Incheon Landing 75th Anniversary: Honoring History at Incheon Port

Cord A. Scott, Ph.D
Sep 18
6 min read

Photography by: Jetta Allen, Cord Scott, Cpl. Simon Saravia, and Lt. Cmdr. Brendan Trembath

This past weekend marked the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing, a decisive turning point in the Korean War. For a detailed account, read more in our Incheon Landing Operation and its significance in the Korean War.

The commemoration in Incheon was both solemn and uplifting, bringing together veterans, dignitaries, and the public to honor the courage and sacrifices of those who fought in 1950. I had the honor of attending, and the experience was both humbling and unforgettable.

Marines in dress uniforms posed alongside a veteran from the Korean War and Dr. Cord Scott at Incheon Landing 75th Anniversary Commemoration — U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Korea, pose for a group photo alongside Ian Holthouse, a veteran of the Korean War and state president of the Naval Association of Australia, during an at-sea cruise aboard the ROKS Marado commemorating the 75th anniversary of the landing at Incheon, in Incheon, South Korea, Sept. 12, 2025. The commemoration honored the strategic success of the landing, which turned the tide of the Korean War, and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Republic of Korea and United Nations Command Forces. Photo Captured by: Cpl. Simon Saravia

Friday: Remembering at Sea

The weekend opened aboard the ROKS Marado, a Republic of Korea Navy landing ship. Guests participated in a wreath-laying ceremony, releasing flowers into the sea to commemorate the fallen from the Battle of Incheon. Representatives from eight UN nations that participated in the landing were present.

Entertainment lightened the mood briefly, but the focus remained on paying tribute to those who gave their lives during this pivotal operation.

Four people smiling for a selfie outdoors, with overcast skies. Shirts feature logos and text. Urban background with signs and barriers. — Exploring Incheon with friends. (L to R) Back: Cord Scott and Chuck Whittington Front: Jetta Allen and Melissa Edwards-Whittington. Photo Captured by: Jetta Allen

Saturday: Exploring Incheon’s Cultural Side

After a solemn first day at sea, attendees had the chance to step back and explore Incheon itself. Saturday allowed participants a chance to explore Incheon’s many museums and cultural landmarks. From the Jajangmyeon Museum to the Sino-Korean Cultural Museum and even a noodle experience program, the city provided a wide variety of opportunities for reflection, history, and cultural immersion.

The weekend then shifted from quiet reflection to lively celebration on Sunday.

Military personnel in uniform march in formation, holding flags, on a city street. A large building and trees are in the background. — To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation during the Korean War, the Republic of Korea Navy and City of Incheon hosted a parade through the port Sep. 14. On Sep. 15, 1950, United Nations forces launched one of history’s boldest amphibious assaults. Against brutal tides and fortified seawalls, Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s plan severed North Korean supply lines, relieved the Pusan Perimeter, and paved the way to liberate Seoul. Photo Captured by: Lt. Cmdr. Brendan Trembath

Sunday: Parade Through Downtown Incheon

The commemoration continued with a parade in downtown Incheon. For twenty minutes, the streets filled with color guards, ROK military units, the Eighth Army band, and civilians representing the nations that took part in the battle. Veterans of the Korean War also marched, receiving heartfelt recognition from the crowd.

While Sunday focused on public displays of gratitude, Monday turned toward deeper reflection and international dialogue.

Monument with blue and silver curves and flag badges on stone platform. Ship 206 and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky. Wolmi Park Incheon Landing Memorial — Incheon Landing Marker in Wolmi Park Dedicated September 15, 2025. Photo Captured by: Cord Scott

Monday: Honoring Veterans and Unveiling Memorials

Monday was the most event-filled day, beginning in Songdo with a two-day security conference. Scholars and military officials discussed the Incheon Landing’s historical significance, drawing parallels with the Normandy landings and highlighting ongoing Korea-US relations, much like the pivotal battles at the Pusan Perimeter .

In Jayu (Freedom) Park, a floral wreath was laid at the base of the General Douglas MacArthur statue, a longstanding symbol of the Incheon operation.

Curved gray stone structures with blue accents, featuring flags and plaques from various countries. Surrounded by trees and building. Peaceful mood. — Incheon Landing Marker in Wolmi Park Dedicated September 15, 2025. Photo Captured by: Cord Scott

A highlight of the day was the dedication of the new Incheon Landing Memorial in Wolmi Park, symbolizing the eight nations united in the landing with a striking design representing drops of water merging into the sea. British Charge d’Affaires C. Weir delivered the keynote address.

Military officers in uniform and civilians in suits stand solemnly outdoors. The background is green with trees, creating a formal atmosphere. — Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, Commander United Nations Command, U.S. Forces Korea and Combined Forces Command (left) joined Republic of Korea military leaders at a Sept. 15 ceremony in Incheon to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. On Sept. 15, 1950 ROK and United Nations forces launched one of history’s boldest amphibious assaults. Against brutal tides and fortified seawalls, Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s plan severed North Korean supply lines, relieved the Pusan Perimeter, and paved the way to liberate Seoul. Photo Captured by: Lt. Cmdr. Brendan Trembath

The day concluded at Pier 8 in Incheon Port, where the Incheon Victory Presentation took place. Demonstrations of modern ROK Marine landing equipment were shown alongside heartfelt tributes to veterans. Notably, 60 ROK veterans of the Incheon Landing attended, joined by international veterans such as Reg Sharpe of the Australian Navy and Rudy Meekins, a US Marine veteran of both Incheon and the Chosin campaign.

Beyond the official ceremonies, what resonated most with me was the personal experience of walking in the footsteps of history.

Group of Men and Women some in military dress uniforms at the Incheon 75th Anniversary Commemoration — Korean War veterans and service members with United Nations Command, United States Forces Korea, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Korea, the Republic of Korea Navy, and the ROK Marine Corps, pose for a group photo during an at-sea cruise aboard the ROKS Marado commemorating the 75th anniversary of the landing at Incheon, in Incheon, South Korea, Sept. 12, 2025. The commemoration honored the strategic success of the landing, which turned the tide of the Korean War, and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Republic of Korea and United Nations Command Forces. Photo Captured by: Cpl. Simon Saravia

A Walk Through History at the Incheon Landing 75th Anniversary

What struck me most over the weekend was standing on the very ground where Marines once held the causeway road on September 15, 1950. Seeing archival photographs of that exact moment and then walking the road at nearly the same hour brought history vividly to life.

The Incheon Landing 75th Anniversary was more than just a commemoration—it was a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and unity that shaped Korea’s history and continues to influence its present.

Where to Read More About the 75th Anniversary of the Korean War

The Incheon Landing 75th Anniversary is just one part of a much larger story of remembrance. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to several articles and reflections on this milestone, both through academic publications and community writing. For those who want to explore further, here are some resources that build on the themes of sacrifice, strategy, and memory.

At the Marine Corps University, I authored Operation Chromite and the Inchon Landing, which examines the landing in depth and places it within the broader history of amphibious operations.

For United on the RoK Magazine, I’ve written a number of features connected to the 75th anniversary. Incheon Landing Operation 75th Anniversary provides background on the battle, while Canadian Valor: Honoring Canadian Soldiers in the Korean War 75 Years Later highlights our allies’ sacrifices. I also contributed 75 Years Later: Honoring the UN Forces’ First Battle in Korea at Osan, which covers the very first clash of UN forces, and Pusan Perimeter: Holding the Line, which examines the desperate battles that made the Incheon Landing possible. Finally, The 75th Anniversary of the Korean War reflects on the broader commemorations taking place across the peninsula.

Other companion pieces include Along the Nakdong River: Korean War Memorials in Chilgok-gun County and Traces of the Past in Busan, which provide travel insights into Korea’s living history. For those visiting Incheon today, the Yeonsu-gu tourism site also offers a guide to local Korean War memorials and sites.

Continuing the Conversation

Each of these works, whether academic analysis or community reflection, was written with the same purpose: to honor those who fought and to ensure their legacy endures. By continuing to read, reflect, and share, we keep alive the courage and sacrifices of those who stood on the battlefields of Korea 75 years ago.

The 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing reminds us that history lives not only in textbooks but also in the memorials, parades, and communities that keep memory alive. As future anniversaries approach, may we continue to learn from the past and ensure that the sacrifices of 1950 remain remembered by generations to come.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.