Korean War Veterans Memorial: Honor Fallen Heroes at the Striking ‘Mournin‍g Wall’ & Reflective Pool on the National Mall

Claim to Fame

Dedicated in 1995, the Korean War Veterans Memorial’s stainless-steel soldier statues and 164-foot wall of etched faces pay tribute to the 1.8 million Americans who served in the “Forgotten War.”

📌 Navigating Korean War Veterans Memorial : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Washrooms are available within walking distance at nearby facilities.
Hours of Operation: The memorial is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Important Information: Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and to observe the memorial's solemn atmosphere.
Admission Fee: Admission to the memorial is free of charge.
How Long to Visit: Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the memorial.
Parking: Parking is available near the memorial, with designated spaces for visitors.
Family Friendly: The site is family-friendly, offering a space for reflection and education for all ages.
Photography: Photography is encouraged, especially of the striking statues and reflective wall.
WIFI: There is no public Wi-Fi available at the memorial.
Picnic Area: Picnicking is not permitted in the immediate area of the memorial.
Handicap Accessible: The memorial is handicap accessible, featuring paved pathways and ramps.
Pets: Pets are not allowed on the memorial grounds to maintain a respectful environment.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available and can provide deeper insights into the memorial's significance.
Restaurant or Cafe: There are no on-site restaurants or cafes, but nearby options can be found within walking distance.
Gift Shop: There is no dedicated gift shop at the memorial, but local vendors nearby may offer souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Korean War Veterans Memorial

Located southeast of the Lincoln Memorial on Constitution Gardens’ edge, the Korean War Veterans Memorial immerses visitors in a moving tableau of 19 larger-than-life stainless-steel figures—depicted on patrol amid stylized juniper bushes. Opposite, the “Mournin‍g Wall,” a curved granite panel etched with 2,500 soldier faces, and a still Reflective Pool along its base, invite solemn reflection on sacrifice and service during the 1950–53 conflict.

What to Expect

Approach via the grassy Mall lawn and follow the flag-lined pathway to the patrol of statues; note the soldiers’ varied gear and determined expressions. Beyond, walk along the polished granite Mournin‍g Wall—view mirrored faces of comrades in combat and pause at names of those missing in action. The adjacent Reflective Pool’s calm surface reflects the statues and sky, creating an atmosphere of remembrance. Ranger-led “Patrol Talks” (weekends) share veterans’ stories and design symbolism.

Background and Cultural Context

Authorized by Congress in 1986 and designed by Frank Gaylord, the memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995—marking the Korean Armistice Day’s 42nd anniversary. Its imagery evokes a “walk to freedom” along rugged terrain, while the Mournin‍g Wall recalls World War II’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial concept. As the nation’s primary tribute to Korean War service, it underscores the conflict’s lasting legacy and the valor of those who defended democracy on the Korean Peninsula.

The National Park Service maintains the site year-round, hosting annual Memorial Day and Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremonies, plus “Korean Armistice Observance” events each July. Educational programs connect younger generations with firsthand veteran accounts and historical context.

Best Time to Visit

Early morning (8–10 AM) weekdays offer serene light on the stainless figures and minimal crowds. Late afternoon (4–6 PM) casts warm tones on the granite wall and pool. Memorial Day and Korean Armistice Day (July 27) feature formal ceremonies—arrive early for seating at the flag plaza. Autumn (September–October) provides mild weather and fewer visitors on the Mall.

How to Get There

The memorial sits at 2 Lincoln Memorial Circle NW. Metro: Blue/Orange/Silver to Smithsonian station, then a 10-minute walk past the Washington Monument. Circulator buses and Metrobus routes serve Constitution Avenue. Limited street parking is available on nearby avenues; public transit or bike share is recommended. The paths and plaza are wheelchair-accessible, with gentle slopes from the Mall level.

Photo Opportunities

Sunrise light illuminating the patrol of stainless-steel soldier statues among juniper plantings
Close-up of a soldier’s determined gaze and detailed gear in the statue grouping
Reflections of the Mournin‍g Wall’s etched faces in the adjacent Reflective Pool
Wide shot capturing the semi-circle of flags framing the memorial plaza
Evening silhouette of the soldier patrol against a dusky sky

Travel Tips

Bring a veterans’ service pin or small token to leave respectfully at the wall’s base.
Pick up the free memorial brochure at the entrance kiosk to locate veteran stories and design notes.
Allow 30–45 minutes to experience the statues, wall, and pool at a thoughtful pace.
Combine with nearby Lincoln and Vietnam Veterans Memorials for a comprehensive veterans’ tour.
Wear comfortable shoes—the plaza surfaces are smooth but expansive.

FAQs

Is admission required?
No—entry and access to the memorial are free, and it is open 24 hours daily.

Are guided tours available?
Yes—National Park Service ranger talks run daily at 10 AM and 2 PM; private guided tours can be booked through authorized providers.

Can I touch the statues?
Yes—while touching is allowed, please be respectful and avoid climbing or sitting on memorial elements.

Is photography allowed?
Yes—non-commercial photography is permitted; tripods and professional equipment require Park Service approval.

Final Thoughts

The Korean War Veterans Memorial stands as a poignant testament to service, sacrifice, and the enduring quest for freedom. Its evocative design and reflective elements offer a deeply moving encounter with history—ensuring “The Forgotten War” is rightfully remembered on the National Mall.

Things To Do near Korean War Veterans Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to Lincoln Memorial is 0.5 Kilometer(s) / 0.3 Mile(s)

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to Vietnam Veterans Memorial is 0.6 Kilometer(s) / 0.4 Mile(s)

Washington Monument

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to Washington Monument is 1.6 Kilometer(s) / 1 Mile(s)

White House

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to White House is 2.3 Kilometer(s) / 1.4 Mile(s)

National Museum of American History

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to National Museum of American History is 2.4 Kilometer(s) / 1.5 Mile(s)

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History is 3.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.9 Mile(s)

National Mall

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to National Mall is 3.4 Kilometer(s) / 2.1 Mile(s)

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is 3.9 Kilometer(s) / 2.4 Mile(s)

National Gallery of Art

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to National Gallery of Art is 3.9 Kilometer(s) / 2.4 Mile(s)

U.S. Capitol Building

The Distance from Korean War Veterans Memorial to U.S. Capitol Building is 5.3 Kilometer(s) / 3.3 Mile(s)

📘 Washington Visitors Travel Information

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Did You Know? - Facts About Korean War Veterans Memorial

The memorial features 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers, representing the different branches of the U.S. military, depicted as walking through rugged terrain, symbolizing the hardships faced during the war.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the 5.8 million Americans who served in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953, with a special focus on the 36,574 who lost their lives.

The memorial also includes the "Pool of Remembrance," a reflective pool surrounded by benches, offering a quiet place for visitors to honor and remember the sacrifices made by the soldiers.

The memorial’s Wall of Remembrance, which was added in 2022, is inscribed with the names of American soldiers who died during the conflict, as well as the numbers of allied and South Korean troops who were killed, wounded, or missing.

The soldiers in the memorial stand in formation, reflecting in the adjacent black granite wall, which bears the inscription "Freedom Is Not Free," a reminder of the cost of freedom.