Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates Americans who served in the Korean War and is located on the northwest corner of the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. The memorial was dedicated on July 27, 1995 and honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. personnel during the conflict.

The memorial features 19 stainless steel statues representing a squad on patrol, a low reflective pool, and a polished granite Mural Wall with photographic images. A nearby inscription and a wall listing the dates of the war add context to the sculptural elements.

The memorial was designed by a team led by Frank Gaylord and incorporates sculpture and landscape elements to create a contemplative space. Since its dedication it has become a common site for remembrance ceremonies and visitor visits.

Situated on the National Mall, the memorial sits just southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and is within walking distance of numerous other Washington memorials and museums.

Viewing tips: Best viewed in daylight to see the 19 stainless steel soldier statues and the adjacent Mural Wall; evenings show up-lighting on some elements but fewer interpretive materials are available.

How to Get to Korean War Veterans Memorial #

The Korean War Veterans Memorial is on the National Mall near 23rd Street and Independence Avenue SW, just southeast of the Lincoln Memorial. It’s within easy walking distance of Washington Metro stations-Foggy Bottom‑GWU (Blue, Orange, Silver) is about a 10-15 minute walk to the memorial, and the memorial is also reachable on foot from Smithsonian/other Mall stations; by car use Independence Ave SW and nearby Mall parking options.

Tips for Visiting Korean War Veterans Memorial #

See the memorial at first light or after sunset-the statues and the Mural Wall take on dramatic lighting and the site is far less crowded than midday beside the National Mall.
Combine this stop with the nearby Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Reflecting Pool-they're all within a short walk, making an efficient loop for a single visit.
Approach the memorial from the north/south pedestrian paths along the Reflecting Pool for the best photo angles that capture the formation of the soldier statues and the wall behind them.

Best Time to Visit Korean War Veterans Memorial #

Best visited in spring (around cherry blossom season) or on weekday mornings in fall/winter to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy mild weather.

Spring (Mar-May)

Mar-May · 40-70°F (4-21°C)

One of the nicest times to visit the National Mall area-mild weather and high tourist numbers, especially during cherry blossom season.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Jun-Aug · 70-95°F (21-35°C)

Hot, humid, and the busiest time for tourists-expect large crowds and limited shade around outdoor memorials.

Fall & Winter (Sep-Feb)

Sep-Feb · 25-65°F (-4-18°C)

Fall offers cooler, pleasant conditions and fewer tourists; winter is colder with the fewest visitors-weekdays and early mornings are the quietest times to visit the memorial.

Weather & Climate near Korean War Veterans Memorial #

Climate

Korean War Veterans Memorial's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1038 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

32°

Warmest Month

-4°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions