French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux, center, along with Korean and French military officials, pays tribute at a French military monument in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, Monday. Courtesy of the Republic of Korea Army

French Ambassador to Korea Philippe Bertoux and Korean Army officers from the 36th Infantry Division visited the 1037 Peak French Military Battle Monument in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province, a site entrenched in the annals of the 1950–53 Korean War, Monday.

They embarked on a journey from the Munjae Tunnel, a key artery utilized by French forces during the Korean War, to the revered 1037 Peak. Along the way, they absorbed insights into the terrain and recounted the French soldiers' past.

At the monument, amid whispers of the winds that once witnessed fierce combat, the delegation paid tribute to fallen French soldiers who bravely battled amid the harsh conditions of the conflict.

The Battle of 1037 Peak, which occurred on March 5, 1951, saw French troops endure sub-zero temperatures, resulting in 28 fatalities and 113 wounded, ultimately securing a pivotal victory against forces threatening the sovereignty of Korea.

The monument, erected in May 2010, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by those who fought valiantly for freedom and democracy. Recent efforts by the 36th Division have revealed the presence of another French military monument in the vicinity, prompting formal recognition and ongoing maintenance.

Bertoux underscored the significance of the visit, emphasizing the journey to the site of the Battle of 1037 Peak, which serves as a poignant reminder of the noble sacrifices made by the French. He applauded the enduring bond between the armed forces of both nations.

The 36th Infantry Division affirms the monument's dual role as a historical landmark and a space for reflection on the collective sacrifices endured during that tumultuous period. He pledged continued efforts to preserve the memory of the victory achieved 73 years ago and the enduring legacy of French soldiers who fought alongside their Korean counterparts.