War Memorial of Korea
Seoul · South Korea · Founded 1994
Quick answer
War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, South Korea — the War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994 on the former site of army headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays. Admission: free admission. Allow 2–3 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
War Memorial of Korea at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | Free admission |
| Free access | Free for all visitors |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. |
| Getting there | Metro: Samgakji station (Lines 4 & 6) — 5-minute walk via Exit 12 |
| Address | 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| Official website | warmemo.or.kr |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is War Memorial of Korea known for?
The War Memorial of Korea opened in 1994 on the former site of army headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul. It is the country's largest military history museum, documenting conflicts from ancient Korea through the Korean War and beyond.
Indoor galleries use dioramas, archival film, and personal testimonies to tell the story of the 1950–53 Korean War — still the defining event in modern Korean identity. The outdoor exhibition hall displays tanks, aircraft, and artillery from multiple nations.
Admission is free, making it one of Seoul's most visited museums. The scale of the outdoor displays — including a B-52 bomber and South Korean naval vessels — is particularly impressive for families.
Best for: History Enthusiasts · Families
How long do you need at War Memorial of Korea?
Allow 2–3 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at War Memorial of Korea without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
Korean War Diorama — Incheon Landing
📍 Korean War Gallery, 2nd Floor
A large-scale diorama recreating General MacArthur's September 1950 amphibious landing at Incheon — the turning point of the Korean War.
- 2
Statue of Brothers
📍 Outdoor Exhibition, West Side
A monumental bronze sculpture of two brothers — one a South Korean soldier, one a North Korean — meeting on the battlefield.
- 3
B-52 Stratofortress Bomber
📍 Outdoor Exhibition Hall
A real B-52 bomber used during the Vietnam War, displayed alongside fighter jets, helicopters, and tanks from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
- 4
Documentary Film Theatre
📍 Korean War Gallery
Continuous screening of archival Korean War footage with English subtitles — essential context before exploring the dioramas and weapons displays.
What are the must-see works at War Memorial of Korea?
4 highlights that define the collection: Korean War Diorama — Incheon Landing, Statue of Brothers, B-52 Stratofortress Bomber and more.
Korean War Diorama — Incheon Landing
War Memorial curatorial team · 1994
📍 Korean War Gallery, 2nd Floor
A large-scale diorama recreating General MacArthur's September 1950 amphibious landing at Incheon — the turning point of the Korean War.
Statue of Brothers
Choi Gwang-ho · 1996
📍 Outdoor Exhibition, West Side
A monumental bronze sculpture of two brothers — one a South Korean soldier, one a North Korean — meeting on the battlefield. One of the most emotionally powerful works of public art in Seoul.
B-52 Stratofortress Bomber
Boeing · on outdoor display
📍 Outdoor Exhibition Hall
A real B-52 bomber used during the Vietnam War, displayed alongside fighter jets, helicopters, and tanks from the Korean and Vietnam conflicts.
Documentary Film Theatre
Archival footage · ongoing
📍 Korean War Gallery
Continuous screening of archival Korean War footage with English subtitles — essential context before exploring the dioramas and weapons displays.
Collections and highlights
- • Korean War dioramas and archives
- • Outdoor aircraft and tank displays
- • Statue of Brothers monument
- • Ancient Korean warfare galleries
- • UN Command and international participation exhibits
Tips for visiting War Memorial of Korea
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings for fewer crowds. Allow extra time for the outdoor exhibition — it can be hot in summer and cold in winter.
- 2.
Tickets & booking
Free admission for all visitors. No booking required. English audio guides available for rent.
- 3.
Accessibility
Fully accessible. Outdoor paths are paved but cover a large area — comfortable shoes recommended.
- 4.
Photography rules
Photography permitted throughout indoor and outdoor areas. The outdoor aircraft make popular photo subjects.
How do you get to War Memorial of Korea?
- metro Samgakji station (Lines 4 & 6) — 5-minute walk via Exit 12
- metro Namyeong station (Line 1) — 10-minute walk
- bus Multiple city buses stop on Itaewon-ro near the memorial
- walk 15 minutes from Itaewon district
Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
War Memorial of Korea: frequently asked questions
Is the War Memorial of Korea free?
Yes — admission is free for all visitors. Allow 2–3 hours for the indoor galleries and outdoor aircraft and vehicle displays.
How long should I spend at War Memorial of Korea?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights of War Memorial of Korea. Our 4-stop route — Korean War Diorama — Incheon Landing, Statue of Brothers, B-52 Stratofortress Bomber and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is War Memorial of Korea best known for?
South Korea's national military history museum — indoor and outdoor exhibits covering the Korean War, ancient Korean warfare, and aircraft and tanks on display in the courtyard. Key highlights include Korean War dioramas and archives, Outdoor aircraft and tank displays, Statue of Brothers monument.
How do I get tickets for War Memorial of Korea?
Free admission. You can walk in without a ticket; paid exhibitions are booked separately. Official site: https://www.warmemo.or.kr/eng/
Is the War Memorial of Korea about all wars?
The museum covers Korean military history from antiquity to the present, but the Korean War (1950–53) receives the most extensive treatment — roughly half the indoor gallery space is dedicated to it.
Can children visit the War Memorial?
Yes — the outdoor tank and aircraft displays are especially popular with children. Some indoor content about the war's human cost may be intense for very young visitors.
Is there an English guide?
Most exhibit labels are in Korean and English. English audio guides are available for rent at the information desk. Free guided tours in English run on selected days — check the schedule on arrival.
Is War Memorial of Korea open on Mondays?
No — War Memorial of Korea is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are War Memorial of Korea's opening hours?
War Memorial of Korea is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM, and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
