An impressive small museum in Mangwon Hangang Park in central Seoul, with three preserved warships.
The modern Ulsan-class frigate Seoul is in the river. This ship is a near-sister to the Masan at Ganghwa Battleship Park, and the Ulsan at the Jangsaegnpo Whaling Museum – the most obvious differences being that she has no 76mm gun on the stern, and no depth charge racks. The ships controlled-pitch propellers, have both been removed, and are mounted in the park along with a short length of propeller shaft.
There is a marked tour route that takes you through the interior of the frigate, covering pretty much the entirety of the ship from 1-deck upwards, plus a short detour down to 2-deck amidships into the Machinery Control Room and one of the mess-decks. Of the three Ulsan class frigates visited, Seoul is probably the most complete, and in the best condition, and unlike the other two, she still has her Mistral missile launcher fitted.
The second ship is the Chamsuri-class patrol ship PKM-285, which is mounted up on the stocks. Access is provided throughout the entire ship, however it is noted that the propulsion machinery is no longer fitted.
The final ship is the small Dolgorae-class coastal submarine SSM-053, which has been ‘integrated’ into the museum building, with the bow and stern sticking out each side of the building, and the side of the submarine cut open to provide access. This is quite an interesting submarine, and quite different to any others I have visited. Mounting it in a building the way they have provides a level of access which would have otherwise been difficult in such a small boat, however it does make it rather difficult to get photographs of the entire submarine.
Entry to the museum costs approximately AUD$3, and it is a short walk from suburban bus routes in central Seoul.
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