5 War museums in Korea
The essence of war museums in Korea
War is a delicate and painful subject to discuss, or even deliberate on. Countries that have suffered devastating tragedies from the effects of war would agree that it is not a topic one wants to approach lightly. In recent times, war museums have been built to serve as a venue for providing education on history, wars, and cultural values, and some museums even provide innovative ways to make the harsh stories less gruesome.
The war museums in Korea are institutions that are designated to be venues for housing war collections and war-based literature for the purposes of education, preservation, and exhibition. People visit these war museums to get information on the history of Korea as regards the battles fought, others bring their children to enlighten them on their heritage, there are some who need to see the practical objects as evidence of works they have read and get engrossed in military intelligence, and for others, it is a tour for quality education. Aside from all the various reasons people visit war museums in Korea, the most important value of war museums in Korea is to highlight and reflect on the beauty of peace.
In Korea, the war museum stands as a symbolic representation of the need for unity and is somewhat of a national venue for honouring fallen heroes. Let’s dive into these war museums in Korea and enter a world of culture, history, war, and remembrance:
5 War museums in Korea:
- War Memorial of Korea
- Goseong DMZ Museum
- United Nations Peace Memorial Hall
- Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp
- Waegwan War Memorial Museum
Ready? Let’s dig in.
1. War Memorial of Korea
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Location: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
Telephone: +82 2-709-3114
Website: https://www.warmemo.or.kr/
Visiting hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm, closed every Monday.
By December 1993, the construction of the War Memorial of Korea was finally completed, and it was officially opened on June 10, 1994. After careful deliberations, consultation with the military experts in the country, and stocking up on the collections of exhibition artifacts, the War Memorial of Korea was instituted to serve as a memorial ground to educate future generations on the military history of the nation and commemorate fallen heroes, veterans, and victims of war. Located in Yongsan, Seoul, this war museum is situated on a site that was formerly the army headquarters. The main building houses several indoor exhibition rooms, an outdoor exhibition arena, a national cemetery, and other facilities like a library and a research centre. Some of the indoor halls include the 6·25 Korean War Room, Development Hall, Expeditionary Forces Room, Large Machinery Room, War History Hall, and Patriotic Memorial Room, with lots of military items to see. Visitors can take part in different cultural and educational programs or events that centre on the military. The outdoor area has many monuments and military objects as well, including large helicopters, armoured vehicles, missiles, and guns from the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and World War II.
When you enter the Memorial hall, you would notice the inscription of the names of the Korean Armed Forces soldiers and police officers who lost their lives in the Korean War, Armed Forces Activation, Vietnam War, the Counter Infiltration Operation; as well as the United Nations Forces Soldiers killed in the Korean War. As the name implies, it is a hall dedicated to remembering the patriots who gave their lives in service of protecting the Korean homeland. You would also find wall paintings and sculptures that highlight the importance of unity and prosperity in the nation. A visit to the Korean War Room would be beneficial for information on the background of the Korean War, how it went down, and the truce that came to be. The Expeditionary Forces shed light on the Vietnam War and the role and engagement of the Korean forces in the fight. Every other hall and exhibition highlights the history and fine details of major battles in which the Korean Armed Forces were involved in. Stepping into the War Memorial of Korea opens up the door to the military world. So, if you want to get a taste of what went down in history, and a greater appreciation of the patriots, the War Memorial of Korea is the place to visit.
2. Goseong DMZ Museum
Photo Credit: Semintour
Location: 369, Tongil Jungdae-ro, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
Telephone: +82-33-681-0625
Website: www.dmzmuseum.com
Visiting hours: March – October (9:00 am – 6:00 pm), last admission is an hour before closing.
November to February (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
The Korean War, fought between North Korea and South Korea, lasted from 1950 until 1953 and came to an end with an armistice on the 12th of July 1953. The war saw the death of over 2 million people, separated many families and loved ones, and still remains a sad tale of loss and pain. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Goseong is a monumental location that speaks of the horrors of the Korean War and the division of Korea into two nations. The cease-fire line drawn went through Goseong, dividing it into two. As such, Goseong is a heavy representation of Korea’s tragic and painful past.
Thankfully, the DMZ museum was established in honour of the hope for the unification of the two nations (North Korea and South Korea). Located close to the civilization control line, the museum houses exhibitions, and resources on the division of North and South Korea, the Korean War, details of the armistice, and the present situation as it pertains to the DMZ. You can reserve a tour of the museum on their website, and you can also participate in educational programs that highlight the history of the divided nations and preparations for reunification.
Note that although it is free to enter the museum, you need to register to visit the Unification Observatory. You can only get to the Unification Observatory by car, a truck, motorcycle, bicycle, or on foot are not permitted. For this reason, tourists and visitors to Korea are usually advised to visit the DMZ area with a tour guide who is well acquainted with the rules governing the DMZ. But in all, the Goseong DMZ Museum is one of the most fascinating war museums in Korea.
3. United Nations Peace Memorial Hall
Photo Credit: Gazette
Location: 106, Honggok-ro 320beon-gil, Nam-Gu, Busan
Telephone: (+82)-51-901-1400
Website: http://www.unpm.or.kr/
Visiting hours: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
The monumental United Nations Peace Memorial Hall serves as a site dedicated to honouring the military forces that sacrificed their lives for freedom and peace. It was established in a bid to be a key educational site for highlighting the implications of war, the details of the ceasefire agreement on the generations of the nations of North Korea and South Korea, and a place that throws a bright light on the sacrifices made.
Situated close to the United Nations Peace Memorial Hall is the UN Memorial Cemetery. The United Nations Command initialised the UN Memorial Cemetery to bury the fallen soldiers, and later moved the remains of those buried in different parts of the country to the designated location. The Korean government donated the cemetery to the United Nations in appreciation of the sacrifices made for the country. The cemetery officially became a resting place for the soldiers of different countries who lost their lives in service of the Korean homeland. The place is beautifully decorated and constantly maintained in honour of the patriots. During Memorial Day in Korea, on random days or special occasions, the cemetery is enveloped in a floral tribute to express gratitude for the soldiers who left their homes to ensure peace in Korea. The United Nations Peace Memorial Hall is a really beautiful place to visit to reflect on the sacrifices made to gain the peace we enjoy.
4. Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp
Photo Credit: Somethingjam
Location: 61, Gyeryong-ro, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Telephone: +82-55-639-0625
Website: www.pow.or.k
Visiting hours: March-October (9:00 am – 6:00 pm).
November-February (9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
The Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp doubles as a historic theme park and a war memorial venue. Located on Geoje Island, the Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp was formerly a site that was used to hold North Korean and Chinese prisoners during the Korean War but was closed after the signing of the armistice in 1953. In 1997, the prison camp was converted into a park in memory of the war, which is a major part of Korean history. Some of the remains of the war, such as the trucks, tanks, and other artifacts that were left there after the war, have become objects for exhibitions. The park incorporated these items, recreated the prisoner barracks, and added a few other attractions to make it a place for friends and family to come and appreciate history in a lighter setting.
The displays and exhibitions easily paint a picture in the mind of the visitors of how it must have been as a prisoner during the Korean War, and the struggles of the times. Although it can be somewhat strange to find yourself in a prison setting with the barracks, barbed wire, guard room, and other elements of war; the fun rides, children’s playground, and lovely island help to make it less frightening. So, while adults delve into the history of Korea and the Korean War, children can still have fun on the other side of the park. The Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp may not be as intense as other war museums in Korea, but it is equally captivating and educational to visit.
5. Waegwan War Memorial Museum
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
Location: 226 Seokjeon-ro, Seokjeog-eup, Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Telephone: +82 54-975-9155
Website: http://www.waegwan.or.kr/
The Waegwan War Memorial Museum is another incredible war museum with many artifacts and exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Korean War. Located in Waegwan, this museum has an indoor hall with lots of military items, equipment, and pictures, as well as the personal items of some soldiers, which tell the story of the things that went down in the Korean War. There is a section dedicated to paying tribute to the United Nations troops and other soldiers from Canada, the United States, and other nations, who lost their lives in the war, and then the outdoor exhibition has planes, tanks, and artillery on full display.
With the displays, important events that trailed the details of the Korean War are brought to life in a spectacular manner. Educating the public on the importance of peace, the impact of war and the immense sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the Korean War was the main aim of the Waegwan War Memorial Museum, and the objective was achieved. So, it is one war museum you would really enjoy visiting.
These are the war museums in Korea, and they are definitely worth a visit.