Korean War Veterans Memorial | Northwest Washington

Information

Landmark: Korean War Veterans Memorial
City: Northwest Washington
Country: USA Washington DC
Continent: North America

Korean War Veterans Memorial, Northwest Washington, USA Washington DC, North America

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a national monument located in Washington, D.C., USA. It honors the service members who fought in the Korean War.

Visual Characteristics

The memorial features a field of 19 larger-than-life stainless steel statues, each representing a soldier. These statues are arranged in a V-shape, facing a pool of water. The statues are positioned among strips of granite and juniper bushes. A black granite wall, etched with the faces of over 2,400 service members, runs along the north side of the memorial. The overall design aims to evoke the harsh conditions of the Korean peninsula.

Location & Access Logistics

The memorial is situated on the western side of the National Mall, adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. It is accessible from Independence Avenue SW and Constitution Avenue NW. Parking is limited in the immediate vicinity; visitors typically use parking garages in the downtown area or utilize public transportation. The closest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom-GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver lines) and Federal Triangle (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), both approximately a 15-minute walk away. Several bus routes serve the National Mall area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1986 and dedicated on July 27, 1995, the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting. The design was selected through a national competition. The site itself is part of the National Mall, a historically significant urban parkland.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the 19 statues, which depict soldiers in combat gear. The Pool of Remembrance offers a reflective space. The Wall of Remembrance displays etched images of service members. Visitors can walk among the statues and read the names on the wall. Photography is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the nearby Lincoln Memorial. Shade is provided by the juniper bushes and the granite wall. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are typically located along the National Mall, but not directly at the memorial.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination on the statues and wall. The memorial is accessible year-round. Weather is most favorable for outdoor visits during spring (April-May) and fall (September-October).

Facts & Legends

A specific detail often noted is that the 19 statues are made of stainless steel and are spaced to create a sense of movement and vigilance. The memorial's design intentionally avoids specific battle depictions, focusing instead on the collective experience of the soldiers.