The War Memorial of Korea: A Must Visit & FREE Museum In Seoul

Last Updated on July 4, 2025

Where once the Korean Infantry held their headquarters now sits the War Memorial of Korea (전쟁기념관), a museum that is free for the public to appreciate and learn about ancient battles, the Korean War, and beyond. Not only is this a great stop for the budget minded traveler to Seoul, Korea, but it’s really a must visit for anyone that wants to learn more about the history of the country with specific regards to war.

The War Memorial of Korea is a fantastic free museum in central Seoul, Korea. Don’t miss it:

• Basic Info
• Outdoor Exhibits
• Indoor Exhibitions: Seven Thematic Halls
• Key Historical Highlights Of The Museum
• What You Can Visit Nearby

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Basic Info

Address: Yongsan-gu Itaewon-ro 29 (서울특별시 용산구 이태원로 29)

Admission: Free

Hours: 9:30am ~ 6:00pm

Days: Open every day except Mondays. If Monday is a holiday, the museum will be closed Tuesday.

Amenities: Foreign language guides available in English, Chinese and Japanese

Website: https://www.warmemo.or.kr/

PRO TIPS: If you’ll be traveling via the Seoul City Hop On/Hop Off Bus, know that it also stops here. You can buy the ticket for this bus here. And to get more information about the bus, here is a guide to the Hop On/ Hop Off Bus In Seoul. Also look into getting the Discover Seoul Pass which is made specifically for tourists to help them see the top spots. Though you don’t need it to see this museum because it’s free, it will get you into some other awesome spots in the city.

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Outdoor Exhibits

Statue of Brothers: A powerful sculpture showing a South Korean officer embracing his north Korean brother during the Korean War. A symbol of reconciliation and unity.

UN Forces Monuments: Flags and memorials honoring the 22 nations that supported South Korea during the Korean War.

Peace Plaza & Korean War Monument: Grand sculptures mark the tragic history and hopes for future peace.

Chamsuri Patrol Boat (PKM-357): Walk inside a real ROK Navy vessel damaged during the Second Yeonpyeong Battle in 2002. Bullet holes and multimedia exhibits bring history to life.

Open-Air Military Equipment Zone: Over 70 large-scale weapons, tanks, helicopters, and aircraft and many of them are open for hands-on exploration. This is perfect for families with kids.

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Indoor Exhibitions: Seven Thematic Halls

Visitors entering from the front are welcomed into the 20,000 square meter museum by The Korean War Monument commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War ceasefire. There are over 13,000 artifacts in this massive space and it is deeply informative.

If you are interested in large vessels and military vehicles, definitely check out the Seoul Battleship Park with an awesome ship sitting in the Han River that you can visit. You can also visit the Jinpo Maritime Theme Park in Gunsan, Korea and see a large collection of vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships.

The indoor space of the museum is divided into seven halls and each room is full of real and replica artifacts, dioramas, records and videos sure to educate and slightly overwhelm any visitor. Placards are posted in both Korean and English.

• Memorial Hall: A solemn tribute to Korea’s fallen heroes.
• War History Room: Traces Korea’s military history from ancient times to modern wars.
• Korean War Room: Detailed, chronological accounts of the Korean War, including interactive exhibits and UN troop involvement.
• Expeditionary Forces Room: Displays Korea’s involvement in international military after the Korean war.
• ROK Armed Forces Room: Showcases the growth and modernization of South Korea’s military after the Korean War.
• Defense Industries Room: Feature Korea’s advancements in defense technology.
• Large Equipment Room: Home to bigger machinery and weaponry displayed indoors.

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Key Historical Highlights Of The Museum

The Korean War (1950 – 1953): Learn about the outbreak of war, the UN’s intervention, major battles such as Operation Chromite (Incheon Landing), and the eventual armistice.

Vietnam War: See how Korean forces supported the US and learn about their role overseas.

Pre-Modern Conflicts: Discover Korea’s resistance against Mongol, Japanese, and Western invasions, including the legendary Turtle Ships of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

US Korea Conflic (1871): Explore the first and only US-Korea war, also dramatized in the hit K-drama Mr. Sunshine.

Anyone that wishes to have a better understanding of the Korean War specifically should not miss this museum. It is a must visit for anyone staying in or visiting Korea. Guides, many of whom are retired Korean military personnel, will take visitors around on tours of the space at no charge and if unavailable there are audio tours available as well.

The information is overwhelming, but as history should never be forgotten so as it’s not repeated, this museum is a complete necessity and a hole in one as far as impact on visitors is concerned.

Another great place to go to get a different perspective on the wars and effects on Korea is the War and Women’s Human Rights Museum. It’s located near Hongdae and has a lot of information on the comfort women, or halmoni that are still fighting to educate the public today.

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What You Can Visit Nearby

• Hannam-dong: This foreigner friendly district is home to numerous embassies, great cafes and restaurants as well as some beautiful art museums that are a must see. Find more information about Hannam-dong here.
• Seoullo: Visit the once busy overpass near Seoul Station that has now been converted into a pedestrian friendly walkway. There is a must see installation in Malli-dong that most people miss and the walkway is covered in beautiful plants too. Here is a guide to Seoullo.
• Gongdeok District: This often overlooked neighborhood is just up the road and is home to interesting cafes and restaurants and some local markets that have some great eats. Don’t miss this area if you’re so close.
• Noryangjin Fish Market: After visiting the museum, head to the most popular fish market in the city for dinner. You can walk through the market and then head upstairs to eat eat eat.

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This is just one of the free museums in the city that are just stunning and great for visitors. If you’re interested in other budget friendly things to do in Seoul, check out this guide to the best free things to do in Seoul.

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