Jaqueline Perez Gamboa

Junior Editor, GSIS Newsletter

For those interested in Korean history or inter-Korean relations, the War Memorial of Korea is a must-visit museum. Located in Yongsan, Seoul, it offers a clear and comprehensive overview of Korea’s military history, with a particular emphasis on the Korean War (1950–1953).

The exhibitions are organized chronologically, tracing the military history of the Korean Peninsula. Visitors can explore rooms dedicated to different historical periods, including the Three Kingdoms, Goryeo, Joseon, the Japanese colonial period, and modern conflicts. The Korean War section is the most extensive, featuring detailed timelines, videos, memorabilia, battle strategies, and photographs, along with political and historical context.

One of the museum’s strengths is its use of multimedia, historical artifacts, and large-scale reconstructions of key battles and military equipment, which help visitors better visualize the events. Most exhibits and video materials are translated into English, making the museum accessible to international visitors.

Outside, the memorial features an open-air display of heavy military equipment such as tanks, ships, and aircraft. This area focuses on military technology and the development of South Korea’s defense capabilities. Surrounding the museum, visitors will also find monuments and statues honoring South Korean soldiers and national heroes.

During the summer break, the War Memorial of Korea is an excellent destination to spend a meaningful and educational day.