Historical places #2 in Yeongdong-gun

노근리평화공원

4.3 · 402 reviews
Formal and solemn
노근리평화공원, 683-2 Nogeun-ri, Hwanggan-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Interesting facts
1

The massacre occurred when US forces fired on a group of refugees trapped under a bridge, an event that remained largely suppressed for decades.

2

The park was established following a joint South Korea-US investigation that concluded in 2001.

3

It is the only site in Korea specifically dedicated to the victims of US military fire during the Korean War.

4

The memorial wall features the names of 226 confirmed victims inscribed in stone.

5

The park serves as a center for the 'Nogeun-ri International Peace Forum,' promoting discussions on peace and reconciliation.

Overview

Nogeun-ri Peace Park commemorates the civilian victims of the Nogeun-ri Massacre, which occurred during the early stages of the Korean War. The site spans 132,240 square meters and features the Nogeun-ri Peace Museum, a memorial wall, and a sculpture garden. The memorial center serves as a hub for human rights education and research into the events of July 1950. Visitors can explore the preserved railway underpass, where the tragedy took place, which is marked by bullet holes from the gunfire. The park is officially designated as a site of peace and historical reconciliation between South Korea and the United States. Its landscape is designed to encourage reflection on war and the importance of global human rights.

Photo spot

The interior of the railway underpass, where the juxtaposition of light and the physical bullet damage creates a powerful visual.

Insider tips

Walk through the memorial tunnel to see the original bullet holes in the stone structure.

Allow time to visit the indoor museum, which provides essential historical context for the outdoor memorial.

Check the park's official website for scheduled educational seminars or memorial ceremonies.

What to avoid

Treating the memorial structures as simple recreational photo opportunities rather than sites of historical mourning.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays and major public holidays.

Etiquette

Maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor, as the grounds function as a memorial to civilian victims.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures, as the memorial park is largely outdoors.
Address
노근리평화공원, 683-2 Nogeun-ri, Hwanggan-myeon, Yeongdong-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
36.212, 127.882
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsBullet-scarred railway bridge, Peace Museum historical archives, and the memorial wall.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Spring or autumn for comfortable walking temperatures, as the memorial park is largely outdoors..

The interior of the railway underpass, where the juxtaposition of light and the physical bullet damage creates a powerful visual.

Close by you'll find No Gun Ri bridge, 월류봉 광장, 영동 한천정사.

South Korea

About Yeongdong-gun