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War Memorial of Korea

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War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)

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The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul is the world's largest memorial of its kind, dedicated to documenting the nation's military history with a specific focus on the Korean War (1950-1953). Opened in 1994 on the former site of the army headquarters in Yongsan, the complex covers an area of approximately 20,000 square meters. The museum features six indoor exhibition halls that transition from prehistoric conflicts to modern-day peacekeeping missions, displaying more than 33,000 artifacts. Particularly striking is the outdoor exhibition area, which houses over 100 pieces of heavy military equipment, including tanks, aircraft, and missiles from various eras. The memorial serves not only as a historical archive but also as a tribute to the more than 13,000 fallen soldiers whose names are inscribed on memorial plaques lining its expansive corridors. Through interactive displays and poignant installations, the museum conveys the devastating impact of war and the enduring hope for a peaceful reunification of the peninsula. It provides visitors with a profound understanding of Korean national identity and the immense sacrifices made throughout its turbulent past.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

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Rain mm2031377284116361260138534722

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The War Memorial of Korea is a large museum with indoor and outdoor areas, open year-round. It features extensive exhibits on Korean military history and outdoor war monuments.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are typically 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, closed on Mondays. Last entry is one hour before closing - may differ on holidays.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most areas, but without flash inside exhibitions. Outside, the large war monuments and statue ensemble are very photogenic.
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Time needed
A visit typically takes two to three hours to see all exhibits. Those deeply engaged with the content may plan half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with nearby Yongsan Family Park or the National Museum of Korea. Itaewon Street with its restaurants is also not far.
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Getting there
The memorial is easily accessible by subway (Line 4 or 6, Samgakji Station). There is also ample parking for visitors by car.
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Insider tip
Entry is free on certain days, for example on Korean Veterans Day. Plan at least three hours if you also want to explore the outdoor grounds.

Geography

Coordinates
37.53660, 126.97750

Facts

  • The memorial was officially opened on June 10, 1994, on former army grounds.
  • It houses a vast collection of over 33,000 artifacts across six exhibition halls.
  • The names of more than 13,000 fallen soldiers are inscribed on the walls.
  • The outdoor park features over 100 historical aircraft, tanks, and missiles.
  • The total exhibition space of the museum is approximately 20,000 square meters.
  • The Statue of Brothers symbolizes the tragic division of the Korean people.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

N Seoul TowerN Seoul Tower2 km · NWExplore →
Gwanghwamun GateGwanghwamun Gate3 km · WExplore →
Jongmyo ShrineJongmyo Shrine3 km · NWExplore →
Seodaemun PrisonSeodaemun Prison3 km · SWExplore →
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)4 km · NWExplore →
Seoul ForestSeoul Forest7 km · NExplore →
Bukhansan National ParkBukhansan National Park8 km · WExplore →
Han RiverHan River9 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town War Memorial of Korea (13)

National Museum of Korea🏛 museum

Korea's largest museum in Yongsan, housing national treasures spanning over 5,000 years of history.

🕒 We,Sa 10:00-21:00; Su-Tu,Th-Fr 10:00-18:00🆓

Kim Koo Museum & Library🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the life of Kim Koo, a prominent leader of the Korean resistance against Japan.

🕒 Tu-Su 10:00-18:00🆓

The War Memorial of Korea🏛 museum

An impressive military museum with an outdoor park exhibiting tanks, planes, and warships.

🕒 Tu-Su 09:00-18:00

Nodeulseom Island🎭 culture

An artificial island in the Han River serving as an ecological cultural space with stages and art studios.

Mapo bridge📍 landmark

A major bridge over the Han River, known for its wide views of the Seoul skyline.

Seoul National Cemetery📍 landmark

A national cemetery for veterans and presidents, famous for its scenic beauty during cherry blossom season.

Dongjak Bridge📍 landmark

This Han River bridge is known for its blue arches and the observation cafes located at the road level.

Nakseongdae Park🌳 park

This park honors the birthplace of General Gang Gam-chan, a famous military leader of the Goryeo dynasty.

Banpo Hangang Park🌳 park

An extensive riverside park along the Han River popular for picnic spots and views of the rainbow fountain.

Yongsan Family Park🌳 park

A peaceful city park with lakes and trails on grounds that formerly served as a U.S. military base.

The Statue of Brothers🏺 historical

This monument at the War Memorial of Korea depicts two soldier brothers embracing, symbolizing the division of the country.

Seonbawi Art Museum🎭 culture

An art center located at the foot of Mount Umyeonsan, showcasing contemporary works in a natural setting.

Umyeonsan🌿 nature

A forested mountain in southern Seoul known for its hiking trails and panoramic views of the Gangnam district.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the War Memorial?
Admission to the main exhibition is free, though fees may apply for special temporary exhibits.
What can you see in the outdoor area?
Over 100 large military pieces, including tanks, aircraft, and missiles, are displayed there.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, there is a dedicated Children's Museum that explains history through interactive play.
How do you get to the memorial?
Located in Yongsan-gu, it is easily accessible via Samgakji Subway Station (Line 4 or 6).
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Photography without flash is allowed in most areas, except where specifically prohibited.
War Memorial of Korea: where is it located?
War Memorial of Korea is located in South Korea.
War Memorial of Korea: what is there to see?
Highlights include National Museum of Korea, Kim Koo Museum & Library, The War Memorial of Korea.
War Memorial of Korea: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
War Memorial of Korea: why is it worth visiting?
The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul is the world's largest memorial of its kind, dedicated to documenting the nation's military history with a specific focus on the Korean War (1950-1953).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
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History & landmarks

Gyeongbokgung Palace — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace, located in Seoul, was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and is an iconic symbol of Korean history and arc…
Bukchon Hanok Village — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Bukchon Hanok Village
A traditional Korean village in the heart of Seoul, preserving hundreds of traditional houses called hanoks.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
A major urban development landmark in Seoul with a distinctive neofuturistic design, designed by Zaha Hadid.
Lotte World Tower — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Lotte World Tower
A 123-floor skyscraper located in Seoul.

More places

N Seoul Tower — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
N Seoul Tower
The N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain, offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Gwanghwamun Gate — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Gwanghwamun Gate
The main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul.
Jongmyo Shrine — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Jongmyo Shrine
The supreme Confucian shrine dedicated to the memorial tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty.
Changdeokgung Palace — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Changdeokgung Palace
One of the Five Grand Palaces, noted for its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape.
Seodaemun Prison — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Seodaemun Prison
A former prison built during the Japanese colonial period.
Seoul Forest — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Seoul Forest
A large park in Seoul consisting of five distinct theme parks.
Bukhansan National Park — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Bukhansan National Park
A popular national park on the border of Seoul, known for its granite peaks and numerous hiking trails.
Bukhansan National Park — War Memorial of Korea (South Korea)
Bukhansan National Park
A national park located in the Seoul metropolitan area, known for its granite peaks and stunning city views.