Jeonjaeng ginyeomgwan - War Memorial of Korea

War’s existence in our World is a sad reality. It has shaped our past, it is affecting the world we live in today, and it will likely continue to mold our future.

Korea is no stranger to war; it has seen many opponents and many wars throughout history. War has created many long-lasting emotions in Korea; some of anger, sadness, mistrust, and bitterness.




The War Memorial of Korea is a remembrance of those who have died and those who have suffered as a result of conflict in Korea’s history. It serves as an educator for those who have not lived through such trauma. The museum has memorabilia from various wars including:

• Ancient wars with the Hans of China
• Civil unrest between the Three Kingdoms
• 13th Century Mongol Invasions
• 16th Century Invasion and Occupation of Japan
• Aided U.S. in the Vietnam War
• Currently aiding the U.S. in Iraq
• 1950 Invasion of North Korea began the Korean War – A cease fire was signed
in 1953, but technically the country remains at war.

The museum is said to be on of the largest in the world. Outside of the museum, visitors can walk through various monuments and displays. Military equipment is also on display –we spent an entire hour looking at the outside displays before even stepping inside.





The museum is interesting because it contains artifacts of war as well as symbolic tributes. I was highly impressed with the layout of the museum. The displays varied from paintings, to artifacts, to videos, to digital reenactments, life-size models, and so much more! The museum is clean, simple, and easy to follow. One could spend hours there! We browsed the various displays for over two hours and still didn’t see everything! One particular display even had life-like mannequins and villages depicting life as a refugee during the Korean war.





The museum is education as well as emotional. It is a great tribute to all of those who have died in conflicts of past and a warning to those who will join in conflicts of the future. One can only hope they won’t need to add new display anytime soon. (The final picture depicts two Korean brothers fighting on opposing sides during The Korean War - Although they meet on the battlefield; they find forgiveness and understanding.)