The War Memorial of Korea
The War Memorial of Korea
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Poignant exhibits, war memorabilia, art works, and military equipment make this a perfect place to learn about Korea’s history of war, most notably with North Korea. Kids will enjoy the display of actual tanks and airplanes.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Namyeong-dong
How to get there
- Samgakji • 4 min walk
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3,353 within 3 miles
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854 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- 197gabesSingapore, Singapore160 contributionsGreat place for history buffInteresting place to visit especially for history or weapon buff. There is plenty to see, explore and do for both kids and adults. The entire compound is huge with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. It’s especially impressive to see such a huge collection of historic war machines all together. The exhibition halls cover all the major conflicts on Korea’s soil from its early history to modern day armistice with N Korea. There is a whole hall dedicated to the Korean War. It’s interesting to see how the museum is able to bring history to life by re-enactment and dioramas. The only reason this place is not getting a full 5 stars rating is that it’s too one sided, with too much focus on the men that fought in the conflicts. There isn’t much coverage on the common people and how their lives are turn upside down by all these fightings. Nevertheless, still a good place to send a couple of hours and learn some Korean history. There is even a great cafe on site which you can grab a drink or bite and rest your feet. Go on a weekday if you want practically the whole place to yourself. Which is sad as this is a great place overlooked by most tourists. It truly gives a good perspective why Korean are what they are. Getting to the place is easy, as there are plenty of bus services and a subway stop near the entrance.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 18, 2023
- RoyalSilkEdgware, United Kingdom447 contributionsExcellent Museum Which Tells The Story Of Koreans At WarThis is an excellent museum which tells the story of a country at war over the ages with the slogan "to ensure peace, prepare for war". There are exhibitions on the Korean War (of course) but the most chilling aspect is the section on the threat from North Korea, with exhibit dates as recently as 2021. Expect to speand at least a couple of hours here. The sculpture at the front of the museum is also very evocative.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 22, 2023
- Alexandra C11 contributionsWorth SeeingBeautiful museum with a lot to see. Take the time to go through the different levels and time periods to learn all about the history prior to the Korean War and the war itself. It was really interesting.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 23, 2023
- fire-tower3,185 contributionsThe exhibits interesting and informativeWe last visited the War Memorial of Korea 5 years ago, and still find it interesting to visit this place. We found the exhibits interesting and informative, and everything ties in together with what we experienced in Busan a few days earlier when we visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. If you have time, do take a look at the tanks, artillery guns, aircrafts, etc next to the main building. Lockers are provided free of charge so we stored our winter coats and backpacks in the lockers and explored the various galleries more comfortably.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 26, 2024
- Peter S2 contributionsGlad we didn't skip thisExcellent museum, with huge indoor and outdoor spaces. Most information in English, I learned a lot about Korean history. And it's free. Only downside is it closes quite early (6pm) - it was such a pleasant evening we could have enjoyed staying a little later.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 25, 2024
- WayneGold Coast, Australia28 contributionsImpressiveWOW. A truly impressive collection of military weapons and memorabilia. I spent a good half of the day wandering around this museum and learning about Korean history. This museum spans back from early history to recent. The collection of tanks and aircraft was as good as I have seen. It also gives true respect to the countries that came to fight alongside it in the Korean conflict. The museum carries through to today in the Korean military commitments. I left feeling very respectful for the South Korean struggle through the history of time.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 2, 2024
- Jeff KPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,352 contributionsOutstanding MuseumI knew a fair amount about the Korean War going in but know a lot more now. A lot of information and very well presented. We spent about 2 hours here and needed another hour or so. This is a Must See attraction in Seoul. Much more important than the Disney-esque palaces.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 2, 2024
- CZ-MilkaCzech Republic25 contributionsGreat MuseumA great museum that takes you through the Korean military and wars. Several floors, lots of exhibits, including outdoor ones. Lots of labels in English. Free admission. Set aside at least half a day!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2024
- KUMDORIDaejeon, South Korea1 contributionI recommend 'The War Memorial of Korea'Do you know about the forgotten war? which is another name for the Korean War. 74 years ago, South Korea invaded by North Korea, So South Korea is in a big crisis. The War Memorial of Korea was built not to forget the forgotten war. If you watch the 6.25 War Room, You can see how much sacrifice and help there was at the time. And you'll know Freedom is not free. If you find more Something to enjoy, Go to the outdoor exhibition space. There are all kinds of military equipment, including tanks, planes, and patrol boat. My recommendation is the B-52 bomber, which is only on display in two countries other than the United States. I hope you have a good time in The War Memorial of Korea.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten April 12, 2024
- NICHOLAS TDubai, United Arab Emirates10,441 contributionsSuperb museumThis is a very well stocked and poignant museum recording conflict on the Korean peninsula down the geared, with a focus on the Korean War of the 1950s. There is an impressive collection of military hardware, including planes, tanks and helicopters as well as a multitude of displays charting the history of the war and its participants. There are also a number of short films about the war. The footprint is huge and you need a couple of hours to do it justice.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 12, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Tricky
Stockholm, Sweden271 contributions
Aug 2019
I've had the good fortune of being able to visit the war museums in both North Korea and South Korea. What is most striking is how similar the museums in Pyongyang and Seoul are.
In front of both are aggressive statues of military men. Both have an outdoor exhibit of military machinery, like vehicles and airplanes. But whereas the museum in Pyongyang proudly displays the USS Pueblo, the museum in Seoul displays happy children's mascots (in uniform, of course) and a playground, which is weird to say the least in a war museum. Both museums love a good panorama exhibit.
And finally, both rely very heavily on propaganda. For example, the two different sides are called "Attackers at dawn" and "Defenders of freedom". And while the museum happily described the atrocities carried out by the North, it does not mention with a single peep the atrocities carried out by the South. The exact opposite can be said about the museum in Pyongyang, of course.
If you are looking for any kind of truth about the war, you would have to look elsewhere. But if you're interested in how a country wants to present their image about a war, both museums are very interesting indeed.
In front of both are aggressive statues of military men. Both have an outdoor exhibit of military machinery, like vehicles and airplanes. But whereas the museum in Pyongyang proudly displays the USS Pueblo, the museum in Seoul displays happy children's mascots (in uniform, of course) and a playground, which is weird to say the least in a war museum. Both museums love a good panorama exhibit.
And finally, both rely very heavily on propaganda. For example, the two different sides are called "Attackers at dawn" and "Defenders of freedom". And while the museum happily described the atrocities carried out by the North, it does not mention with a single peep the atrocities carried out by the South. The exact opposite can be said about the museum in Pyongyang, of course.
If you are looking for any kind of truth about the war, you would have to look elsewhere. But if you're interested in how a country wants to present their image about a war, both museums are very interesting indeed.
Written July 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred
Coburg, Australia26 contributions
Jan 2020
A great place for learning a lot about Korean history. Much of which I wonder why we never were taught in school (in Sweden). It is also a beautiful place to reflect and pay ones respect to the people who fought and shaped the world we live in today.
The museum have chronological exhibits that are easy to navigate and understand. It displays exhibits from Korea's early days up to modern day.
We found that the three hours we had set aside was not enough so we came back a second time.
The museum have chronological exhibits that are easy to navigate and understand. It displays exhibits from Korea's early days up to modern day.
We found that the three hours we had set aside was not enough so we came back a second time.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marga B
Pasig117 contributions
Jan 2020
I planned to go here mainly for my boys (Ages 9 and 6) because they wanted to see tanks and planes but I surprisingly learned a lot. The guide we had, Mr. Kim was very knowledgeable and it was so interesting to see how grateful he was to the US and their help. He says if it wasn't for the US and their help, they would be a communist country under North Korea. It was interesting to hear the history from someone who actually experienced it. Definitely a must see!
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
3musketeersfrommla
Manila, Philippines41 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a must visit! Make sure to check the video presentations on the upper floors (we noticed some people missed this as these were in booths at the side) - you will see and hear there of the experiences of some of the veterans - very touching and there are learnings on the personal level. Also very informative to learn of how the other countries helped in the Korean War. Having my own country represented there, I felt what the museum management did was so respectful - they had the other countries' flags and contributions exhibited at the front of the memorial and throughout the museum.
Check the opening days and hours before going. I believe this is closed on Mondays. We were among the many disappointed visitors who braved the rains and long walk only to find out it was closed on Monday. It's free of charge with free lockers at the entrance.
Check the opening days and hours before going. I believe this is closed on Mondays. We were among the many disappointed visitors who braved the rains and long walk only to find out it was closed on Monday. It's free of charge with free lockers at the entrance.
Written July 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,321 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I did and didn't enjoy this. The museum is big and if you want to see everything, you should allow a few hours. Free to enter. Given all the information and history, I am quite surprised they don't charge. I just found information was not that easy to understand or well laid out. I got more confused, although at the sane time I did learn a lot of things. I just think it could be laid out better. Some parts were in Korean only. I went as soon as it opened. There were already quite a few school children but as the museum was so big and spacious, it was still peaceful to browse. Clean. What was nice to watch was just outside the main entrance, young army recruits were practising and performing. This was interesting to see. I would say if your very into history and learning, then come. I normally am but for some reason struggled to grasp much here. I spent just over an hour and a half there for a basic overview.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand4,443 contributions
Jul 2019
The War Museum of Korea provides amazing detail and insights in the 3-year Korean conflict. Extensive, high-quality exhibits and stories of affected people. A highlight for me was the incredible array of planes, tanks and artillery pieces on display outside the museum building. The museum is free and well worth a visit.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kpiddy
Brisbane, Australia13,993 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
From a rainy morning to a glorious sunny afternoon we made the snap decision to visit the War Memorial of Korea, arriving at 3pm was too late to explore this huge facility. Over an hour was pent outside walking the extensive open air exhibition area of military equipment, vehicles and ships, it was privilege to be able to board a ship and view the interiors of many of the vehicles. With only one hour till closing we made our way inside the main building, a visit to the Memorial Hall is a must, a poignant and stunning monument, from there the exhibit rooms were full of interesting facts and displays, it was a joy to walk around. After closing we spent awhile walking around the foreground of the building, Peace Plaza. A return visit is a must for us.
Written August 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
달록
24 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
It is a perfect summer travel destination in Seoul.
It's great for children to study war history and take pictures.
You can enjoy a cool and comfortable viewing experience in the spacious indoor space, and admission is free.
The time required is more than 2 to 3 hours, and additional facilities include a meal for 9,500 won, a coffee shop, and a simple dessert cafe.
Above all, you can develop insight into the present through history.
It's great for children to study war history and take pictures.
You can enjoy a cool and comfortable viewing experience in the spacious indoor space, and admission is free.
The time required is more than 2 to 3 hours, and additional facilities include a meal for 9,500 won, a coffee shop, and a simple dessert cafe.
Above all, you can develop insight into the present through history.
Written August 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonhkny
Hong Kong, China21,855 contributions
Nov 2022
Korean War is a defining moment in East Asia and directly led to the formation of South Korea. This huge museum serves as an elaborative story of the conflict. While the narrative is pro-South (much anticipated, right), the illustration is in great details and chronicles each battle and civilian actions during the gruesome stalemate. Even for non-interested visitors, the sizable display of weaponry and planes is still eye-catching. Interesting this place right next to the Defense Department as well as US military base.
Written November 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fire-tower
3,185 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We last visited the War Memorial of Korea 5 years ago, and still find it interesting to visit this place. We found the exhibits interesting and informative, and everything ties in together with what we experienced in Busan a few days earlier when we visited the United Nations Memorial Cemetery. If you have time, do take a look at the tanks, artillery guns, aircrafts, etc next to the main building.
Lockers are provided free of charge so we stored our winter coats and backpacks in the lockers and explored the various galleries more comfortably.
Lockers are provided free of charge so we stored our winter coats and backpacks in the lockers and explored the various galleries more comfortably.
Written January 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Часы работы? Метро близко?
Спасибо.
Written February 27, 2020
Hi Mary, from your review, I assume we do not need to have a paid guide to go here, because the museum offers free tours?
Do you know if tours were scheduled for certain times?
(Haven't gone on website yet)
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Best,
Rdngtutr
Written November 20, 2019
We could have spent a full day here. The place is huge with indoor and outdoor artifacts. Beautiful displays. We had a guide for our group. He provided wonderful explanations and knew a lot of history.Wonderful place.
Written December 22, 2019
Are there those translation device that provide chinese commentary?
Written April 1, 2019
Yes there's a translation audio services you can rent at the information counter~
Written April 13, 2019
What time are the English guided tours ? is there a need to book in advance & how ?
Written September 6, 2018
No need to back..besides some of the employeees tjere speak little English.so u cant be disappointed
Written September 7, 2018
Hi may I know if the exhibits are displayed in English too?
Written November 26, 2017
Yes they are. Even the videos have multiple options for language.
Written December 11, 2017
Sorry I missed your question in time to answer it. I hope it was open and you were able to enjoy visiting.
Written June 2, 2017
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