What if stones could speak? The War Memorial of Korea stands as a solemn testament to a nation’s trials. This memorial is in Yongsan-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It opened its doors in 1994. It stands on the former site of the army headquarters.
The War Memorial of Korea serves as a museum. It exhibits and remembers Korea’s military history. The museum seeks to prevent war by teaching lessons from the Korean War. It promotes the peaceful reunification of North and South Korea.
Inside The War Memorial of Korea, you will find six indoor exhibition rooms. There is also an outdoor exhibition center. These spaces display war memorabilia and military equipment. These items come from China, South Korea, and the United States.
The War Memorial of Korea covers the Korean War. This war took place from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953. Construction finished in December 1993. Military experts were consulted. A wide range of exhibition items were collected from at home and abroad. The War Memorial of Korea officially opened on June 10, 1994. It became the largest landmark of its kind in the world.
Located on the old site of Army Headquarters, The War Memorial of Korea has three above-ground floors of exhibits. It also features two underground floors. The main building covers an area of about 20,000 square meters.
Flanking the main building, you will see rows of black marble monuments. These monuments bear the names of those who died. They died during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and clashes with North Korea. The names of policemen who died on duty are also inscribed.
In the plaza, The War Memorial of Korea features an artificial waterfall. There are widespread rest areas. Visitors can picnic and enjoy the landscape. The Statue of Brothers stands in the center of the plaza. The elder brother is a South Korean soldier. The younger brother is a North Korean soldier. This symbolizes Korea’s division.
You can reach The War Memorial of Korea by taking the subway. Get off at Samgakji Station exit 12.
The War Memorial of Korea displays 6,300 items in seven halls. An outdoor exhibition area complements these halls. You can explore the Memorial Hall, War History Room, and Korean War Room. Discover the Expeditionary Forces Room, ROK Armed Forces Room, and Exhibition Hall for Donated Artifacts. Do not miss the Exhibition of Large Military Equipments.
The exhibitions showcase weapons and equipment. They span from prehistoric times to the modern period. You will also find depictions of notable military figures. About 100 large weapons are on display outside. They sit on the lawns around the building of The War Memorial of Korea.
Upon entering the memorial halls, you will see an inscription. It lists the names of soldiers and policemen. These individuals died in various conflicts. This includes the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
Inside The War Memorial of Korea, objects on display include a full-sized replica of a turtle ship. See a T-34/85 tank and a MiG-15UTI Midget. There is also a Piper L-4J Grasshopper observation aircraft. A Stinson L-5G Sentinel and Hiller OH-23G Raven are present too. You can view a Yakovlev Yak-18 and North American AT-6F Texan. A Soviet-made ZIL ZIS-110 limousine once used by Kim Il Sung is also on display.
The outdoor display area features fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. Armored vehicles, artillery, and anti-aircraft guns are also on display. You will also find missiles and vessels. One vessel is a Chamsuri-class patrol boat. It is painted to resemble PKM-357. This patrol boat sunk during the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong.
The War Memorial of Korea stands as a reminder. It symbolizes the desire for peaceful reunification. It is a place to remember those who sacrificed for peace.