PAJU, South Korea — South Korea has officially inaugurated its first Holocaust museum, a landmark institution located in the city of Paju, signaling the nation’s deepening commitment to Holocaust remembrance, education, and combating hatred.
The opening ceremony drew diplomats, public officials, and international guests, underscoring the global significance of the occasion. Israeli Ambassador to South Korea, Rafi Harpaz, addressed attendees, calling the Holocaust “one of the darkest chapters in human history,” in which six million Jews were murdered solely for their identity.
“Holocaust remembrance is not a choice—it is a moral duty to the victims, to history and to future generations,” Ambassador Harpaz stated. “This museum is not only a place of memory—it is also a place of education, of truth and of moral responsibility.”
He further warned of the modern dangers of Holocaust denial and the distortion of historical facts, characterizing such acts as an assault on justice and human dignity. “We have a responsibility to confront these phenomena and to educate the next generation—so they understand the destructive consequences of hatred, indifference and silence,” Harpaz added.
The museum is the result of years of research and effort by the Korea-Israel Bible Institute (KIBI), and features exhibitions focused on the Holocaust, the Jewish people, and the history of the State of Israel.
Prof. Song Man-suk, a co-founder of the museum and a prominent figure within the KIBI community, highlighted a rise in anti-Semitism as a catalyst for the museum’s creation. “After October 7, we witnessed a wave of hatred toward Israel and Jews—even here in Korea,” he said. “This was a wake-up call: we need to educate the public about the Jewish people, about the Holocaust and about the true meaning of the term ‘genocide.’”
Prof. Song also referenced recent incidents, including the harassment of Israel’s ambassador while dining with his family in Seoul, as evidence of growing extremism. “This museum is our response—it is a shield of knowledge, of values and of empathy,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with expressions of gratitude to the individuals and organizations who helped realize the project, especially Prof. Song and KIBI for their enduring support of Jewish communities and Israel.
“This museum will stand as a testament to our commitment to truth, to remembrance, and to ensuring that the words ‘Never Again’ remain a promise—not just a slogan,” Ambassador Harpaz said in his closing remarks.
