This 3-hour English-guided tour takes you through the War Memorial of Korea to explore how Korea became the nation it is today through war, division, and recovery. Your guide is a Korean Army veteran who served as a KATUSA at Yongsan Garrison, right next to the memorial. Instead of memorizing dates and battles, the tour focuses on the human stories behind history and the larger patterns connecting Korea to the world. It is a great fit for travelers interested in Korean history, geopolitics, and military history.

Explore the War Memorial of Korea
with a former KATUSA guide

Meet your guide at the War Memorial of Korea and begin a tour of about 3 hours conducted in English. Your guide is a Korean Army veteran who served as a KATUSA at Yongsan Garrison, where he introduced Korean history and the peninsula's security realities to newly arrived US service members and their families. Having studied political science at Northwestern University, along with Korean, American, European, and Central American history, he connects events in Korea with what was happening around the world.

Hear the story of the Korean Peninsula
from ancient kingdoms to division

As you walk through the exhibition halls, you will hear the story of the Korean Peninsula from ancient kingdoms to the modern division of North and South. Learn why Korea's geography made it both vulnerable and strategically important, and how ancient kingdoms, invasions, and foreign influence shaped Korean identity.

You will also look at the lasting impact of the Japanese colonial period and the Korean War, why the peninsula remains a security-sensitive region today, and how Korea grew into an economic and democratic nation after enormous hardship.

Connect Korean history with world history

Your guide compares Korea's conflicts with events in Europe, discusses how world powers shaped East Asia, and brings history to life through familiar topics such as films and strategy games. Beyond the war itself, the tour highlights human stories of courage, fear, sacrifice, and survival. The tour ends back at the meeting point, and you can get recommendations for other sites in Seoul related to Korean history and culture.

※ The War Memorial of Korea is closed every Monday, on January 1, and during the Seollal and Chuseok holidays.

• Please check your mobile voucher via email or the WAUG app.
• Meet your guide in front of the pen-shaped sculpture at the War Memorial of Korea at your booked time.
• Valid only on the selected date and time.

Meeting point :
War Memorial of Korea
29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan District, Seoul, South Korea

Meeting point information:
Meet in front of the pen-shaped sculpture located between the soldier statues at the War Memorial of Korea. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Cancellation & Refund

• Cancel up to 24 hours before the activity date for a full refund.

What to Bring

• Comfortable sneakers are recommended as there is a lot of walking.

On-site Information

• The tour is conducted in English.
• Limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
• Wheelchair accessible.
• The War Memorial of Korea is closed every Monday, on January 1, and during the Seollal and Chuseok holidays.
• Opening hours are 09:30–18:00, with last entry at 17:00.
• Closing procedures begin at 17:40.
• Exploring the grounds and all exhibition halls involves a considerable amount of walking.
• The tour is family-friendly, but some exhibition content may be emotionally intense for children.
• Photography is allowed in most areas unless museum staff indicate otherwise.

Other

• Pets are not allowed (assistance dogs are allowed).
• Smoking (including indoors) and food and drinks are not allowed.
• Professional cameras and flash photography are not allowed.
• Do not touch the exhibits.