The Arirang scarf used by United Nations Command soldiers in 1951 during the Korean War (left) and the “2023 Arirang Scarf” created this year. (Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs)
By Lee Jihae
The “Arirang Scarf,” sent by United Nations Command (UNC) soldiers during the Korean War to their wives and mothers back home, has been restored to its original state for the first time in 70 years, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs announced on July 25.
The scarf was created in 1950 as a commemorative item for foreign soldiers who fought in the Korean War.
The scarves at the time did not have Arirang lyrics on them, but those made from 1951 did have them alongside musical notes.
“Arirang” is a traditional Korean song that united the Korean and the UNC soldiers.
The UNC soldiers got to know the Arirang song from their Korean counterparts and it formed a type of solidarity.
The song was adopted as a military song by the 7th U.S. Infantry Division.
The scarf made this year contains the flags of all 22 nations that fought with the Republic of Korea during the Korean War, and an image of Korea, which has achieved stunning development during the 70 years after the armistice was signed in 1953.
“The level of aesthetic completion is high, as it (the scarf) looks like a collage that seems to depict as one the soldiers who fought in the Korean War,” the ministry said in describing the scarf’s design.
“The original scarf made in 1951 has enough historical value to be displayed at the War Memorial.”
The ministry plans to give the scarves made this year to the delegates from 22 countries who fought in the Korean War to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the signing of the armistice.
jihlee08@korea.kr
