‘Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes’ digital tour honors British soldiers of Korean War
British journalist Andrew Salmon speaks about the Battle of the Imjin River on location in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, in a YouTube video uploaded July 19. Courtesy of British Korean War Memorial Committee
A new digital tour commemorating one of the most harrowing events of the Korean War was officially unveiled at the British Embassy in Seoul, July 25. Titled “Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes: Battle of Imjin River,” the self-guided experience invites visitors to retrace the footsteps of British soldiers who fought in the pivotal 1951 battle, using QR codes placed at key locations across the site of the battlefield.
The initiative, created by the British Korean War Memorial Committee (BKWMC) with support from the British Embassy and several Korean partners, blends history and technology to preserve the legacy of the 29th British Independent Infantry Brigade Group — most notably the Glorious Glosters, who fought to the last man in defense of Hill 235 from April 22 to 25. Of the more than 1,000 British soldiers who lost their lives during the Korean War, 141 fell during the Battle of Imjin River, making it the most brutal land battle fought by the British military since World War II.
Accessible via smartphones, the QR-code-based trail takes users through 11 stops that span approximately 15 to 20 kilometers of rugged terrain in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Through videos, maps and interactive content available on the website imjinmemorial.com, visitors can gain insight into the harrowing events, when a vastly outnumbered British force held off a major Chinese offensive to protect the South Korean capital.
Bringing the past to life through code
The website and digital infrastructure were spearheaded by Josie Daw, a British web developer who joined the project after attending a 2023 presentation by journalist Andrew Salmon. Salmon has written books on Korea, including “To the Last Round: The Epic British Stand on the Imjin River, Korea 1951.” He was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his study of the history of the U.K.’s involvement in the Korean War. He serves as the host of the videos for this project.
“After the event, I spoke with Daniel Fertig and offered to help with the first version of the website,” Daw told The Korea Times in an exclusive interview. “Since then, I rebuilt the entire site from scratch and became more involved in the committee.”
Daw’s connection to the project became even more personal when she discovered that her great-grandfather had served in the Royal Signals during the Korean War. “No one in the family really talked about it,” she said. “This project helped me connect the dots — not just personally, but also through my academic background in international history and Korean politics.”
A journey for the brave and the curious
While the tour is technically self-guided, it’s not a casual stroll. “The QR codes are spread out across 15 to 20 kilometers,” Daw explained. “I’d recommend going by car. Some spots are close to bus stops, so public transportation is doable. You could also cycle the route if you’re a seasoned rider.”
For now, the tour doesn’t include a feature for users to upload photos or testimonials, but Daw encourages visitors to leave reviews and share their photos on Google Maps, Naver, Kakao Maps and TripAdvisor. Common hashtags associated with the project include #ImjinMemorial, #BattleofImjinRiver and #KoreanWar.
Preserving memory in the digital age
The launch event in Seoul brought together veterans, diplomats, educators and reporters to highlight the tour’s role in education and remembrance. “We owe a great debt to those who fought in the Korean War,” British Ambassador to Korea Colin Crooks said during the ceremony. “This project brings their stories to a new generation using technology that’s accessible to all.”
The BKWMC emphasized that this project is just beginning. Plans are underway to expand the experience, with more immersive content and broader public engagement.
Front row from left, Josie Daw, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Andy Lamb and journalist Andrew Salmon attend a press conference for the “Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes: Battle of Imjin River" self-guided tour held at the British Embassy in central Seoul, July 25. Courtesy of British Korean War Memorial Committee
For visitors — Korean or international — who want to gain a deeper, on-the-ground understanding of the cost of freedom, “Stand in the Bootprints of Heroes” offers a powerful and intimate lens into a battle that changed the course of the Korean War, and left a legacy that still echoes in the hills of Paju.
Visit imjinmemorial.com or @KoreanWarMemorialRemembrance on YouTube for more information.
Alice Hong is a freelance writer and comedian based in Seoul. Follow her at @hippohong on Instagram.