This paper aims to investigate the characteristics of the policies of “patriots and veterans affairs” in contemporary Korea with a particular attention to the national cemeteries. It examines the significance of the origin of the cemetery and the development in present-day Korean society. “Patriots and veterans affairs” is a very concrete administrative policy in Korea. In this policy, the national cemeteries are defined as welfare facilities. The number of the people who are to be buried still keeps increasing as the veterans who pass away after war can be interred. Because of this reason, the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs is now promoting the construction of national cemeteries in all districts of Korea. “Sancheong National Cemetery” in Gyeongsang nam-do is one of them. Nevertheless, public opinion has been severely divided between the supporters and the opponents of the construction since 2005, when the establishment of the cemetery was scheduled. By answering the question of why the national cemeteries have brought such conflict, when they were supposed to contribute to national well-being and integration, this paper will reveal the problems of Korean nationalism which are operating behind the scenes.