The Tragic Legacy of Baengma-Goji: How the Korean War Shaped Modern Relations

The Battle of White Horse was a fierce engagement during the Korean War.

From October 6-15, 1952, the ROK Army’s 9th Division decisively defeated the Chinese 38th Army’s 3rd Division at White Horse Hill (Hill 395) in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.

The battle claimed over 960 South Korean troops and thousands of Chinese soldiers, leaving a grim legacy of remains scattered across the mountainside.

Ironically, excavation efforts aimed at recovering ROK soldiers’ remains often yielded more Chinese remains.

As forensic experts pieced together bone fragments, they reconstructed the image of a wounded combatant – a stark reminder that all were “victims of war.”

The recovery of ROK remains unexpectedly led to the repatriation of Chinese soldiers’ remains.

Since 2021, the South Korean Ministry of National Defense’s KIA Recovery and Identification unit (MAKRI) has been conducting operations south of the DMZ at White Horse Hill.

They’ve recovered 25 sets of ROK remains alongside numerous Chinese remains.

In line with international law and humanitarian principles, South Korea decided to return these remains to China.

Under a 2014 bilateral agreement, remains are repatriated annually before the Qingming Festival.

As of 2025, a total of

1,011 sets of remains

have been returned to China.
The South Korean Minister of Defense and the director of China’s Veterans Affairs Office attend the ceremony at Incheon International Airport. The remains transfer ceremony at Incheon Airport holds deep symbolic significance.

The most recent event marked the 12th such repatriation.

This time, 30 sets of Chinese remains, discovered during ROK recovery efforts, were returned.

South Korean Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chinese representatives were present.

While China frames this as a “heroic return,” South Korea views it as a humanitarian gesture, similar to the return of 88 out of 143 remains from Arrowhead Ridge.

The recovery of Chinese soldiers’ remains serves as a poignant reminder of war’s human toll.

Excavations at White Horse Hill yielded commingled remains of both ROK and Chinese forces.

Forensic reconstruction often revealed the remains of ordinary men – fathers and sons.

Despite being former enemies, there’s a shared empathy for all as victims of conflict.

MAKRI utilizes DNA analysis and personal effects to identify remains.

Chinese remains are repatriated in time for the Qingming Festival.

This process holds added significance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of South Korea-China diplomatic relations.

South Korea’s humanitarian approach sets a global standard.

The ROK also works to recover and repatriate U.S. and North Korean remains.

Despite geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, South Korea has honored this commitment for 12 years.

This dedication to international norms symbolizes a path toward peace.

While China emphasizes “military-diplomatic cooperation” during ceremonies, critics note the downplaying of its role as an aggressor.
The White Horse Hill remains represent a step toward reconciliation.

Recovery operations continue.

Excavations persist south of the DMZ at White Horse Hill.

In 2025 alone, 25 sets of ROK remains were recovered.
Chinese remains found during these efforts are prepared for annual repatriation.

The Ministry of National Defense pledges to recover “the last man.”

Over 5,000 personal effects are preserved as they seek to connect with families of the fallen.

This work is part of the ongoing process of healing from war.

The victory at White Horse Hill carries a complex legacy.

The ROK 9th Division’s stand at White Horse is legendary in Korean War history.
Yet, the mountain of remains underscores the immense human cost.

The solemn exchange of remains at Incheon Airport conveys a message of peace. Honoring all war dead paves the way for a better future.