Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Basics
The Korean War Veterans Memorial sits in West Potomac Park, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial. Visiting on one of the many guided tours available offers additional details and historical insights about the memorial. You can bike through the National Mall with a small group, visit the memorial at night on a moonlit tour, or stop by on a sightseeing tour throughout the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- National Park Service rangers are on duty to answer questions from 9:30am to 10pm.
- Interpretive programs are available throughout the day and upon request.
- An Honor Roll computer located near the west entrance allows visitors to look up military personnel who lost their lives during the war.
- The site is wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
You can reach the Korean War Veterans Memorial by public transit combined with a walk from the nearest Metro and bus stops. For Metro riders, stop at the Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, or Foggy Bottom stations, each about a 20-minute walk from the memorial. Metro bus routes 32, 34, and 36 and the DC Circulator’s National Mall route will also bring you within walking distance of the memorial. Alternatively, you can avoid navigating public transport and book a tour with door-to-door service.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The memorial is open 24-hours a day, allowing you to avoid the busy times on the National Mall (mid-day and weekends) and visit the site during the quiet morning or evening hours. You can also visit the well-lit memorial at night.
The Symbology of the Statues at the Korean War Veterans Memorial
The 19 stainless steel statues marching through the juniper bushes represent a platoon made up of soldiers from each branch of the US armed forces moving through the Korean landscape. When the statues are reflected on the black granite walls beside them, their appearances multiply to create 38 figures. This represents the 38th parallel—the dividing line of North and South Korea during the conflict—and the 38 months of war.
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