🎧 Yul's Korea Audio Guide
War Memorial of Korea
Narrated in English with Korean phrases by YUL of KVIBE IDOLS.
🎵 Background music: Still in That Spring (그 봄에 머물러) — KVIBE IDOLS · Listen to the full song →
Full transcript
Annyeong, yeoreobun! It's Yul. Today's stop is more serious, but truly powerful. Welcome to the War Memorial of Korea.
Before you even go inside, look at the huge statue in the plaza. Two soldiers are hugging. One is an older brother, a South Korean soldier. The other is his younger brother, a North Korean soldier. It's called the Statue of Brothers, and it shows the deepest pain of the Korean War: a war where one family could end up on opposite sides.
The Korean War began in 1950, and the fighting stopped with an armistice in 1953. Here's the twist many visitors don't know: an armistice is not a peace treaty. The fighting stopped, but the war never officially ended. That's why Korea is still divided today.
This memorial opened in 1994, on the former site of the army headquarters in Yongsan. Inside, the halls tell Korea's military history from ancient times, through the Korean War, to modern overseas missions. You'll also see the names of fallen soldiers, including those from the many countries that sent troops to help. It's a place to remember, not to celebrate.
And outside? Around a hundred large pieces of military equipment, real aircraft, tanks and more, spread across the lawns. Kids love it.
Yul's tip! Plan at least two hours, and start with the Korean War rooms. Admission to the main exhibition is free. It's closed on Mondays, and Samgakji is the nearest subway station.
Next, let's find a stream that was buried under a highway and came back to life. Kaja!
