BUSAN, South Korea (November 2) – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. concluded his four-day visit to South Korea on Sunday by honoring Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War.
Accompanied by First Lady Liza Marcos, the President led a wreath-laying and tree-planting ceremony at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Busan, where the names of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) are inscribed.
The event marked the end of Marcos’ official schedule in South Korea following the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, which focused on digital innovation, trade, and sustainable growth.
The Philippines was the first Southeast Asian nation to send combat troops to Korea, with 7,420 Filipino soldiers serving under PEFTOK between 1950 and 1955.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung earlier described the Philippines as a “special friend,” expressing gratitude for its sacrifices during the war.
During his trip, Marcos also met with South Korean business and defense leaders, including Hanwha Ocean and DL Group, to explore cooperation in defense and energy projects.
