The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a powerful and moving tribute to the thousands of American soldiers who perished in the Korean War. During the 1950-53 conflict, U.S. and Allied troops helped South Korean forces resist invasion by North Korea.
See the Field of Service, 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers in combat formation emerging from a patch of trees. They include an ethnic cross-section of America and represent all members of the country’s armed forces. The United Nations Wall lists the 22 countries that participated in the war.
Spend quiet moments by the Pool of Remembrance, a small circular water feature bordered by a ring of benches under a grove of trees. Note the casualty statistics engraved on granite blocks near the pool. They list the number of soldiers who were killed, wounded, captured and missing in action. See the large granite wall engraved with the famous words “Freedom is not free.”
Study the reflective Mural Wall etched with the images of land, air and sea troops who supported the foot soldiers. The 41 panels of granite extend 164 feet (50 metres) in length. When viewed from a distance the mural resembles Korea’s mountain ranges.
This memorial is close to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. The nearest metro stops are Foggy Bottom and Smithsonian. Paid street parking is available nearby. Handicapped-accessible parking can be found adjacent to the memorial on Daniel Chester French Drive SW.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial is open 24 hours a day. Plan to spend at least thirty minutes here, longer if you take one of the free guided tours. These include visits to other monuments of the National Mall, such as the Lincoln Memorial. For more information about tours, visit the National Parks Service website and click on the page for the Korean War Veterans Memorial.
