“Their embrace expresses love, reconciliation and forgiveness.” These words resonate deeply as we stand before the War Memorial of Korea. This memorial isn’t just a collection of artifacts. It’s a place to remember resilience and sacrifice. The War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994. It stands on the former site of the Army Headquarters in Yongsan-dong.
Inside the War Memorial of Korea, over 13,000 items are on display. These are spread across six exhibition rooms. Outside, you’ll find an Outdoor Exhibition Area. It features over 100 mothballed fighter jets, tanks and artillery batteries. The centerpiece is the imposing Memorial Hall. It is six stories high, with four aboveground and two underground levels. A long granite ramp, two symmetrical ponds, and a Peace Plaza set it back from the street.
Exhibits inside the War Memorial of Korea illustrate the many conflicts that have ravaged the Korean Peninsula. These include invasions by the Mongols, Chinese, Japanese, and Russians. It also covers inter-Korean fighting amongst regional kings. The memorial’s 20,000 square meters document Korea’s history.
The War Memorial of Korea dedicates a large amount of space to the Korean War. This tragic conflict broke out on June 25, 1950. North Korean troops invaded the South. The museum explores this war in great detail. The exhibits also pay respect to the sixteen countries. These countries, as part of the United Nations command, sacrificed soldiers for South Korea.
Perhaps the most emotional part of the War Memorial of Korea is the Statue of Brothers. This sculpture depicts two brothers. One fought for the South and the other for the North. They meet on a battlefield. Their embrace shows love and forgiveness. Beneath them is a cracked dome. It’s made of granite from different parts of the nation. Inside the dome, there is a wall painting and plaques. They represent South Korea’s wartime allies.
Just five years after gaining independence, Korea was divided by war. This war killed or wounded nearly five million people. Given that the Korean War officially continues to this day, the lessons at the War Memorial of Korea seem all the more relevant. As you leave the War Memorial of Korea, reflect on the resilience and sacrifice that have shaped South Korea. Remember the message of reconciliation and forgiveness. The War Memorial of Korea serves as a reminder of the past and a hope for the future.