Mr Park celebrated the 59th anniversary of the war's end with nine of its veterans and members of Dunedin's Korean community at a special lunch in the Korean-owned Tokyo Garden restaurant yesterday.
The ambassador said he appreciated the opportunity to meet seven Dunedin Korean War veterans, as well as New Zealand Korean Veteran Association South Island vice-president Clarrie Maskill, of Nelson, and veteran Laurie Davis, of Alexandra.
"We are very grateful for what they have done for us. They risked their lives for us and made big sacrifices for freedom and democracy in Korea.
"Thanks to them, Korea was able to develop economically and politically," he said.
Mr Park's parents were about the same age as many Korean War veterans, and he was reminded of them yesterday.
He said the veterans' spirit of comradeship was the pillar of a great friendship between New Zealand and Korea.
"This lunch is a showcase of that friendship," he said.
Mr Park thanked the Dunedin Korean Society, which organised yesterday's function, also attended by Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and National Dunedin list MP Michael Woodhouse.
About 100 Korean families lived in Dunedin and maintained a great community spirit, Mr Park said.
While in Dunedin he also delivered a lecture at the University of Otago and spoke to local professors and students.
Mr Park returned to Wellington yesterday.
It was his second visit to Dunedin since he took up his post in September last year.
