PARIS – A delegation from Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, met with officials at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in France on February 3rd, according to a social media post by minjongkr on February 11th. The visit, described as an “induction,” signals a renewed focus on commemorating French participation in the Korean War and developing the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park.
The delegation, led by Yangpyeong County Governor Jeon Jin-seon, laid wreaths at the Korean War Memorial near the Seine River and at the tomb of General Monclar, a key figure in the French Battalion that fought during the conflict. They also met with Patrick Boudouin, President of the UN French Battalion Veterans Association and Alain Nass, Korea Representative and Vice President of the same association, as well as cadets from the Saint-Cyr Military Academy. A lunch was held with French war veterans, including a former cadet, Gu Pil-gi.
Governor Jeon and the delegation presented the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park project to French officials, seeking support for its development. The Jipyeong-ri area holds historical significance as the site of a major battle during the Korean War, where French forces played a crucial role. The park aims to honor the sacrifices made by both Korean and French soldiers.
In September 2025, Governor Jeon discussed the project with visiting French officials in Yangpyeong County, reaffirming the historical importance of the Battle of Jipyeong-ri and exploring avenues for collaboration. The meeting followed a visit to Yangpyeong County by key French officials on September 17th, 2025, to discuss the park’s development. The French delegation included representatives from the UN French Battalion Veterans Association and the Saint-Cyr Military Academy, as well as a scholar specializing in the Korean War.
Yangpyeong County, known as the coldest place in South Korea with a record low of -32.6°C registered in 1981, is actively seeking to leverage its historical ties with France to promote international cooperation and peace. Governor Jeon has pledged to actively promote Yangpyeong County’s projects and plans to French institutions in Korea, including the French-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
As of February 12, 2026, the French government has not issued a formal statement regarding its financial or logistical commitment to the Jipyeong-ri International Peace Park project. Further discussions are scheduled between Yangpyeong County officials and French representatives in the coming months.
