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Square & Landmark

Korean War Veterans Memorial

📍 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC, USA
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4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Washington
Category
Square & Landmark
Duration
30分钟
Address
900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC, USA
Coordinates
38.8878, -77.0477

Introduction

The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands in the National Mall of Washington D.C., adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated in 1995 to honor the Americans who served and fell during the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The most striking feature is a column of 19 larger-than-life stainless steel soldiers clad in ponchos and carrying rifles, advancing in patrol formation through a grove of juniper meant to evoke Korean rice paddies. Their faces are wary and exhausted, as if stepping into a freezing battlefield. The figures reflect onto a black granite wall etched with the faces of service members, medics, and chaplains. At the end of the wall the inscription Freedom Is Not Free reminds visitors of the cost of peace. A circular Pool of Unity symbolizes the cooperation of 22 United Nations nations. Through restrained and somber design, the memorial invites silent contemplation of sacrifice.

✨ Highlights

1
19 Soldier Statues
Stainless steel figures in patrol formation through juniper, weary and vividly lifelike
2
Etched Memorial Wall
Black granite wall bears faces of soldiers, medics, chaplains, blending with statue reflections
3
Freedom Is Not Free
The iconic inscription distills the cost of peace in four words
4
Pool of Unity
Circular pool honors cooperation of 22 UN nations; still water invites reflection
5
Night Illumination
Soft evening lighting on statues and wall deepens the somber mood
6
National Mall Setting
Adjacent to Lincoln Memorial; pairs well with nearby monuments

🛈 Practical Info

→Best Time to Visit:Early morning for solitude; late afternoon for soft photo light
→Duration:20 to 30 minutes of quiet reflection recommended
→Accessibility:Fully wheelchair accessible with no steps
→Opening Hours:Open 24 hours with evening lighting
→Ticket Information:Free
→Transportation:15-minute walk from Smithsonian Metro, or hop-on tour bus

💡 Tips

• Evening lighting adds dramatic tension and crowds are smallest
• Pair with Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in one walk
• Maintain a respectful quiet to honor the contemplative atmosphere
• Download the National Mall app for detailed audio interpretation

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Korean War Veterans Memorial?

Open 24 hours with evening lighting

How much is the admission for Korean War Veterans Memorial?

Free

Any practical tips for visiting Korean War Veterans Memorial?

Evening lighting adds dramatic tension and crowds are smallest Pair with Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial in one walk

How long should I spend at Korean War Veterans Memorial?

A typical visit takes 30分钟.

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