Baengma-goji Battle: How South Korea’s Humanitarian Efforts are Reshaping Relations with China

The Battle of White Horse Mountain: A Fierce and Bloody Engagement

From October 6-15, 1952, the ROK 9th Infantry Division clashed with the Chinese 38th Army’s 3rd Division at White Horse Mountain (Hill 395) in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. The brutal fighting left over 960 South Korean troops dead and thousands of Chinese soldiers killed, their remains scattered across the battlefield.
During excavations, efforts to recover South Korean remains often unearthed more Chinese bones. As forensic experts pieced together skeletal fragments, they revealed the grim reality of war’s toll on combatants and civilians alike.

South Korean Remains Recovery Leads to Repatriation of Chinese Soldiers

Since 2021, the ROK Ministry of National Defense’s KIA Recovery and Identification unit has been conducting operations south of the DMZ at White Horse Mountain. They’ve recovered 25 sets of South Korean remains alongside numerous Chinese remains, which they plan to return to China in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.Following a 2014 agreement between Seoul and Beijing, annual repatriations occur before the Qingming Festival. As of 2025, a total of 1,011 sets of remains have been returned. The handover ceremony at Incheon International Airport is attended by high-ranking officials from both nations.

Incheon Airport Ceremony: A Symbolic Gesture

The latest handover at Incheon marks the 12th repatriation ceremony, with 30 sets of Chinese remains being returned. South Korean and Chinese diplomats were present for the solemn occasion.
While Beijing frames the event as a “heroes’ return,” Seoul views it as a humanitarian gesture, returning the remains of former adversaries. This mirrors similar efforts, such as the repatriation of 88 out of 143 sets of remains from Arrowhead Ridge.

Chinese Remains Excavation: A Stark Reminder of War’s Cost

The White Horse Mountain dig site yields a grim mix of South Korean and Chinese remains. Forensic reconstruction often reveals the human toll – fathers, sons, and brothers who never returned home. Despite their former enemy status, there’s a shared sense of tragedy for all war victims.
The MND employs DNA analysis and studies personal effects to identify remains. Chinese soldiers’ remains are scheduled for repatriation to coincide with the Qingming Festival, a poignant gesture marking 30 years of diplomatic ties between South Korea and China.

South Korea Sets International Standard for Humanitarian Efforts

The ROK’s commitment extends to repatriating U.S. and North Korean remains as well. Despite geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic, Seoul has honored its 12-year commitment. This adherence to international norms serves as a powerful symbol of peace.
While China emphasizes military-diplomatic cooperation during ceremonies, critics note Beijing’s reluctance to address its role in the Korean War. Nevertheless, the White Horse Mountain remains represent a step toward reconciliation.

Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Excavations continue south of the DMZ at White Horse Mountain. In 2025 alone, 25 sets of South Korean remains were recovered alongside Chinese remains slated for annual repatriation.
The MND pledges to continue “until the last service member is accounted for.” Over 5,000 personal effects await reunification with families, part of a broader effort to heal the wounds of war.

White Horse Mountain: Victory’s Tragic Legacy

The ROK 9th Division’s stand at White Horse Mountain is legendary in Korean War history. Yet, the mountain of remains serves as a somber reminder of the conflict’s human cost. The repatriation of Chinese soldiers’ remains symbolizes a step toward healing old wounds.
The exchange of remains at Incheon Airport sends a powerful message of peace. Honoring all victims of war, regardless of nationality, paves the way for a more stable future.