The War Memorial of Korea

Established in 1994 on the former headquarters site of the Republic of Korea Army in Yongsan, the War Memorial of Korea serves as a profound national institution dedicated to commemorating the sacrifices of patriots and imparting peace lessons from past conflicts, particularly the Korean War (1950-1953).

The grand neoclassical main hall is flanked by sweeping semicircular colonnades inscribed with the names of over 200,000 fallen soldiers. Outside, a vast 30,000-square-meter plaza displays life-size B-52 bombers, T-34 tanks, naval patrol crafts, and the iconic 'Statue of Brothers' depicting two soldier brothers meeting on the battlefield.

In spring, rows of cherry blossoms line the perimeter reflecting ponds. Summer breezes rustle through the peace plaza flags, while autumn covers the memorial grounds in golden ginkgo foliage, lending a solemn, contemplative atmosphere to the vast memorial grounds.

Indoor exhibitions are open Tuesday through Sunday from 09:30 to 18:00 (last admission 17:00), closed Mondays. Outdoor artifact grounds remain open from 08:00 until dusk daily. Visiting on weekday mornings offers an uncrowded, peaceful environment.

Admission to the permanent exhibition halls, memorial monuments, and outdoor equipment park is completely free of charge. Occasional special international cultural exhibitions in the annex building may charge separate admission fees ranging from 10,000 to 20,000 KRW.

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 or Line 6 to Samgakji Station and take Exit 12, leading directly to the west gate within a 3-minute walk. Subway Line 1 Namyeong Station is also reachable within an 8-minute flat walk.

The entire facility is impeccably barrier-free, offering wide paved outdoor ramps, wheelchair-accessible automated entry doors, elevators between all three exhibition floors, and tactile guide blocks for visually impaired visitors. Complimentary wheelchairs and strollers are available at the information desk.

Begin at the Peace Plaza Statue of Brothers → enter through the Memorial Hall of Fallen Heroes → tour the Korean War Room (1, 2, and 3) → examine the UN Allied Forces contribution gallery → finish with the vast Outdoor Exhibition Park climbing inside military transport aircraft.

The adjacent Samgakji neighborhood is famous for Daegu Tang (spicy codfish stew alley) with refreshing broth, and charcoal-grilled beef brisket at 60-year-old Pyeongyangjib. Trendy cafe boulevard Yongridan-gil is just across the street.

Yongridan-gil boasts Mediterranean vegetarian bistros, artisanal sourdough bakeries, and fresh salads. The Itaewon international district, located just two subway stops east, offers dozens of certified Halal dining options.

Capture symmetrical perspective shots down the grand colonnade with water reflecting pools, dramatic close-ups beneath the wings of the B-52 bomber, and emotive portraiture in front of the soaring bronze Statue of Brothers.

As a solemn memorial dedicated to fallen soldiers, quiet and dignified behavior is expected. Running, loud shouting, skateboarding, and picnicking on ceremonial monuments are strictly prohibited.

The museum features nursing rooms, first aid stations staffed by medical personnel on the first floor, and comprehensive CCTV monitoring. For multilingual tourism inquiries, contact 1330.

The National Museum of Korea and Yongsan Family Park lie 5 minutes south by subway, while the lively multicultural corridors of Itaewon and N Seoul Tower rise just to the east.

Q: Are guided tours available in English? A: Yes, free docent-guided English tours depart daily from the information desk at 10:00 and 14:00. Audio guide headsets in English, Japanese, and Chinese can also be rented for a nominal fee.

Morning visit to the War Memorial of Korea → seafood lunch at Samgakji Codfish Stew Alley → afternoon exploration of the National Museum of Korea → sunset panoramic city views from N Seoul Tower.