A Guide to The War Memorial of Korea

Here’s a visiting guide to the “The War Memorial of Korea” which is one of my favorite places to visit with my son.

The War Memorial of Korea or 전쟁기념관 is the world’s largest memorial. Located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and was established on June 10, 1994.  This is for the commemoration of the noble sacrifices of the patriotic martyrs by the War Memorial Service Korea Society. The museum exhibits and preserves the materials that signify the Korean War.

The war memorial reveals the history of the Korean war from 1950 to 1953. There are almost 33,000 artifacts which include war vessels, war vehicles, and planes used during the Korean war.

The museum which includes indoor and outdoor exhibits is for all ages. Various education programs are offered for children, youths, families, international visitors, and multicultural families.

READ: Olympic Park Travel Guide and Stamp Tour

What to see at The War Memorial of Korea

Exhibition Halls

The War Memorial of Korea has seven exhibition halls including the following:

• The Memorial Hall, The War History Room
• The Korean War Room
• The Expeditionary Forces Room
• The Armed Forces Room
• The Large Military Equipment Room
• The Korean Defense Industries Room

Each hall displays original and replica artifacts, videos, records, and dioramas which help visitors to understand and learn things about Korea during the war.

Museum Wedding Hall

Weddings, events, seminars, and other various gatherings like end-year parties can be held here. It has a huge parking lot that can accommodate 2,000 vehicles. For more details, you can check the website here.

Clock Tower of Peace

The two clocks held by the two girls signify two different times. One is the current time and the other holds a clock that has stopped at the time of the Korean War. The clock symbolizes the nation’s desire for reunification and peace.

The Statue of Brothers

This statue is the true story of two brothers from the South and North who met each other on the battlefield. It symbolizes the Korean war and the hope for reunification, national peace, and reconciliation. Located at the outdoor exhibition area of the War Memorial.

The Monument of Killed in Action

In this area, you’ll find memorial plaques bearing the names of the Korean soldiers, police officers, and UN Soldiers who fought during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. This is to honor them for sacrificing their lives for the freedom of the Korean people.

Korean War Monument

The monument was built for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. It is to raise the awareness of the postwar generations and its importance to national security and peaceful reunification. It consists of the Korean War Tower, the Statues of the Patriots, and the Stone Bowl.

The Korean War Tower symbolizes Korea’s long history of patriotic militarism and the tree of life which represents the wish of the Korean people for prosperity and peace. Statues of Patriots show 30 individuals who represent the Korean people with different social statuses who sacrificed their lives to protect their beloved country.

The Stone Bowl represents a bowl that is traditionally used to offer the cleanest well water to the home guardian goddess.

Korean War Veterans Monument

These monuments were built in commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations. It expresses the country and Korean people’s gratitude to the 21 countries that helped and participated in fighting for the freedom of South Korea.

Exhibit for PKM-class Chamsuri Warship No.357

The PKM Chamsuri 357, is the life-size replica of the actual vessel that fought off two North Korean patrol boats that crossed the Northern Limit Line of the ROK territory. This vessel symbolizes the victory of the ROK navy at the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong. The interior of the vessel contains three exhibition halls where visitors can experience a realistic re-enactment of the heat of battle.

Monument of King Gwanggaeto The Great

This monument is a life-size replica with 6.39 meters in height and 37 tons in weight.  King Gwanggaeto The Great’s monument is the largest historical statue discovered in Korea. It was built in 414 by King Jangsu, King Gwanggeato’s son at the capital of Goguryeo, Gungnaeseong. Currently, this place is located in the Chinese city of Jian in Jili Province.

Children’s Museum

This museum consists of an exhibition hall and a children’s plaza. It provides visitors and their kids to see exhibitions and participate in educational programs on the Korean history of war. It features a video room, an activity area, and an outdoor playground.

Admission is free. For more information, check the Children’s Museum website here.

Open-Air Exhibition Area

The exhibition area includes the vessel PKM Chamsuri 357, SP-10 Semi-submarine, and aircraft B-52 Bomber, Buhwal, Mig-19 Fighter, and P-51D Mustang.

LVT-3C Bushmaster is an amphibious warfare vehicle and landing craft produced for the US Armed Forces in 1944 and K-1 Tank is developed in the 1970s using Korean technology.

Also, if you are looking for some war aircraft and airplanes you can also visit Jeju Aerospace Museum.

What to do?

• Visit the Memorial Hall and the Exhibition Rooms
• Play with your kids at the Children’s Museum’s playground.
• Participate in the various educational programs offered by the museum.
• Check out the Open-Air Exhibition Area if you have an interest in warships and aircraft.
• Have a coffee at the Cafe Area with your family or friends.
• Take photos as a remembrance.

Other Information:

Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm

Admission is FREE (except for other special exhibitions)

Parking Charges:
Small Vehicles: 3,000 KRW for the first 2 hours (plus 1,000 KRW for every 30 minutes increment)
Large Vehicles: 10,000 KRW for the first 2 hours (plus 3,000 KRW for every 30 minutes increment)

*If you want to have a TOUR GUIDE, please inquire at the Information Center.

How to get here?

Address: 29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul The War Memorial of Korea 0435
Transportation: Seoul Subway Line 6/4, Samgakji Station, Exit 12, walk about 5 minutes

Recommendation

What I like about this place is the free admission to the Children’s Museum. Visiting this place will not cost you much and kids will enjoy it a lot.

The Namsan Tower is overlooking from here.

READ: Going to Korea? Must-Visit Cities in South Korea

Did you like this post? Pin it.

Xoxo, Hyejin 

P.S. Let us connect with each other! Find me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
You can also contact me by using this contact form