If you have small children and you find that it is challenging to present answers to their tough questions about Korea at a child-appropriate level, we have a great way to answer those questions in a kid-friendly environment through play. The Children’s Museum at The War Memorial of Korea was created to help children understand the war history of Korea and to teach them the importance of freedom and peace. The Children’s Museum at The War Memorial of Korea is a free reservation-only museum open Tuesday through Sunday each week. Reservations can be made at https://www.warmemo.or.kr:8443/KidsEng/index.

The first exhibit area explains war, weapons, building strong fortresses, and hero stories. There are blocks that the children use to build/repair the fortress and interactive videos that celebrate war heroes. As you move to the next exhibit area the children are able to explore through activities that explain that Korean families lost everything and had to work hard to make Korea what it is today.  When you navigate through the museum, the division between North and South Korea is explained at an age-appropriate level, encouraging the children to promote peace and work together. The last exhibition room is all about the animals that helped during the war. There are puzzles, stamps, coloring, games, and more that help the children understand that everyone has a unique role. 

If you are unable to make a reservation at the children’s museum or your children are older, The War Memorial Museum is absolutely amazing. This free museum can be explored most Tuesdays through Sundays other than Korean Holidays opening at 0930. The exhibits within the museum explain in great detail the Korean War history including the international collaboration with the United Nations and the establishment of the United Nations Command. The museum does a wonderful job explaining Korean War history and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Throughout the main museum, there are interactive exhibits that allow one to get close to planes, tanks, ships, and more. The static displays outside of the museum are a lot of fun and include a ship that can be explored. Fish food can be purchased for $1 or 1,000krw for feeding the many fish at the pond in front of the museum. There is also a playground for children. This museum will take all day to explore and is worth visiting more than once. 

We are all blessed to have the tools to teach our children about the culture of the beautiful country we are in during this season of life. I encourage you to use your time in Korea to learn and teach your family as much as you can about Korea through intentional learning experiences.

About the Author

Kortnee is a military spouse, a yoga teacher, a homeschool mom, and a published author with more than a decade of experience in early and elementary childhood education. Her goal is to take parents on a journey with their children by integrating more opportunities for intentional learning daily through play. If you would like more activity ideas follow us on Instagram @intentionallearning.