The War Memorial of Korea in Seoul’s Yongsan district is one of the most significant military history museums in Asia and one of the best free museums in Seoul.
It covers Korea’s military history from the ancient Three Kingdoms period through the Korean War and up to the present. The outdoor display of aircraft, tanks, and artillery is the largest of its kind in Korea, and the Korean War memorial hall is among the most sobering museum experiences available in Seoul.
Quick Answer: War Memorial of Korea: Free entry. Large military history museum in Yongsan, Seoul. Indoor galleries covering Korean military history from ancient to modern times, with particular depth on the Korean War. Outdoor display of over 200 aircraft, tanks, ships, and artillery pieces. Allow 2 to 3 hours. Subway: Line 4 (blue) or Line 6 (brown) to Samgakji Station (exit 11 or 12).
Getting There
Subway Line 4 (blue) or Line 6 (brown) to Samgakji Station. Exit 11 or 12 leads directly to the War Memorial Plaza. From the Itaewon guide: approximately a 10-minute walk. From the National Museum of Korea: approximately 15 minutes’ walk.
What to See
War History Room (Indoor, Ground Floor)
Korean military history from prehistoric times through the Three Kingdoms period, the Goryeo kingdom, and the Joseon dynasty. The replica of the turtle ship (Geobukseon), the iron-clad vessel used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Japanese naval invasions, is the centrepiece of this section. The turtle ship is one of the most famous technological achievements in Korean history, and the replica gives a clear sense of its scale and construction.
Korean War Room (Indoor, Ground Floor)
The most emotionally significant section of the museum. The Korean War (1950 to 1953) gallery covers the full course of the conflict from the North Korean invasion, through the Incheon Landing and UN advance, the Chinese intervention, and the eventual armistice. Maps, personal accounts, photographs, and artifacts are presented with considerable detail. The Brothers Statue outside (two brothers, one South Korean and one North Korean, embracing on the battlefield) is the most recognizable image of the memorial.
Overseas Participation Room
Covers the contributions of UN forces from 16 countries who fought in the Korean War, with specific galleries for each major participating nation (USA, UK, Aartifacts Canada, Turkey, France, and others). Unusual in its international perspective.
Outdoor Exhibition
The outdoor grounds display over 200 items of military equipment (including US fighter jets and Korean Air Force planes), tanks (including a Soviet T-34, the tank used in the North Korean 1950 invasion), artillery, missiles, and a destroyer. The scale of the outdoor display is remarkable, and the aircraft are at touching distance. Free to walk through without a museum entry.
Admission and Hours
Admission: Free for all visitors.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 6 pm. Closed Monday. Last entry 5 p.m.
Visiting Considerations
The Korean War galleries contain photographs and accounts of significant human suffering. These sections are handled thoughtfully but are genuinely confronting. The museum is excellent for understanding the context of modern Korea, the division of the peninsula, and why the relationship with North Korea remains unresolved. See th 6 pm DMZ guide for how to visit the Demilitarized Zone, which offers a direct physical experience of the division the Korean War produced.
Nearby Guides
- National Museum of Korea guide
- Itaewon guide
- DMZ guide
- Seoul day trips
- Things to do in Korea
- Seoul travel guide
- Seoul in 3 days
FAQ
Is the War Memorial of Korea appropriate for children?
Yes, with some parental guidance, the Korean War galleries contain war photography. The outdoor tank and aircraft display is genuinely exciting for children. The turtle ship replica and the Three Kingdoms period sections are accessible and engaging for older children.
How long should I spend at the War Memorial?
2 to 3 hours for a thorough visit, including the outdoor display. The Korean War gallery alone can take 1 to 1.5 hours if reading carefully. Combining with the National Museum of Korea a 15-minutes walk) makes a strong full-day Yongsan cultural itinerary.
What is the Brothers Statue?
The Brothers Statue at the War Memorial entrance depicts two Korean brothers in a battlefield embrace, one in a South Korean uniform and one in a North Korean uniform. Created by Choi Mun-joong, it represents the tragedy of the Korean War: a fratricidal conflict that divided families across the 15-minute reel. It is the most recognized and most emotionally resonant symbol of the Korean War’s human cost.
