Muan, South Korea – A solemn joint memorial service was held on January 18 at Muan International Airport to honor the 179 victims of the tragic Jeju Air plane crash. The service took place eleven days after all victims were laid to rest.
Originally planned to be held near the crash site, the memorial was moved indoors due to expected harsh winter weather conditions, including strong winds and freezing temperatures. Over 1,000 people, including approximately 700 bereaved family members and 300 dignitaries, attended the ceremony.
The service was jointly organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, South Jeolla Province, and Muan County.
The bereaved families had previously visited the crash site on New Year's Day, the fourth day after the accident, to pay their respects and offer condolences to the victims.
The recovery of personal belongings from the crash site is ongoing. As of the previous day, 1,219 items had been recovered, with the owners of 394 items identified. Of these, 345 items have been returned to their rightful owners. The remaining unidentified items will be returned to their families after verification by January 10.
Meanwhile, a memorial space is being planned near the crash site. South Jeolla Province is set to invest 46 billion won to build a 70,000 square meter memorial complex, which will include a memorial tower, a memorial hall, a visitor center, and a healing garden for the bereaved families.
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