of the fiercest battle of the Korean War. In October 1952, the Republic of Korea Army's 9th Division and the Chinese People's Volunteer Army fought twelve battles over nine days. The contested area changed hands seven times but ultimately ended in a victory for the ROK forces. Approximately 10,000 Chinese soldiers were annihilated, while the ROK forces suffered around 3,500 casualties.

The excavation of remains only began in September last year. This was because the area was designated as a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) immediately after the armistice. A turning point came with the September 19, 2018 military agreement, leading to the participation of the 5th Infantry Division, the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation and Identification Unit, and the Special Mobile Support Brigade in the operation.

Last year, thirty-seven remains were recovered at Baengmagoji. Personal effects totaled around 8,000 items, over 95% of which were ammunition. Due to the risk of explosion, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team collected these. The Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation Unit preserves the rest. Due to manpower shortages, many items are entrusted to the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the Cultural Heritage Administration. This year, 368 items were transferred. Lee In-sook, a research officer at the Research Planning Division of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, stated, "We received firearms, helmets, canteens, belts, clothing buttons, military boots, and more," adding, "We will minimize additional damage, deterioration, and corrosion until December."

Preservation treatment is divided into seven stages. It begins with a preliminary investigation. The preservation state is assessed using stereomicroscopes, X-rays, CT scans, and other methods. After documentation, the items undergo surface foreign matter removal. Lee Jae-seong, a research curator at the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, explained, "We use surgical scalpels and cotton swabs while observing under a stereomicroscope."

Items with exposed plating layers undergo stabilization and are dried naturally or with hot air circulation. Then, they are reinforced with acrylic-based synthetic resin for bonding and restoration. The preservation state is rechecked, and the items are stored with record cards. Lee said, "The rich experience of cultural heritage conservation specialists who have handled national treasures and important cultural properties, along with top-level technology, is fully applied."

Over the past two years, the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage has preserved 970 items. Some vividly illustrate the intense Baengmagoji battle. A canteen with bullet holes is a representative example. Lee noted, "There are clear marks where more than four bullets either penetrated or grazed the canteen."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The main purpose of preservation treatment and database creation is not for exhibition or promotion. It is to fully deliver the remains to the bereaved families whenever they are found. Lee emphasized, "These are the belongings of patriots who sacrificed their lives to protect the nation and people," adding, "We conduct preservation treatments with respect to fulfill the responsibilities of future generations."

The excavation of Korean War fallen soldiers' remains began in April 2000. So far, 192 ROK soldiers have been identified. At Baengmagoji, two corporals, Jo Eung-seong and Kim Il-su, have been identified. Partial body parts were collected from trenches. Items such as spoons, combat boots, entrenching tools, and rings were also found. A bullet penetration mark, presumed to be the cause of death, was confirmed on Corporal Jo's helmet. The Ministry of National Defense investigated military records of the Baengmagoji fallen and located Jo's daughter, Young-ja. Parentage was confirmed through DNA analysis.

Kim's younger brother, Young-hwan, participated in sample collection in 2018 and was able to compare and analyze the recovered remains and DNA. It is said that he was encouraged by his children after seeing promotional banners to participate in sample collection. Lee Ho-yeon, an official of the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Excavation Unit, said, "It is rare to find identification tags such as dog tags during recovery," adding, "Even if found, the remains may not belong to the owner of the tag." He stressed, "DNA-based testing is the most accurate, and we are working hard to build a systematic database," and urged, "The participation of bereaved families in sample collection is crucial."

On the morning of the 25th, members of the Ministry of National Defense's Remains Recovery and Identification Unit are excavating and recovering the remains of South Korean soldiers who died in battle during the Korean War near Baengmagoji, Hwaseolmari Hill, Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon Province. / Photo by Joint Press Corps

The procedure is not complicated. Kits are distributed at nearby community service centers and public health centers. For bereaved families with mobility difficulties, home visits for sample collection are also conducted. The official pledged, "We will do our best to bring home every last patriot who risked their lives to defend the country until their final moments."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.