Incheon landing reenacted

The Incheon Landing, an amphibious invasion and battle of the Korean War that resulted in a decisive victory and strategic reversal in favor of the United Nations, was reenacted Sunday.

The Ministry of National Defense and Incheon Metropolitan City marked the 63rd anniversary of the victory off the coast of Wolmido Island and in a park on the island.

The anniversary was attended by about 2,500 people, including Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Choi Yoon-hee, Incheon Mayor Song Young-gil and 248 Korean War veterans.

It kicked off with a dedication of flowers to the statue of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who led the landing operation 63 years ago.

“It was a dramatic operation which turned the tide of the war in favor of South Korea,” said Admiral Choi in a speech. “We should not forget the sublime sacrifices made by U.N. forces, navy sailors and marines to defend free democracy.”

The event was highlighted by the enactment of the operation, which lasted for about 25 minutes in Wolmido, the initial point of the landing.

It involved Korean and U.S. naval and marine forces, battleships, aircrafts and armored vehicles for landing.

In the afternoon, about 700 naval and marine soldiers marched 2.7 kilometers from Munhak stadium to the Incheon city hall.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)