Located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the War Memorial of Korea exhibits and preserve materials related to the Korean War and serves as a national moral educational venue. It was established to commemorate the noble sacrifice of patriotic martyrs by the War Memorial Service Korea Society on June 10, 1994. The museum houses approximately 33,000 artifacts with about 10,000 on display at indoor and outside exhibition halls. There are six separate indoor halls, including Expeditionary Forces Room, Patriotic Memorial Room, War History Room, 6·25 Korean War Room, Development Hall and Large Machinery Room. The outdoor exhibition hall showcases large-sized weapons. Visitors of all ages from children to adults can also participate in 20 various educational programs and diverse cultural events such as military music and honor guard events, drawing contest, cultural event and others. The character of War Memorial of Korea is ‘Mudori’ featuring a helmet symbolizing the protection of the nation and a bay leaf meaning peace.
Exhibition Hall Information
* Memorial Hall
This an exhibition hall dedicated to the memory of patriots involved in past war efforts. The place presents sculptures, reliefs, and wall paintings under the theme of overcoming hardship, and working towards the unity, prosperity and eternity of the nation.
* War History
The place features a war history from prehistoric era to the Japanese colonial period. Military remains, relics, and documents are on display as well. Among them are war & victory records, ammunition, the Turtle Ship (and other military vessels from the Joseon Dynasty), fortress models, and more.
* Korean War
Here, visitors can learn about the background of the Korean War, the progression of the war and how a truce was eventually established. Exhibits also display ammunition used by hostile and friendly forces, information and artifacts from people displaced by the war, and information on major battles.
* Expeditionary Forces
Information in this exhibit describes the Vietnam War and the implication of Korean dispatch to Vietnam. Other information explains the activities Korean troops were mainly engaged in during the Vietnam War, the tactics of the Viet Cong, The Gulf War, PKO dispatch to Somalia, and more.
* ROK Armed Forces
The place presents documents on the Korean Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps from the time of their inception till today.
* Defense Industry
Replicas of state-of-the-art weapons that are produced by domestic companies are on display. Items include fighters, submarines, destroyers, and communication apparatuses.
* Large Military Equipment
Around 110 pieces of large military equipment/symbols are on display. They include Korean War sculptures, the Statue of Brethren, the Statue of King Gwanggaeto, AH-2, T-34 of the North, US B-52 and others.
* Others
Screening Room, Cultural Theater etc.
Popular nearby, compatible sites for a private tour in Seoul:
Itaewon Street
National Museum of Korea
Dragon Hill Spa
N Seoul Tower
Address
29, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 29 (용산동1가)
Operating Hours
09:00-18:00 (* Last admission is one hour before closing.)
Culture Day (last Wednesday of each month): 09:00-20:00
Closed
Every Monday
(* If Monday is a holiday, it will be closed on the following day instead.)
Admission / Participation Fees
Free (Admission fee is separate for special exhibition)
