Not that I like war, but the War Memorial of Korea was worth visiting.
Korea has long bloody history of battles and hardships. The Memorial has done a wonderful job of displaying Korea’s strength and endurance. This country has been invaded, attacked and colonized by other countries. Still today, they feel the effects of the cold war being a divided country between North and South. Through all this, the people of Korea have held onto their culture and heritage with pride.
Created as a national treasure, this is a drum of war. The detail was stunning.
Oh and a few months ago I made this tiny model of a dragon boat, but I had no idea what exactly it was…
…now I do. 
It’s actually a Turtle Battleship, an important Korean military invention. Notice the spikes on top! Canons poked out tiny holes surrounding the ship. Plus, it was small enough to maneuver easily in rough waters.
The Memorial was filled with everything from ancient relics of battle to jet fighter planes. Off to the side of the main building was an entire field full of military planes, tanks and ships. It was also interesting to see that a wedding was taking place in the middle of all these vehicles of war. People can use a designated open square outside of the Memorial for weddings. Apparently it happens quite often. Weird.
<– Statue of Brothers
This memorial was built to represent the split between North and South. Many families were separated when the country divided. Inside the dome, beautiful mosaic tile depicted Korean flags. Light shined through colorful stained glass in bright oranges and reds through the crack/divide of the two representative sides.
Touching and informative, I walked away with a sadness for this strange country that I have come to love.
Directions: the easiest way is to take a bus because it lets you off at the gate, but if you take Line #4 on the subway it’s a 3 minute walk from Exit 12.
