During my recent trip to Seoul, I had the opportunity to visit the War Memorial of Korea, located in Yongsan. As someone visiting Yongsan for the first time, I was eager to explore this historical site.

Interestingly, ever since the presidential office relocated from the Blue House to Yongsan, there has been an increase in both organized and solo protests near the War Memorial. 

The War Memorial of Korea is an impressive and expansive museum, with rotating exhibitions throughout the year, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

The building itself is magnificent and well-maintained, creating an enjoyable experience for visitors. Despite its popularity, the sheer size of the museum allows for a comfortable visit, even during peak hours.

While the main entrance and exit are located on the second floor, we chose to start our exploration from the third floor.

Collection of rare military uniforms from different countries, offering a glimpse into historical military attire.

There is also a stamping station for national flags, where visitors can collect stamps as souvenirs, I made sure to take one home!

 

The Hall of Fame for Donors

I truly appreciate the efforts of those who have contributed to curating and preserving these rare and invaluable artifacts.

The museum also houses artifacts from the Korean War (6.25 Incident), each serving as a solemn reminder of the nation’s past struggles and sacrifices.

While debates continue over the Vietnam War and other political issues, one undeniable truth remains, we must remember and honor the countless victims of war.

It is truly incredible to see how Korea has risen from the devastation of the Korean War to become a nation that now contributes troops to international peacekeeping missions.

 

Weapon exhibition hall

The museum also features a wide range of military weapons and vehicles, some of which are rarely seen in real life.

Standing before massive missiles, I couldn’t help but hope for a future where the Korean Peninsula is free from the horrors of war.

 

Naval Weapons

The fighter jets were equally impressive. As a child, I once dreamed of becoming a pilot, so seeing these aircraft up close was exciting. The museum even displays a North Korean fighter plane, suspended overhead, offering a unique

One of my favorite parts of the exhibition was the miniature models. The level of craftsmanship in creating these intricate replicas was truly impressive, I would love to work in this field someday.

The tanks on display were also intriguing. One featured a tiger design, intended to intimidate enemies, though I wonder if it would actually draw too much attention instead.

 

Turtle ship (Geo-buk-seon)

One of the most legendary figures in Korean history is Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and his Turtle Ship is prominently displayed at the museum.

 

War History Room

One of the most legendary figures in Korean history is Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and his Turtle Ship is prominently displayed at the museum.

One exhibit focused on beacon fire stations, which were once used as early warning systems in mountainous areas. I remember seeing some of these as a child, though I’m not sure if they still remain today.

Unfortunately, remnants of the Japanese colonial era are also part of the exhibition, a painful but necessary reminder of the importance of remembering history.

We must never forget the countless individuals who fought to preserve Korea’s sovereignty and those who endured immense suffering during times of war.

Even today, some Korean War survivors are still living, and I occasionally see them coping with the trauma of their past experiences. Their stories serve as an important lesson for future generations.

After finishing our tour inside, we headed to the outdoor weapons exhibition.

This section showcases full-sized military vehicles, aircraft, and warships, offering visitors a hands-on experience with military history.

If you ever find yourself in Seoul, the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan is a must-visit destination.

Not only is it historically significant, but it’s also an excellent place for photos, storytelling, and making memories.

Since the museum is indoors, it's a great attraction to visit year-round, offering warmth in winter and cool air in summer.

This trip was a meaningful and thought-provoking experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, military technology, or Korea’s incredible journey.

 

Address : 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Tel : +82-2-709-3114

Operation Hours : Tuesday-Sunday : 9:30 - 18:00 (Monday closed)

Website : www.warmemo.or.kr

Admission Fee : Free  

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/hablog74/223070141150

Writer : hablog74

Special thanks to hablog74

 

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