Tucked between modern office towers and bustling boulevards in central Seoul stands one of the most profound and emotionally resonant places in the city — the War Memorial of Korea.
This is not a dusty archive. It’s a sprawling, thoughtfully curated memorial space dedicated to honoring the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the resilience that defines Korea’s journey through war, division, and recovery.
If you want to understand modern Korea — not just economically or culturally, but spiritually — this is a must-visit.
How to Get to the War Memorial of Korea
Address: 서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 29 (29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul)
By subway: Take Line 4 or Line 6 to Samgakji Station. Use Exit 12 and walk straight for about 5 minutes — the museum’s stone gates and wide plaza will soon appear.
Look for any of the following buses: 110A, 110B, 421, 740. They all stop directly in front of the museum.
Tip: Have a T-Money card ready — it works for both buses and the subway, and makes city travel seamless.Visitor Information
Hours: 9:30am – 6:00pm
Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a national holiday, it closes the next day instead)
Website: https://www.warmemo.or.kr
1. The Memorial Hall
Section to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers (호국추모실)
Inside the War Memorial of Korea, The Memorial Hall stands as a solemn tribute to the countless soldiers who gave their lives in service to the nation. The centerpiece of this space is the Circular Hall of Remembrance, where soft lighting, engraved names, and a symbolic eternal flame create a powerful atmosphere of reflection.
Visitors often pause beneath the high, domed ceiling — not just to look, but to remember.
At the entrance to the Memorial Hall, there's a space that seems to be shining stars continues in the night sky. It is said that the patriots who protected our country expressed that they are protecting the Republic of Korea by becoming the stars of our country.
This symbolizes the eternity of our people by expressing the moment when the sun's rays meet the springing water in the center of the hemisphere, which means the Korean Peninsula, and new life is conceived.
2. The War History Room
Section for Korea's ancient military past from Three Kingdoms to Joseon Dynasty (전쟁역사실 1 and 2)
The War History Room offers a sweeping journey through Korea’s ancient military past, from the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon Dynasty. Detailed dioramas, reconstructed battle scenes, and rare weaponry bring to life legendary conflicts like the Goguryeo–Sui Wars and Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval victories.
It’s a room where mythology meets historical grit, reminding visitors that Korea’s spirit of defense spans millennia.
The history from the Paleolithic Age and the Neolithic Age to the Japanese colonial period before the Korean War is displayed in order in the War History Room. It's easy to understand the history of our ancestors while watching the exhibition according to the flow and development of history.
3. The Korean War Room
Section with the Korean War, from the background of the North Korean military's Invasion from North Korea to the progress of the war and the signing of the Armistice Agreement.
The Korean War Room provides an in-depth, emotionally charged narrative of the 1950–1953 conflict that divided a nation. Through immersive exhibits — including battlefield dioramas, personal letters, military uniforms, and interactive maps — visitors trace the war's brutal timeline from invasion to armistice.
One of the most moving displays is the Brothers Statue, symbolizing reconciliation between North and South, capturing the enduring impact of a war that still shapes the peninsula today.
The Korean War (1950–1953) began when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel and launched a surprise invasion of South Korea, sparking a conflict that would draw in major global powers. Backed by China and the Soviet Union, the North faced off against United Nations troops, primarily led by the United States, in a brutal struggle that devastated the peninsula.
Though the fighting ended with an armistice in 1953, no peace treaty was ever signed — leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. The legacy of the conflict remains visible today, etched into the divided landscape and collective memory of the Korean people.
As part of my Cultural Tour, guests are given the rare and powerful opportunity to meet and speak with a North Korean defector — a deeply human encounter that adds nuance and emotional depth to the story of the Korean Peninsula.
This segment of the tour is not scripted or sensational. It's a respectful conversation in a safe, supportive setting, where the defector shares personal stories of life in the North, the challenges of escape, and the realities of adjusting to a new life in the South. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, listen with empathy, and gain insight beyond headlines or documentaries.
For many, it becomes one of the most moving parts of the tour — a moment that transforms history into something personal, urgent, and unforgettable. It reminds us that behind every political border, there are individual lives, hopes, and untold stories still unfolding.
The Korean War entered a new phase with the intervention of the Chinese military, and the situation at the time when they were forced to withdraw, as well as the Battle of Yongmunsan and Dosolsan districts, which are repulsive operations in North Korea such as Pyongyang, Jangjinho, and Heungnam.
Mission statement written by the supreme commander of the North Korea order to not retreat after the Incheon Landing Operation.
4. The Expeditionary Forces Room
Section of international peacekeeping and overseas operations
The Expeditionary Forces Room highlights Korea’s role on the global stage, showcasing the nation’s military contributions to international peacekeeping and overseas operations.
From the Vietnam War to modern-day UN missions, the exhibits feature uniforms, mission briefings, personal artifacts, and multimedia displays that honor the bravery of Korean troops abroad. This room reflects Korea’s evolution from a war-torn nation to an active participant in global security and humanitarian efforts.
During the Vietnam War, South Korea deployed over 300,000 troops between 1964 and 1973, making it the largest foreign contributor to the U.S.-led effort after the United States itself.
South Korean forces were known for their discipline and effectiveness, participating in both combat and civilian support operations. The deployment strengthened South Korea's alliance with the U.S. and brought significant economic aid, which played a key role in accelerating the country’s post-war industrial development.
Final Thoughts: Why This Museum Matters
The War Memorial of Korea isn’t flashy. It doesn’t lure visitors with spectacle. Instead, it offers something far more lasting — perspective.
It tells a story of a country torn apart but not broken. It reminds us that the peace we enjoy today was paid for — dearly. And it asks us not just to observe history, but to carry it forward with humility and care. Whether you're a tourist, a history lover, or just someone trying to understand Korea more deeply, this museum is more than a stop on your itinerary.
It’s a place to remember — and to never forget.
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