Korea's modern-history sites are the route that helps foreigners understand the country most deeply. Traces of the Korean War, Japanese occupation, division and the Cold War, and the Jeju 4.3 events remain across Seoul, the DMZ, Busan, and Jeju.
Six areas
- Seoul: War Memorial, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Hyochang Park (best subway access)
- DMZ (Paju): Imjingak, Dorasan Station, the Third Tunnel (shuttle tour required)
- Busan: UN Memorial Cemetery, Provisional Capital Memorial (the wartime refuge capital)
- Jeju: 4.3 Peace Park, Alddreu Airfield (rental car recommended)
- Ganghwa and Geoje: modern battle sites and the Geoje POW Camp park
Tips
Most sites are free or cheap. Viewed factually without politics, they let foreigners grasp Korea's modern history comfortably.
Guide to modern-history site courses across Seoul, DMZ, Busan, and Jeju