Korean War Veterans Memorial is a free outdoor national memorial listed at 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024, in West Potomac Park, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial. Dedicated on July 27, 1995, it honors those who served during the Korean War of 1950–1953. Travelers come for its nineteen stainless-steel soldiers, photographic mural wall, and contemplative landscape, where the inscription “Freedom Is Not Free” gives the military imagery its human weight.
What to Expect at Korean War Veterans Memorial
Begin beside the patrol: nineteen larger-than-life figures sculpted by Frank Gaylord, wearing windblown ponchos and carrying period equipment. The group represents Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force personnel advancing through rough terrain. Juniper plantings and granite strips evoke Korea’s landscape rather than a ceremonial parade ground. From the right angle, the polished mural wall doubles the soldiers through reflection, suggesting thirty-eight figures—a reference to the 38th parallel that divided Korea.
Continue along Louis Nelson’s black-granite mural, which incorporates more than 2,400 photographic images of service personnel and supporting activities. Its faces broaden the story beyond infantry combat. The route leads toward the Pool of Remembrance and the Wall of Remembrance, dedicated in 2022. These are distinct features: the original mural presents faces, while the later wall records names. The memorial’s July dedication dates recall the July 27, 1953, armistice, which halted fighting without producing a peace treaty.
- The Patrol: Nineteen steel figures convey alertness, fatigue, and the difficult conditions experienced by troops in Korea.
- Mural Wall: A roughly 164-foot polished granite surface combines photographic portraits with reflections of the sculpted soldiers.
- Wall of Remembrance: Names honor 36,574 American service members and 7,174 Korean Augmentation to the United States Army personnel who died.
- Pool of Remembrance: A circular pool, surrounding trees, and benches create space for a quiet pause beyond the statues.
- United Nations Wall: A low wall recognizes the twenty-two nations that contributed troops or medical support to the United Nations effort.
Korean War Veterans Memorial at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 900 Ohio Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024; memorial beside Daniel French Drive SW |
| Neighborhood / Area | West Potomac Park, western National Mall |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: open 24 hours |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; no ticket or reservation required; $ budget tier |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Foggy Bottom–GWU Metro, Blue/Orange/Silver lines, approximately 20–25 minutes on foot; limited metered parking along Ohio Drive SW |
| Official Website & Phone | National Park Service; +1 202-426-6841 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early for softer light and more space to study the faces, or return after dusk when lighting changes the patrol’s appearance. Summer afternoons can be hot and humid; carry water and use the shaded seating near the pool. Autumn foliage adds color around the granite without obscuring the central composition. Photography is welcome, but keep paths clear and stay outside the planted statue field. Check NPS conditions and alerts before traveling, especially around major ceremonies and security restrictions.
From Foggy Bottom–GWU, walk south along 23rd Street toward the Lincoln Memorial, then follow paths around its south side. Drivers should expect limited metered spaces rather than a dedicated memorial garage; read posted restrictions on Ohio Drive. Paved, step-free routes reach the principal memorial features, and benches offer resting places, though distances across the Mall can challenge wheelchair users and families with strollers. Pair your visit with the Lincoln Memorial, about five minutes away, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, roughly ten minutes away, or the World War II Memorial, around fifteen minutes east along the Reflecting Pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when is the best time to visit?
The memorial is open 24 hours daily, including evenings and holidays. Early morning suits close observation and photography; after dark, illumination gives the steel figures a markedly different presence.
Do I need tickets or reservations?
No tickets, admission payment, or reservations are required for an independent visit. For ranger-led interpretation or special events, check the official visit-planning page for current arrangements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes to follow the patrol, examine the mural, and read the remembrance inscriptions. Budget about an hour if you want to locate a name or spend time in quiet reflection.
Is the memorial accessible and suitable for children?
Paved routes provide step-free access to the main features, with benches near the remembrance area. Children are welcome, and no formal dress code applies; explain that this is a place of mourning and keep climbing and play away from the monuments.
When planning your Washington D.C. travel guide or comparing verified attractions and memorial park in Washington D.C., pair this stop with standout local spots including Grand Hyatt Washington, Planet Word, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, and Lincoln Memorial (0.3 km away).
