The Redemption of a Forgotten War: Korea in Australian Memory and Commemoration

ABSTRACT This article examines how the Korean War has been remembered in Australia despite its historically marginal place in the nation's military heritage. By detailing Australian memories of the Korean War across official, quasi‐official, and unofficial histories, it shows that Korea occupied only a minor position in Australia's military imaginary and commemorative practices for much of the post‐war period. More recently, however, government‐supported memorial projects, many supported by the Republic of Korea, have provided recognition for veterans and increased public awareness of Australia's role in the conflict. The Australian War Memorial and other institutions have also expanded their representations of the war, while a growing body of scholarly, popular, and digital histories has broadened public engagement. These developments have contributed to a reframing of the Korean War as a ‘good war’ for Australia, with emphasis on its demonstrated military effectiveness, its contribution to the common defence of liberal democratic values, and perhaps most importantly, the long‐term success of South Korea. Consequently, the legacy of its service in the war has become a new, valuable, but contingent source of soft power for Australia.