Philadelphia Korean War Memorial

 

The Korean War Memorial is dedicated to local Korean War veterans killed and missing in action. The memorial specifically recognizes those who gave their lives in sacrifice from Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties, serving as an area-wide memorial. This site is especially popular during patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Friends, relatives and caretakers leave memorial wreaths and flags at the Korean War Memorial.

The memorial exists at the center of Foglietta Plaza. As you enter from the city side, you’ll notice “The Final Farewell,” a sculpture created by Lorann Jacobs in 2007. The sculpture depicts a Korean War soldier kneeling reverently.

The Penn’s Landing (east) side of the monument features a presentation of American and armed forces branch flags. There are also levels of steps ideal for reflecting, socializing or eating lunch. The plaza is also lined with benches, making the site ideal for a small patriotic gathering.

The memorial itself consists of several large, polished stones. The outer stones have been laser etched with words and photographs of Korean War heroes as well as the ships participating in the war that carried men and women from the Philadelphia area. Among them is the U.S.S. New Jersey, which now sits across the river in Camden, NJ. (The New Jersey is also accessible for public tours.)

The text on these stones describes American military strategy in the Korean War and the different phases of the war. Some featured text highlights the achievements of women and African American soldiers in the war. The leaner interior stones feature a full list of names of those from the represented counties who gave their lives in service. A Purple Heart medallion sits at the top of these markers.

If you are attempting to get a cab to drop you off or pick you up here, you’ll have to head to the north side of the plaza (facing the towers). Cabs and other vehicles are prohibited from parking at other locations nearby, even just to pick up or drop off. To get a cab here, stand on the northwest corner of the plaza—the cab driver can see you at his approach and you can easily move to the legal pickup location. It is usually relatively easy to get a cab in this location as cabs take this route to and from South Street and Columbus Boulevard, often without passengers.

HelloPhildelphia Tip: This location is accessible to visitors in wheelchairs. The plaza is surrounded by a street, but signage and crosswalks make it easily accessible to pedestrians. The plaza is lit at night; several lights sit around the edges of the memorial.

- by Tara M. Clapper, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Tara M. Clapper

Tara M. Clapper is a full-time freelance writer residing just outside of Philadelphia. Tara enjoys exploring traditional and historical locations in the city as well as quirky and innovative restaurants and attractions. Tara utilizes her background in academic, service-based and traditional publishing to create insider-perspective articles. Her topics of interest include travel, weddings, Irish American culture, and geek subculture.