[News Today] ‘Garden of Gratitude’ sparks debate

[LEAD]

A new stone monument honoring Korean War participant countries has been unveiled at Gwanghwamun Square. The 'Garden of Gratitude' features 23 stone structures representing South Korea and the 22 countries that fought in the war.

But critics say its shape and location are inappropriate, and calls for its removal continue.

[REPORT]

Twenty-three stone structures measuring 6.25 meters tall are set up in the northwest side of Gwanghwamun Square.

Named 'Light of Gratitude 23' they represent the twenty-three countries, including South Korea, that fought in the Korean War.

Stone material donated by seven countries were used to build the monuments.

Kim Chang-gyu / Seoul Metropolitan Gov’t

The stone materials donated by 3 countries are being shipped now. We are talking with 2 other countries for material donation.

There is even an underground interactive media zone.

The Garden of Gratitude, which cost KRW 20.7 billion or nearly USD 14 million and took over six months to build, was finally opened to the public.

But controversy has plagued the project from the start.

The stone sculptures were criticized for being suggestive of the 'present arms' stance and questioned if it was appropriate to set them up at Gwanghwamun Square, the symbol of democracy.

Some pointed out that the structures overlap with the monuments commemorating Korean War participants found at the War Memorial of Korea located not too far away from Gwanghwamun.

Some civic groups continued to demand the structures' removal throughout the ceremony.

Lee Dae-ro / Head, Hanmalgeul Culture Association

Structures commemorating the horrible civil war don’t belong here. There’s the War Memorial of Korea and suitable sites around the country.

It seems the controversy surrounding 'the Garden of Gratitude' will likely continue during the Seoul mayoral election campaign.