Jeju Youth of 2,950 Return to the Battlefield 76 Years Later as 3rd and 4th Marine Corps Classes Named Korean War Heroes

[Financial News Jeju = Reporter Jeong Yong-bok] About 2,950 young people from Jeju who headed into the heart of the war 76 years ago have once again been recognized by the state as Korean War heroes. Just two months after the war broke out, students, teachers, and ordinary young men volunteered to join the Marine Corps 3rd and 4th classes and went on to fight in key battles that turned the tide, including the Battle of Incheon and the operation to retake Seoul.
Jeju Special Self-Governing Province held a ceremony for the 26th Jeju Marine Corps Day on July 30 at Halla Gymnasium in the Jeju Sports Complex, honoring the sacrifices and spirit of national defense shown by veterans of the 3rd and 4th Marine Corps classes.
The event was co-hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Republic of Korea Marine Corps Headquarters, and the Korea Marine Corps Veterans Association. It was organized by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province branch of the veterans association.
More than 1,000 people attended, including Wi Seong-gon, Governor of Jeju Province; Kwon Oh-eul, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; Song Young-houn, Speaker of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Council; Ju Il-seok, commander of the Marine Corps; and Marine Corps officials and veterans association members.
What gave this year's event added meaning was the MPVA's selection of the monthly Korean War heroes.
The MPVA named the Marine Corps 3rd and 4th classes as the August 2026 Korean War heroes of the month. On Aug. 5, 1950, just two months after the Korean War began, about 1,700 young people, teachers, and students from Jeju enlisted in the Marine Corps as the 3rd class. On Aug. 30 of the same year, about 1,250 more followed as the 4th class.

In Jeju alone, a total of about 2,950 people became Marines in a short period. At the time, Republic of Korea Marine Corps Headquarters was stationed on the island. After receiving basic training at Jeju Agricultural Middle School and the Mosulpo unit in Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo City, the volunteers headed to the front.
The 4th class also included 126 female applicants. Unmarried female teachers and women who had fled to Jeju applied, and after separate training, 75 served on active duty. They carried out duties at the Naval Control Headquarters, staff units, and the Jinhae Naval Hospital.
The 3rd and 4th Marine Corps classes left Sanjihang in Jeju on Sept. 1, 1950. After their departure, they were successively deployed to major Marine Corps battles during the Korean War, including the Battle of Incheon, the operation to retake Seoul, the Wonsan landing operation, the Battle of Dosolsan, and the Battle of the Samichon River sector.
In particular, the Battle of Incheon, which began on Sept. 15, was the operation that reversed the course of the war after UN forces had been pushed back to the Nakdong River defense line. The young Marines who departed from Jeju formed a key part of the combat units in that operation and in the subsequent recapture of Seoul.
This is also why Jeju Marine Corps Day is commemorated around Sept. 1. In 2001, Jeju Province designated Sept. 1, 1950, the day the 3rd and 4th Marine Corps classes left Sanjihang, as Jeju Marine Corps Day to honor the sacrifice of the veterans. This year marks the 26th ceremony.
Before the ceremony, participants paid tribute at the Marine Spirit Tower. The event continued with the reading of the founding statement for Jeju Marine Corps Day, the presentation of the plaque naming the monthly Korean War heroes, and commendations for those who made outstanding contributions.

Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kwon Oh-eul presented the plaque to Moon Sang-seon, chairman of the Marine Corps 3rd and 4th Class Veterans Association, on behalf of the 3rd and 4th classes.
Kwon said, "The 3rd and 4th Marine Corps classes were the main force that defended South Korea in major battles such as the Battle of Incheon and the operation to retake Seoul." He added, "The state will remember the sacrifices and dedication of these veterans to the very end."
Moon recalled the time of departure 76 years ago. "I still remember the heat of the day we left for the battlefield," he said. "I am grateful to my comrades from the 3rd and 4th classes who fought together and endured for so many years."
Marine Corps commander Ju Il-seok said the 3rd and 4th Marine Corps classes, who volunteered to enlist in Jeju, played a central role in building the history and traditions of the Marine Corps. "The sacrifice of Jeju residents who volunteered with the determination to defend the country created the South Korea and the Marine Corps we know today," he said. "We will not forget the spirit left behind by our senior Marines."
Governor Wi said, "Ordinary young people from Jeju left Sanjihang 76 years ago and headed to the battlefield to defend their country." He added, "We will properly remember and honor their courage and sacrifice." He also stressed, "Jeju will preserve the records and values of national defense so that future generations can carry on the history of the wartime generation."


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