Korean War: View From the North

Korean War Ink Painting

Ink painting (chosunhua) from the Koryo Studio collection depicting one of the Korean War battles from the perspective of a North Korean artist.

July 27th: Korean War

July 27th marks the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice agreement in 1953. Signed at 10 am, all fighting was to cease twelve hours later.

Both sides had three days to withdraw two kilometres from the cease-fire line.

Sadly, the armistice continues today. The de-militarised line, 4 km wide remains in place, and no peace treaty has been signed.

The North Korean Narrative

Travelling to North Korea gives a fascinating insight into how the Koreans view the war; as a victory, with a little help from the Chinese…

Of course in the West, we see it in a different light.

What is clear, is that the war was devastating and civilians paid a very heavy price. The North Koreans alone reportedly lost 20% of their population during the war of 1950-53.

This 2023, the North Koreans are preparing for yet another parade on Kim Il Sung Square, similar to the one we attended as Koryo Tours 30 years ago…