The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts—largely equipment from the Korean War—including tanks, guns, military planes, and a series of sculptures and paintings depicting war efforts throughout South Korean history. Larger weaponry is displayed in an outdoor exhibition area. Most sightseeing tours of Seoul include a visit to the War Memorial of Korea, and day trips to the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) often stop here first to offer context. Admission is free.
The War Memorial of Korea is a must-see for a better understanding of the Korean War.
Give yourself 90 minutes to two hours to tour the museum collection.
The museum and its facilities are wheelchair accessible, including an elevator and restrooms.
Public restrooms can be found outside, and to the east, west, and north of the museum.
To get to the museum on public transportation, take the Seoul Subway to Samgakji Station (Line 6) or Namyeong Station (Line 1). Several public buses also stop nearby at the War Memorial of Korea or Samgakji Station bus stops.
The museum and memorial are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 6pm. Because this is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul, it’s a good idea to visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon, when things tend to be quieter.
Technically, the Korean War is still ongoing, and tensions often run hot between the North and the South, making the information provided by the War Memorial particularly relevant. Travelers who plan to visit the DMZ will benefit from a trip to the War Memorial of Korea first, as it is a great place to flesh out an understanding of this complex conflict.
