If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, you may be wondering whether the War Memorial of Korea is worth adding to your itinerary.
It’s not just a museum about the Korean War. The complex includes indoor galleries, outdoor military equipment, memorials, and some of the most moving reminders of Korea’s modern history.
In this guide, I’ll explain what you can see at the War Memorial of Korea, along with the basic information you need to know before your visit.
What Is the War Memorial of Korea?
The War Memorial of Korea is a large museum and memorial complex in Yongsan, Seoul, dedicated to preserving and remembering Korea’s military history.
Although the Korean War is an important part of the museum, it is not only a museum about the Korean War.
Its exhibitions cover Korea’s military history from ancient times to the modern era, including major conflicts throughout Korean history.
The museum has six main exhibition halls, along with an outdoor exhibition area where visitors can see large military equipment such as tanks and aircraft.
There are also memorial spaces dedicated to those who lost their lives in war.For many visitors, the War Memorial of Korea offers a different way to understand Seoul.
What Can You See at the War Memorial of Korea?
The War Memorial of Korea has six main exhibition halls spread across three floors, as well as an outdoor exhibition area.
Each area covers a different part of Korea’s military history, so there is more to see than just the Korean War.
1F: Korea’s Military History
The first floor introduces Korea’s military history from ancient times to the Korean War.
You can learn about important wars and conflicts that took place throughout Korean history.
2F: The Korean War and Korea’s Modern Military History
The second floor focuses on the Korean War and the history surrounding it.
You can learn about how the war began, how it developed, and how it ended with the armistice.
3F: UN Veterans
The third floor focuses on the UN veterans who came to Korea during the Korean War.
You can learn about the countries that sent troops and support to South Korea and see how the UN forces were involved in the war.
1F: Large Military Equipment and F-86 Simulator
One of the interesting areas on the first floor is the Large Machinery Room, where you can see large military equipment such as tanks, aircraft, and other weapons.
There is also an F-86 flight simulator where visitors can experience what it is like to sit in the cockpit and fly the aircraft.
For visitors who are interested in military aircraft and weapons, this is one of the areas worth checking out.
There is also a cafe and free luggage storage on the first floor, where you can leave small suitcases and bags and enjoy the museum more comfortably.
Outdoor Exhibition: Tanks, Aircraft and More
Outside the museum, you can see more than 70 pieces of military equipment, including tanks, aircraft, artillery, and other vehicles that were actually used in war.
This is one of the most interesting areas if you want to see military equipment up close rather than only looking at objects inside a museum.
As you enter the outdoor exhibition area, the ship you see at the entrance is the Patrol Killer Medium 357, a full-scale replica of the vessel as it appeared during the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002.
The ship has been recreated in detail, including the 258 bullet marks left on the hull during the battle, as well as the red markings showing where the vessel was hit.
Opening Hours and Other Things to Know
Basic Information
| Opening Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:40 PM |
| Last Admission | 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Every Monday – If Monday is a public holiday, closed the following day. – Also closed on January 1, Lunar New Year’s Day, and Chuseok Day. |
| Admission | Free |
| Recommended Time | About 2~4 hours |
| Subway | Samgakji Station (Lines 4 and 6) |
| Subway Exit | Exit 12, about a 3 minute walk |
| Parking | Small cars: ₩4,000 for up to 2 hours ₩1,500 per additional 30 minutes |
| Children’s Museum | Reservation required |
One of the best things about the War Memorial of Korea is that admission is free,
so you can take your time exploring the museum without worrying about an entrance fee.
The Best Way to Explore the War Memorial of Korea
We decided to start at the main entrance, visit the indoor exhibitions first, and then explore the outdoor exhibition area.
We came out of Exit 12 at Samgakji Station, passed Gate 2, and walked to the main entrance.
We started at the main entrance and followed the red line to explore the indoor exhibitions first.After that, we followed the blue line to explore the outdoor exhibition area.
Finally, we followed the green line through the park, where we saw the Statue of Brothers, the Clock Tower, and other sights along the way. We then exited through Gate 2 and walked to Samgakji Station to catch the subway.
You can explore the museum in any direction you like.
There are many interesting things to see, so take your time and try not to miss them.
If you’re short on time, you can also focus on the main highlights.
How to Get There by Subway
The War Memorial of Korea is located near Samgakji Station, served by Subway Lines 4 and 6.
You can use Exit 11 or Exit 12, but Exit 12 is the closest to the main entrance.
You can also enter through Gate 2 and explore the park first before heading inside the museum.
If you want to start at the main entrance, simply pass Gate 2 and continue walking straight.
You will soon see the main entrance, marked by the 6.25 Korean War Memorial sculpture.
Visiting the War Memorial of Korea made me think about the Korean War in a different way.
At that time, many of the UN veterans who came to Korea had never even heard of Korea or knew very little about this country. They left their own homes and came to a country they did not know to help people they had never met.
Today, South Korea is a member of the United Nations and works together with countries around the world. It is hard to imagine this when looking at the Korea of the past.
Seeing the history and the stories of the people who came to help Korea made me feel grateful once again.
If you are visiting Seoul, I think the War Memorial of Korea is a place worth visiting at least once.
It is not just a museum about war. It is also a place where you can think about how much Korea has changed and how it became the country you see today.