A pilgrimage to the Korea Military Academy
The Korea Military Academy (KMA) is the premier institution for undergraduate education and military training of officer cadets for the Korean Army. Located in northern Seoul, it was established in 1946 by the predecessor of the current ROK Armed Forces.
As a military institution, KMA maintains high standards of discipline and tradition. Foreign cadets from overseas military academies that have signed exchange agreements with the Korean Ministry of National Defense also have the opportunity to study at KMA as exchange students.
On May 16, I had the privilege of visiting the Korea Military Academy as part of the Executive Orientation Program of the Korea-America Association, led by its Chairman, Choi Joong-kyung. The visit was a valuable opportunity to strengthen friendship with the association and the academy.
During our time at the Korea Military Academy, we were warmly welcomed by the Academy’s superintendent, Major General So Hyung-gi; the dean of academic board, Brigadier General Jeong Tae-yong; the commandant of cadets, Brigadier General Oh Se-ung; and Colonel Dong-ha Seo of the department of English.
We toured a wide range of facilities at the academy, including the museum, outdoor weapon exhibition center, memorials and an observatory constructed in 1986, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The 65-meter-high pentagonal tower symbolizes the army. The academy’s motto of "wisdom, benevolence and valor" is engraved on the facade. A memorial hall on the first floor and basement level presents the history of the Korea Military Academy and honors its fallen soldiers.
The names of all cadets who graduated from the academy, from the first class to the most recent 81st, are inscribed around the tower. I was fortunate to find the names of my late relatives and colleagues among them.
Despite the heavy rain, we paid tribute at the statue of Gen. James A. Van Fleet that stands on the grounds. As commander of the U.S. Eighth Army during the 1950-53 Korean War, Gen. Van Fleet played a key role in defending South Korea. His son, Capt. James A. Van Fleet Jr., a U.S. Air Force pilot, went missing during a bombing mission—a tragedy made more poignant by the general’s decision to halt the search to prevent further loss of life.
Often called the Korean West Point, the academy honors Gen. Van Fleet for his unwavering support of the ROK Army. The statue unveiled in 1960, stands as a tribute to his lasting contributions.
Another profoundly moving memorial is the Tower of Immortality, which honors the heroic sacrifice of the 10th class cadets who died during the Korean War. These cadets entered the Korea Military Academy in July 1949 and, while still undergoing training and without even having received service numbers, were deployed to the Battle of Pocheon during the early stages of the war.
Many members of the 10th class lost their lives in the conflict. Tragically, some were killed by the North Korean Army while retreating to a 92-meter-high hillside near the academy.
The memorial tower was erected in 1959 to console the survivors and to commemorate the everlasting sacred spirit of the class. It stands as a symbol of remembrance and a source of comfort for the souls of the fallen. The class was named "bulmyeol," meaning immortality, to forever honor their sacrifice in the defense of Korea.
Given the profound historical and emotional significance of the Korea Military Academy and its grounds, the proposed relocation is deeply regrettable and merits thorough reconsideration. The Korea Military Academy is more than just a training institution — it is a living monument to the ideals, sacrifices and spirit of the Republic of Korea Army.
The government is urged to spare no effort in supporting the academy’s enduring role in shaping the nation’s future military leaders.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co., and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.