Korean War Veterans Memorial
National Mall—sample rating
Ron Cogswell, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About Korean War Veterans Memorial
The Korean War Veterans Memorial, dedicated in 1995, depicts a squad of 19 larger-than-life stainless steel statues representing a multiethnic patrol advancing through rugged terrain, reflected in a polished granite wall etched with photographic images of support troops. The adjacent Pool of Remembrance and a wall inscribed with the phrase 'Freedom Is Not Free' complete the memorial. Located near the Lincoln Memorial on the southwest corner of the National Mall, it commemorates the more than 36,000 Americans killed and the many more wounded or missing during the 1950-1953 conflict, often called the 'Forgotten War.' The memorial is free and open 24 hours, and is particularly striking at night when the statues are illuminated, casting eerie reflections.
Why visit
Its haunting statues of advancing soldiers make it one of the most visually striking memorials, especially at night.
Best time to visit
Visit after dark to see the ghostly lit statues reflected in the granite wall.
Recommended duration
Allow about 0.5 hours (30 minutes).
Opening hours
- Every day
- 00:00-23:59
Open 24 hours; staffed by rangers roughly 9:30am-11:30pm. No tickets required.
Information may change — verify details before visiting.
Location
10 Daniel French Dr SW, Washington, DC 20024
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Nearby attractions
National Mall
A vast open-air national park stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, lined with iconic monuments and Smithsonian museums.
Washington Monument
A 555-foot marble obelisk honoring George Washington, offering sweeping views of DC from its observation level.
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
A domed neoclassical monument on the Tidal Basin honoring Thomas Jefferson, surrounded by famous cherry blossom trees.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
A granite memorial on the Tidal Basin featuring a colossal carved likeness of Dr. King emerging from a 'Stone of Hope.'
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
A sprawling outdoor memorial along the Tidal Basin divided into four outdoor 'rooms' representing FDR's four terms in office.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A stark black granite wall inscribed with the names of more than 58,000 U.S. service members who died or went missing in the Vietnam War.
Nearby restaurants
Zaytinya
Mediterranean · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Ben's Chili Bowl
American / Comfort Food · $ · U Street
Mi Vida
Mexican · $$ · Navy Yard / Waterfront
Ambar Capitol Hill
Balkan · $$ · Capitol Hill
Centrolina
Italian · $$$ · Downtown / Penn Quarter
Maketto
Cambodian / Taiwanese · $$ · Capitol Hill
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Stay near National Mall
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