Frozen Chosin Challenge

The Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial, a 501(c)(3) in Kansas City, Missouri is planning an event with Missouri State Parks which includes rigorous winter backpacking and bivouacking events within the Saint Francois Mountains of Missouri along the beautiful Ozark Trail and the Black River from 05-07 December, 2025.

The event honors all veterans by remembering those who participated in the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir which occurred during a brutal North Korean winter in 1950. This event is appropriately named “Frozen Chosin Challenge” and is kicking-off at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook, Missouri.

This is not just a physical challenge — it’s a tribute.

The “Frozen Chosin Challenge” consists of three separate events over a single weekend;

1- “Chosin Challenge” is a 40-mile, 3-day ruck, 2-night bivouac challenge.

2- “Devil Dog Challenge” is a 17-mile, 2-day ruck, 1-night bivouac challenge.

3- “Warrior Course” is a 4-mile, 4-hour all accessible course.

All proceeds go toward scholarships, veteran programs and preserving the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial. Please see link for more information.

Minimum age to participate is 15 years old, provided the individual is registered and hiking with a parent/guardian or a member of the family 18 years or older. This event is for everyone and is all about remembrance, fitness and pushing our limits.