The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan is one of Seoul's largest museums and the best place in the city to understand the Korean War and the long military history of the peninsula. It combines a vast indoor museum with an outdoor park of tanks, aircraft and ships, and admission to the main exhibitions is free. Expect a sobering, detailed visit that needs more time than most people plan for.
What the War Memorial of Korea is
The memorial opened in 1994 on the former site of army headquarters in Yongsan. It was built both as a museum and as a place to honour those who died defending Korea, including soldiers from the many countries that sent troops under the United Nations flag during the Korean War of 1950 to 1953.
The galleries cover a broad sweep of history, from ancient kingdoms and the Joseon dynasty's wars against invaders to the Korean War and Korea's later role in international peacekeeping. The Korean War halls are the core of the visit, with films, dioramas, maps, uniforms and personal stories that make the scale of the conflict very clear.
Getting to the War Memorial of Korea by subway
The nearest station is Samgakji, where Line 4 and Line 6 meet. Follow the signs for the War Memorial; the museum grounds are a short walk of a few minutes from the station. The building is large and set back behind a wide plaza, so you will see it before you reach it.
From Myeong-dong or Seoul Station on Line 4, Samgakji is only a few stops south. If you are coming from Itaewon on Line 6, it is a short ride west, and the walk along Itaewon-ro between the two areas is also possible.
Tickets and opening hours
Admission to the permanent exhibitions and the outdoor displays is free. Some special exhibitions and the children's museum may charge a fee or need a reservation. The museum is generally closed on Mondays, and it closes on some public holidays. Check the official War Memorial of Korea website for current opening hours, closures and any temporary exhibitions before you go.
Guided tours in English have been offered at set times, and audio guides are available; ask at the information desk inside the main entrance for the current options.
Best time to visit and how long to stay
Weekday mornings are the quietest. School groups and families arrive later in the day, and weekends are busier. Allow at least two to three hours: one for the Korean War galleries alone, another for the rest of the museum and time outside with the vehicles. History enthusiasts can easily spend half a day.
The outdoor area is exposed, so in summer see it early or late, and in winter dress warmly.
Highlights at the War Memorial of Korea
The Korean War Room
Spread over more than one floor, these galleries follow the war from the invasion of June 1950 through the Incheon landing, the arrival of Chinese forces and the long stalemate that ended with the armistice. Personal letters, photographs and equipment keep the story human.
The Memorial Hall and corridors of names
Long corridors along the sides of the building list the names of Korean soldiers and United Nations troops who died in the war, arranged by country. Many visitors find this the most moving part of the site.
Outdoor exhibition
The grounds hold dozens of large pieces of military equipment, including tanks, artillery, fighter jets, a B-52 bomber and a naval vessel. Some can be looked into, and they are popular with children.
The Statue of Brothers
At the edge of the grounds, this large sculpture shows two brothers, one a South Korean officer and one a North Korean soldier, embracing on the battlefield. It is a symbol of the hope for reunification.
Practical tips
- Lockers and cafes are available on site.
- Some content, including film footage, is graphic and may not suit young children.
- Photography is generally allowed in the galleries; follow any signs that say otherwise.
- Combine the visit with a meal in Itaewon or Yongsan afterwards.
Nearby on the same stop
Samgakji is a quiet station by Seoul standards, but it is well placed. Itaewon, with its international restaurants and bars, is a short subway ride or a longer walk east. The National Museum of Korea, a huge free museum of Korean art and archaeology, is near Ichon Station, a short trip away and an easy pairing for a full museum day. Yongsan Park, being developed on the former US military base nearby, has opened in stages.
For more ideas close to this stop, see the War Memorial of Korea page on Around the Metro, or browse the whole network on the Seoul subway map.