At its peak, the camp held roughly 150,000 North Korean and 20,000 Chinese soldiers.
The camp was the site of a major rebellion in May 1952, resulting in the kidnapping of Camp Commander Brigadier General Francis Dodd.
The camp was officially closed in 1953 following the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
The site was converted into a park in 1997 to preserve the remaining ruins and historical records of the war.
Some of the displays include genuine personal belongings salvaged from the period of the camp's operation.
The Historic Park of Geoje POW Camp preserves the site of the largest prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, which held approximately 173,000 prisoners. The park occupies the actual site where the camp was established in 1951 to accommodate soldiers captured by the United Nations Command. It features dioramas, artifacts, and re-created living quarters to illustrate the daily conditions and ideological conflicts within the camp. Visitors can walk through reconstructed barracks, medical facilities, and administrative buildings. The exhibits highlight the 1952 incident where General Dodd was captured by prisoners. The park serves as an educational venue focusing on the history of the Korean War and the geopolitical tensions of the era. The site includes a monorail attraction and an outdoor theater.
The life-sized diorama scenes featuring realistic prisoner mannequins set against the mountain backdrop.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park covers a significant outdoor area with hilly terrain.
Bring a hat and sunscreen, as many parts of the exhibition are exposed to direct sunlight.
Check the monorail availability upon arrival, as it often sells out during weekends.
Do not mistake the entire park for a single museum building; it is a sprawling outdoor site that requires extensive walking.
Open year-round, but outdoor facilities may close during extreme weather events.
Maintain a respectful demeanor as the site is a memorial to war events.
