July 1, 2025

The exhibition highlights the role of the House of Representatives in the Korean War and its impact on Dutch soldiers.

Chairman of the House Martin Bosma opened the exhibition The House of Representatives and the Forgotten War in Korea on Tuesday, July 1. This exhibition focuses on the parliamentary debate of June 30, 1950, in which the House agreed to Dutch participation in the UN force to defend South Korea.  

This year marks 75 years since the House of Representatives first decided to send Dutch soldiers on an international peace mission. Between 1950 and 1954, 4,748 Dutch soldiers were deployed to the United Nations military mission in the Korean War. 122 of them lost their lives, 645 were injured, and three are missing. It was the largest peace mission in which the Netherlands participated.

Article 100

Sending soldiers to a war zone is the heaviest decision the House can make, said Bosma at the opening of the exhibition, which was also attended by the South Korean ambassador and several veterans. Today, the House has agreed on a fixed method of decision-making regarding such contributions with the government, the so-called Article 100 procedure. It is enshrined in Article 100 of the Constitution.

Parliamentary Debate

The House of Representatives voted on June 30, 1950. The exhibition reflects on this parliamentary debate, the experiences of Dutch soldiers in Korea, and how the House currently decides to send soldiers abroad. 

Open to the Public

The exhibition is open to the public. The building of the House of Representatives is open every weekday. More information about visiting hours and rules can be found on this website. 

Caption: official farewell of the Dutch Detachment United Nations. At the Binnenhof, the men were addressed by Prime Minister Drees. Source: National Archive/Collection Spaarnestad/ANP