Are there events for the public on Armed Forces Day?

Question

Just the title. I won't have class and I've seen military members doing performances online but I never knew what it was for. Is it a part of armed forces day? Also is it open to the public? If not, is there anything holiday specific to do? Thanks! 😊

jessika · Answer

honestly the public events for armed forces day are pretty spread out across the city, not just one parade. the air force does a flyover near yeouido around 10am and you can see the black eagles team from the park if the weather's good. if u want something different, the military usually sets up a small exhibition at seoul plaza with tanks and helicopters you can actually climb into, it's free and way less crowded than the main parade route

lara · Answer

Armed Forces Day (Gukgunui Nal) on October 1st usually includes the big parade near Seoul Station or along Yongsan area, and it's open to the public. You can just show up along the route to watch the military bands and vehicles roll by. If you want something more low-key, the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan often has special exhibits or free entry that day, and it's a solid alternative if the parade crowds aren't your thing.

poldi · Answer

yeah october 1st is armed forces day and they do the big parade along yulgok-ro past the war memorial, it's totally open to the public. if you're near gangnam instead of yongsan, the korean army often sets up small demo booths at coex or even at the seoul lan cable car plaza on namsan, just check the district office site for exact times. the parade is cool but gets packed quick so get there by 9am if u want a spot near the front

kirstinwuest · Answer

oh the black eagles usually do a practice run a day or two before too, if u miss the actual day. i've seen them over the han river near banpo bridge around 2pm but it's not an official event, just a nice bonus if ur in the area. for the actual holiday, the cheonggyecheon stream area sometimes has smaller military band performances in the afternoon, way more chill than the main parade and u can grab a coffee from one of the cafes along the stream while watching

Neu aus Seoul