The Korean War is remembered very differently in Australia and the Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea unless otherwise specified). Koreans remember the war as a catastrophic event that divided the nation, leaving a legacy felt keenly to the present day. For Australians, it is a largely unknown conflict that was fought decades ago in an unfamiliar place and is now remembered less completely than other wars. Yet, since the war, Australia-Korea relations have grown in multidimensional and highly productive ways. This project will use an online exhibition, public forums, publications and surveys to explore these different memories of war (and changing practices of remembering) and how these memories have contributed to a deepening multidimensional relationship.

The primary outcome of this project will be increased and improved public awareness in both countries of the respective roles of Australia and Korea in the conflict and the significance of the Korean War for the development of bilateral relations. A secondary outcome will be deeper understanding of changing practices in remembering the war and stronger partnerships between the academies and GLAM (galleries, libraries, archives, and museums) sectors in both countries, especially those with an interest in how best to engage their respective publics.

Project Start Date: 01/01/2025

Project Finish Date: 31/12/2025

Project Funding: DFAT Australia-Korea Foundation