Seoul War Memorial of Korea Small-Group Tour with a Colonel Guide - Turtle Ship, Outdoor Exhibits and Yongridan-gil

Start at Samgakji Station and
explore the War Memorial in depth

Meet your guide at Exit 11 of Samgakji Station for a small-group guided tour of the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, lasting about 4 hours. You visit the Statue of Brothers, Peace Plaza, the Korean War exhibition hall and the outdoor exhibits while your guide explains the background and turning points of the Korean War in English.

Groups are limited to 7 people, and the tour ends in the alleys of Yongridan-gil. Coffee or tea during the break is included.

Begin at the Statue of Brothers and Peace Plaza

First, find the Statue of Brothers, based on the true story of a South Korean officer and a North Korean soldier who were brothers meeting on the battlefield. Hear how the statue symbolizes the tragedy of the Korean War and hope for reconciliation.

Next, at Peace Plaza, look at the flags of the UN member countries and hear about the 16 countries that sent combat troops, the 6 that provided medical support and the many that supplied materials.

See the Korean War hall and the turtle ship model

In the indoor Korean War hall, you look at decisive moments such as the background to the North Korean invasion, the early retreat, the Nakdong River defense line, the Incheon Landing, the liberation of Seoul and the intervention of Chinese forces. In the central hall, see a full-size turtle ship model to learn about naval history during the Imjin War (1592), and check how weapons have evolved from the heavy equipment on display indoors.

Rest at the museum cafe and talk about why certain strategic decisions were made, and hear more about Yongsan's geographic importance as a military fortress since the Joseon era. The memorial shop sells items such as books on the Korean War, miniature turtle ships and emblems of the UN participating countries.

Walk the outdoor exhibits and Yongridan-gil

At the outdoor exhibition, you can get close to real equipment from the Korean War and Cold War eras, including a B-52 Stratofortress, a T-34 tank and various missiles. The Chamsuri 357 patrol boat, which brings home the tension of naval clashes near the Northern Limit Line (NLL), is another highlight.

Finally, head from the memorial to Yongridan-gil. Once a quiet area around a military base, it has become a trendy street with cafes and restaurants, where a 40-year-old daegu-tang restaurant sits alongside modern fusion bistros. Meals are not included.

※ You will walk a lot during the tour, so please wear comfortable shoes.
※ The tour covers war history in depth and may not be suitable for young children.
※ The itinerary may change depending on conditions on the day.