Photo courtesy: Korea.net

The documentary was created as the highlight of the Embassy’s Veterans Campaign, which began in November 2025 through the Embassy’s official Instagram channel (@dutchembassykorea), featuring a series of short-form videos introducing the stories and memories of Dutch Korean War veterans.

The screening was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Hoengseong and to honor the courage, dedication, and sacrifices of Dutch soldiers who served during the Korean War. Through the personal stories of veterans, the documentary reflects on the shared values of freedom and peace while highlighting the longstanding friendship and solidarity between the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea.
 

During the Korean War, the Netherlands was the fourth among the 22 United Nations sending states to decide to deploy troops to Korea. A total of 4,748 Dutch soldiers (5,324 including redeployments) were sent to Korea in support of freedom and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Despite their significant contribution, the stories of Dutch Korean War veterans have not always received the recognition they deserve and have gradually become less known over time. To ensure that the courage and sacrifices of these veterans would not be forgotten, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Korea, together with Project Soldier, documented their personal journeys and memories for future generations.

The documentary brings together the short-form videos previously shared through the Embassy’s Instagram campaign, featuring interviews and personal reflections from eight Dutch Korean War veterans. It highlights not only their experiences during the war, but also their lives after the conflict, their families, and the lasting connections they have maintained with Korea.

In addition to the documentary screening in Korea, the same stories and portraits were also shared with audiences in the Netherlands through a special photo exhibition titled “Dutch Soldiers in the Korean War – Stories from the Frontline” at The Hague City Hall. The exhibition was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Netherlands, featuring portraits of eight Dutch veterans accompanied by QR codes linking to their recorded interviews.

Through both the documentary and the photo exhibition, the project helped preserve the living history of Dutch Korean War veterans and offered audiences a deeper understanding of their experiences and contributions. These initiatives also served as meaningful opportunities to reflect on the importance of peace, international cooperation, and the enduring partnership between the Netherlands and Korea.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Korea will continue its efforts to document and share the stories of Korean War veterans through ongoing campaigns and initiatives. By preserving their memories and honoring their legacy, the Embassy aims to ensure that the dedication of those who defended freedom and peace continues to be remembered by future generations.