S. Korea to build friendship hall in Colombia for war veterans

SEOUL, June 17 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense ministry said Friday it will build a veterans hall in Colombia to express gratitude for those who fought under the United Nations flag during the Korean War (1950-53). The Ministry of Defense said the building, located in Bogota, will play a crucial role in strengthening the friendship of the two countries. Colombia is the only country in Latin America that dispatched troops to fight in the three-year conflict. Of the 5,300 soldiers sent to South Korea, some 600 lost their lives or were wounded. The two Koreas technically remain at war to this day, since the Korean War ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty. The new friendship hall will cover 435 square meters, with construction to be funded by Lotte Group, a South Korean retail giant. The ministry said construction will be completed in May 2017, adding the building will also include a library and an exhibition hall, Korean language classes and offices. The roof can be used to hold parties and other open events. In 2014, a similar building was also built in Thailand, also funded by Lotte. The ministry will continue to roll out similar projects to express gratitude to the countries that offered support during the Korean War. Colombia is one of 16 nations that sent combat troops as part of the U.N. forces to help defend South Korea from the North Korean invasion. colin@yna.co.kr (END)