French Military Memorial in Suwon: Honoring France’s Role in the Korean War

Cord A. Scott, Ph.D
Oct 1, 2024
5 min read

Bronze statue of three soldiers with rifles on a pedestal. Flags and plaques with French, UN, and South Korean flags. Clear blue sky.

French Forces in the Korean War: Honoring Their Sacrifice at the French Military Memorial in Suwon

For many of the countries that contributed men and material for the United Nations effort, their numbers were not enough to field independent units. To that end, they were often integrated into larger, American units. For the French, their contributing force of a battalion – named le Bataillon de Corée – was integrated into the 2nd Infantry Division. Their sacrifices are memorialized at the French Military Memorial in Suwon, located just 30 km north of Osan Air Base on the border of Suwon and Uiwang, a site dedicated to honoring France’s role in the Korean War and one of the notable UN memorials in South Korea.

Key Battles Leading to the French Military Memorial

This site in Suwon holds deeper meaning because it stands near the battlegrounds where French forces in the Korean War first proved their strength. As with many of the UN memorials, they are close to the locations where defining battles were fought. The French battalion in Korea, though small in number, made a formidable stand near Wonju from January 7–13, 1951. The French put up a formidable defense of the area. Their fighting was also augmented by the fact that France was simultaneously engaged in conflicts in Algeria and French Indochina (now Vietnam), where many of the battalion had recently been fighting before coming to Korea.

In another fight in the area on January 30, the French and Americans held off a large Chinese attack. This fight was an example of how superior artillery and air support, combined with good defenses and resupply, allowed the Allies to hold onto positions against attacks by superior numbers. The French even held off the Chinese with a bayonet charge at one point. For these actions, Col. Ralph Monclar (actually Lt. Gen. Raoul Charles Magrin-Vernerey, who took a demotion and changed his name to command a combat unit) was praised by General Matthew Ridgeway, who, in addition to various gifts, recommended the French battalion for the first of their three Presidential Unit Citations.

oday, travelers and history enthusiasts can visit this historic site. The French Military Memorial in Suwon stands as a lasting reminder of the battalion’s bravery during the Korean War and offers visitors a glimpse into France’s contribution to UN forces in Korea.

Three flags—South Korea, UN, France—fly on poles against a blue sky. A wall with "ONU" emblem is on the right. Trees line the background.

Visiting the French Military Memorial in Suwon

For those interested in Korean War memorials in South Korea, the French Military Memorial in Suwon is relatively simple to find, though easy to miss. The location is straightforward: Route 1 through northern Suwon. As one comes up a hill that is perpendicular to Expressway 50 (Kyongbu Expressway), the monument will be on the right side of the road. There is some parking there, as it is part of a larger park. This makes it an accessible stop for anyone exploring Korean War historical sites near Seoul.

Black plaques on a gray wall display text in Korean and French, detailing historical battles. Sunny day with clear skies and tree shadows. — **French marker on the west side.**

What to See at the Memorial Site

Visitors to the French Korean War Memorial in Suwon will find detailed plaques telling the story of the French fighting in Korea on the left side, while the right arm displays photos of the Bataillon de Corée in action. The center panel features the French patch, the 2nd Infantry Division patch, and the names of all French combatants who fell during the campaign.

One might note that the French soldiers are dressed in American equipment, which is unsurprising as they were part of a combined U.S. Division. Four bronze soldiers atop a small platform at the front of the memorial look out in four directions of the compass. The French crest sits opposite the 2nd Infantry Division “Indianhead” patch on the figures and the memorial wall—a symbolic tribute to the partnership and sacrifice of allied forces.

While the memorial captures the battalion’s earliest actions in Suwon, their courage on Korean soil extended far beyond this first engagement.

A row of historical black-and-white photos on a stone wall in a park setting, with bare trees and a clear blue sky in the background. — **French marker, east side photos.**

French Battalion’s Continuing Role in the Korean War

After their initial battles near Suwon, the French battalion continued to fight alongside the 2nd Infantry Division as the front lines pushed north. These French soldiers in Korean War history went on to play key roles in major battles such as Punchbowl and Heartbreak Ridge near the DMZ, proving their courage on multiple fronts. Their first victory in Suwon marked the beginning of a legacy that cemented France’s vital contribution to UN forces in Korea.

Visiting the French Military Memorial in Suwon not only tells the story of past battles but also prompts reflection on the true price of war.

Remembering the Cost of War

While it is common for us to commemorate sacrifices bought with blood for the defense and freedom of others, it is also important to remember that these markers serve as a reminder that war is costly in all regards. Armed action is sometimes necessary to prevent authoritarian aggression, yet diplomacy remains the preferable path.

Location Information – French Military Memorial Suwon

For those planning a visit to this Korean War memorial, here’s how to find the French Military Memorial in Suwon:

Name: Peurangseugun War Memorial
Address: 경기도 수원시 장안구 파장동 31-3
Map Link: NAVER Map

External Links – Learn More About the French Military Memorial and Korean War History

If you’d like to learn more about the French battalion’s role in the Korean War and explore additional resources about the Suwon memorial and other UN contributions, the following links offer in-depth historical insights and visitor information.

French Military Memorial in Suwon – Korean War Memorials Database – Detailed information on the Suwon memorial dedicated to France’s contribution in the Korean War.
United Nations Involvement in the Korean War – Korean War Educator – Overview of how UN forces, including France, participated in the Korean War.
Korean War Army Campaign Summaries – U.S. Army Center of Military History – Official summaries of major campaigns, including battles involving the French battalion.
France’s Role in the United Nations Command – Official UNC Site – A look at France’s enduring role within the UN Command during the Korean War.
French Contribution in the Korean War – Academic Article (DOAJ) – Scholarly analysis of France’s participation and military operations in Korea.
Veteran Recalls French Connection with 2nd Infantry Division – U.S. Army Article – Personal account of the partnership between French troops and the 2nd Infantry Division.
Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs – Korean War Information – Official South Korean government site providing resources on war memorials and veterans.
Video Tour: French Military Memorial in Suwon – Visual walkthrough of the Suwon memorial site.
French Memorial Ceremony in Suwon – YouTube – Commemorative event honoring the French battalion’s sacrifices in Korea.

Internal Links – Related Articles from United on the RoK Magazine

United on the RoK Magazine has covered several stories honoring the sacrifices of UN and allied soldiers in Korea. Explore these related articles to dive deeper into Korean War history and commemorative sites across the peninsula

75 Years Later: Honoring the UN Forces’ First Battle in Korea at Osan – A look back at the first major UN battle of the Korean War.
Canadian Valor: Honoring Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War, 75 Years Later – Celebrating the bravery of Canada’s forces during the conflict.
The 75th Anniversary of the Korean War – A reflection on the Korean War and its lasting impact, 75 years on.
Along the Nakdong River: Korean War Memorials in Chilgok-gun County – Discover memorials along the Nakdong River honoring the fierce battles and sacrifices of UN forces.

FAQs about the French Military Memorial in Suwon

Where is the French Military Memorial in Suwon located?

It’s situated on Route 1 in northern Suwon, near Expressway 50, about 30 km north of Osan Air Base.

Why is the French Military Memorial in Suwon significant?

It honors the bravery and sacrifice of the French battalion that fought alongside UN forces during key battles in the Korean War.

What other Korean War memorials can visitors see nearby?

Travelers can also visit the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, and memorials along the Nakdong River.