This is a large and impressive museum, which covers the full military history of Korea – although obviously the Korean War is a large part of that. The galleries are well presented and bilingual. The focus is (understandably) on land forces, so the naval element is relatively limited – but I learnt, for example, that a South Korean destroyer-launched helicopter had conducted a successful ASM strike on a North Korean vessel in 1983 – something I hadn’t heard of before. There is a large equipment park outside containing all manner of tanks, guns, helicopters and aircraft (up to and including a B-52).From a naval aspect, the primary attraction is the Chamsuri-class Fast Patrol Craft (PKM-357) - which was lost at the second Battle of Yeonpyeong in 2002 (and subsequently salvaged). Note that this isn't the real PKM-357 - it is a replica that was manufactured by the Republic of Korea Navy specifically for commemorative and exhibition purposes, and given mock battle damage to replicate PKM-357. While some display components were sourced from decommissioned units, the vessel itself did not serve as an active patrol boat. The actual PKM-357 is preserved as a museum ship at the ROKN 2nd Fleet Command in Pyeongtaek.In addition to PKM-357, there is a North Korean fast semi-submersible which was captured during a North Korean raid in 1983, and there are also a number of naval guns included in the equipment park.Inside the museum building, one of the galleries is dedicated to the current Korean Navy, and it includes a very large (>20') model of the Aegis destroyer Sejong the Great.Entrance to the museum is free, and it is easily accessible by public transport (it has its own metro station). All signage is bilingual.Everything about this museum is well-done, and I found it a pretty moving experience due to a familial connection to the Korean war. A visit is highly recommended if you are in Seoul.
