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| A simple breakfast of rice, Korean noodles & coffee fuels our day. |
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| Our itinerary for today is a 30-minute bus ride from Sineoldong to the War Memorial of Korea. |
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| Groupie for the travel attire for the day |
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| It's raining, but it will not stop us from moving on. |
This monument is the Statue of Brothers, one of the most symbolic sculptures at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.
It depicts an older South Korean soldier embracing his younger brother, a North Korean soldier, on the battlefield — symbolizing reconciliation, forgiveness, and the hope for reunification between the two Koreas.
The tall central structure represents the crack between the divided nation, while the bronze figures on both sides portray the pain and heroism of the Korean War.
Architectural design & architect
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The War Memorial of Korea is located at 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
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According to one architectural summary, the building was designed by Lee Sung‑gwan (sometimes spelled Lee Seong-gwan) under the firm Hanul Architects & Engineers Inc.
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The design concept emphasized two major roles: a memorial hall for paying tribute to those who served and died, and an urban park / open space atmosphere. The “Peace Plaza” at the core is described as a circular central square symbolizing the sanctity of the heavens.
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In terms of scale, one source gives “Total Area: 116,793 m²; Total floor area: 84,129 m²; Exhibition halls: 20,360 m²” for the complex.
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Architectural style: The building is post-modern in gesture, combining institutional/memorial scale with exhibition museum functions; the use of large exhibition halls, indoor/outdoor transition, and monumental outdoor military equipment displays around the building reflect its dual role as museum + memorial.
Spread across a wide plaza and open field surrounding the main memorial building, this area displays over 100 large-scale war machines from Korea and allied nations. It is designed to immerse visitors in the tangible history of warfare.
🚢 Naval Displays
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Patrol Boat No. 357 Replica: Honoring the sailors who died in the 2002 Battle of Yeonpyeong against North Korean forces.
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Torpedo & Missile Launchers: Displayed to illustrate maritime defense and modern naval warfare technology.
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A naval gun deck section and mini submarine exhibits demonstrate coastal defense systems used during inter-Korean maritime tensions.
✈️ Aircraft and Helicopters
F-86 Saber Jet: Used by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) during the Korean War era. It symbolizes Korea’s air combat modernization through U.S. assistance.
F-4D Phantom II: A twin-seat fighter-bomber used during the Cold War, known for its role in maintaining post-armistice defense.
F-5 Freedom Fighter: Light supersonic jet widely used by the ROKAF from the 1970s onward.
MD500 Light Helicopter (Hughes 500): Seen in your photo — used for reconnaissance and light attack missions.
UH-1H Iroquois (Huey): Iconic utility helicopter used extensively during the Vietnam War and by Korean forces abroad.
C-119 Flying Boxcar: Transport aircraft used for paratrooper drops and logistics during and after the Korean War.
🛡️ Tanks, Armored Vehicles, and Artillery
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M4A3E8 Sherman Tank: Symbol of the U.S. and South Korean armored operations during the Korean War.
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M26 Pershing & M48 Patton Tanks: Successors to the Sherman, used by ROK forces through the 1970s and 1980s.
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K1 MBT (Main Battle Tank): South Korea’s indigenous tank development, showing the country’s evolution into modern defense technology.
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Self-Propelled Howitzers (M109 & K55): Displayed to show firepower mobility advancement.
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Multiple Rocket Launchers & Anti-Aircraft Guns: Exhibit Korea’s increasing artillery capabilities during the Cold War defense buildup.
The warship shown in your photo is a replica of the “Geobukseon” or Turtle Ship, displayed at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.
🛶Brief Description:
The Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) was an armored warship designed and used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon Navy during the Imjin War (1592–1598) against Japanese invasions. It is considered one of the world’s earliest examples of an ironclad battleship.
🧭 2. Indoor Exhibitions (Memorial Halls and Historical Galleries)
Inside the building, the memorial presents a chronological and thematic journey through Korean military history.
🏹 Pre-modern Warfare Gallery
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Displays ancient Korean armor, bows, swords, and uniforms from dynasties such as Goguryeo, Joseon, and Goryeo.
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Includes scaled dioramas of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s “Turtle Ship” (Geobukseon) — one of the world’s earliest armored warships.
⚔️ Korean War Memorial Hall
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Contains original and restored firearms, mortars, communication devices, and field gear used during the 1950–1953 Korean War.
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The Battle of Inchon Landing, Seoul Recapture, and Battle of Pusan Perimeter are shown through detailed dioramas and multimedia presentations.
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Personal belongings of soldiers, letters, and uniforms bring emotional context to the exhibits.
🌏 International Forces Hall
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Honors the 16 UN member nations that fought alongside South Korea.
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Displays weapons, uniforms, and flags of allied forces, showing the scale of global involvement and sacrifice.
🕊️ Modern Defense & Peacekeeping Gallery
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Features modern ROK military technology: drones, digital battlefield systems, missiles, and peacekeeping uniforms from overseas missions.
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Emphasizes Korea’s transformation from a war-torn nation to a global peacekeeping contributor.
The Philippines was the first Asian country and one of the earliest United Nations member nations to send combat troops to aid South Korea during the Korean War (1950–1953).
🇵🇭 Brief Contribution Summary:
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Troop Deployment:
The Philippines deployed a total of 7,420 soldiers under the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) from 1950 to 1955. -
Military Units Sent:
Five Battalion Combat Teams (BCTs) were sent successively — the 10th, 20th, 19th, 14th, and 2nd BCTs — composed of both army and support personnel. -
Key Battles:
Filipino troops fought bravely in several major engagements, notably:-
Battle of Yultong (April 22–23, 1951): The 10th BCT heroically held their ground against a massive Chinese offensive, earning international recognition.
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Battle of Miudong and Hill Eerie: Showcased Filipino resilience and tactical skill in trench and hill warfare.
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Casualties:
About 112 Filipino soldiers were killed, 299 wounded, and 16 missing during the conflict.
Significance:
The Philippines’ involvement demonstrated solidarity with the United Nations’ call to defend democracy and peace, strengthening its international reputation as a peace-supporting nation.
It also forged a lasting friendship between the Philippines and South Korea, honored today through cultural exchanges, memorials, and monuments — including the Philippine–Korea Friendship Monument and tributes in Seoul’s War Memorial of Korea.
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| The Philippine flag is waving high and proud in South Korean soil. |
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