(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
For many stationed in South Korea, weekends often mean a trip to a new café, a scenic train ride to Busan or a peaceful mountain hike. But amid all the adventures, there comes a moment when you crave more than just food and photos—something that draws you closer to the reason you’re here.
For some U.S. troops who joined the ROK Cultural Immersion Program this spring, that moment arrived within the quiet halls of two world class museums in Yongsan, Seoul.
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Buddha statue (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Less than 10 minutes apart by car, the National Museum of Korea and the War Memorial of Korea offer something rare when visited together: a comprehensive picture of Korea’s identity and spirit. One tells the story of faith, art and identity and the other tells the story of loss, sacrifice and survival. Together, they help you see your host country with deeper understanding.
Both museums offer free admission, making these experiences not only meaningful but also accessible. If you haven’t yet, clear a day on your calendar to explore them together. You’ll walk away with more than just souvenirs and snapshots. You’ll leave with perspective and meaning.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA: A NATIONAL TREASURE HOUSE
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
The National Museum of Korea is the country’s largest and most prestigious museum. Visitors can appreciate Korea’s cultural and spiritual history through priceless artifacts like prehistoric stone tools, royal calligraphy and Buddhist sculptures.
The museum traces Korea’s evolution in art, religion and philosophy spanning ancient kingdoms to early modern Korea. Many of the items here are officially designated National Treasures, some dating back thousands of years.
Each exhibition hall is thoughtfully designed with elegant layouts with subtle lighting that enhances the beauty of each relic. For many service members during the spring visit, the museum offered a new glimpse into Korea’s spiritual and artistic roots. One participant stood quietly in front of a serene Buddha statue where soft light touched its timeless expression. Anyone who paused there seemed drawn into tranquility as if they could’ve stared at it for hours. More than a work of art, this piece of history felt sacred.
The quiet atmosphere gave many troops a chance to reflect. Some marveled at how Korea, surrounded by powerful neighbors throughout history, has preserved such a strong and distinct cultural identity. From the golden crowns of the Silla Kingdom to Goryeo Celadon, every corner left visitors deeply impressed by Korea’s heritage and resilience.
Also, don’t forget to visit the museum shop, widely known as one of the best in Korea. You’ll find creative souvenirs inspired by the museum’s national treasures, perfect for taking home a meaningful memory.
Address: 137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or Line 4 & Gyeongui Jungang Line. Ichon Station Exit 2, Naver Map
Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Sun.-Tue. & Thurs.-Fri.) / 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Wed. & Sat.) / Outdoor exhibition area: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Admission: Free (Only special exhibitions require an entry fee)
Parking: Free for the first 20 minutes, then 2,000 won for the next 2 hours, and 500 won for every additional 30 minutes. (The parking lot is very spacious, but please note that there may be some waiting time for parking during peak hours on weekends.)
WAR MEMORIAL OF KOREA: A LEGACY OF COURAGE AND SACRIFICE
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
Just a short ride away from the National Museum of Korea, the tone completely shifts. At the War Memorial of Korea, participants walked slowly past the memorial walls engraved with the names of those who never made it home.
“I didn’t know there were so many troops sent from my home state,” said one service member quietly. While 36,940 U.S. troops were killed during the Korean War, the museum made that number feel personal. More than 2,600 were from California, over 2,400 from Pennsylvania and thousands more from states like Texas, New York, Illinois and Hawaii. Seeing every single name carved under their home states made many realize these weren’t just statistics in a history book. They were real lives. Most of those were young conscripts, drafted into a war across the world to a country they knew little of. Yet they gave their lives to defend freedom.
The museum also honors the 22 countries that fought under the United Nations flag, 16 sent combat troops and 6 provided medical or humanitarian support. A total 1.95 million U.N. troops were deployed, including 1,789,000 Americans.
For some U.S. service members walking through those halls, the weight of that sacrifice became personal. Senior Airman Jordan was especially moved.
“My great-grandfather fought in the Korean War and received a Purple Heart. He didn’t talk much about it, but I know it was traumatic. He lost too many of his friends,” Jordan said. “My grandfather also served at Camp Humphreys, so I’m the third generation here. Being in today’s Korea, knowing my family history, it’s emotional. I think they’d be proud of me.”
Senior Airman Jordan (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
(Photo by Hyemin Lee)
The museum’s exhibits including battlefield artifacts, full-scale aircraft and tanks guided visitors through Korea’s military history from ancient warriors to today’s ROK Armed Forces. But where the museum resonates deeply is in the powerful portrayal of the Korean War.
The Korean War zones capture the key moment of the conflict through historical records and highlight the bond between ROK and U.S. forces. What stayed with many participants wasn’t just history, but the reminder of why they serve and the values they’re here to defend.
Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul or Line 4 & 6. Samgakji Station Exit 11, Naver Map
Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Closed on Mondays. If Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday instead)
Admission: Free
Parking: Free for the first 30 minutes, then 4,000 won for the next 2 hours, and 1,500 won for every additional 30 minutes.
TWO SIDES OF ONE STORY
Spc. McManus (Photo by Hyemin Lee)
What made this visit so powerful was how these two destinations complemented each other, offering different lenses to view Korea’s story.
The National Museum unfolds Korea’s creativity, philosophy, pride and cultural richness. The War Memorial reveals Korea’s pain, struggle, resilience and the cost of freedom. One shows how Korea preserved its identity through art and faith, and the other, how it protected that identity through sacrifice.
Together, they tell one complete story: a nation that endured, evolved and now stands strong as a partner in peace.
After the trip, many participants shared their reflections.
“Koreans are resilient,” said Army Spc. Issiah. “Despite so many invasions, they’ve always risen back up. That’s something I admire.”
Army Spc. McManus said he didn’t learn much about the war in school. “Our classes barely mentioned what happened in the Pacific region,” he said. “Being here made me realize how important our presence still is.”
For U.S. troops, the two museums offered more than history. They offered connection, perspective and purpose.
