Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial to Be Relocated for Kansas City Stadium Project
Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial will be relocated as part of a planned Major League Baseball stadium development in Kansas City, Missouri, according to local Korean American community leaders.
While the relocation itself has been confirmed, key detailsโincluding the future site of the memorial and how the multi-million-dollar relocation will be fundedโhave yet to be finalized. Korean American organizations are continuing discussions with city officials to ensure the memorial’s historical significance is preserved throughout the process.
Why the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial Is Being Moved
According to the Korean Association of Greater Kansas City, the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial, currently located in Washington Square Park, will be relocated as part of a proposed 91-acre mixed-use redevelopment that includes a new home stadium for the Kansas City Royals.
The memorial was dedicated in September 2011 to honor more than 900 Missouri service members who lost their lives during the Korean War. Their names are engraved on the monument, making it both a place of remembrance and a lasting tribute to the sacrifices made during the conflict.
Construction of the memorial was made possible through a partnership between the city and private donors. Kansas City provided the land and contributed $100,000 toward the project, while an additional $270,000 was raised through private fundraising led by Korean American community members and Korean War veterans.
Kay Mun, president of the Korean Association of Greater Kansas City, told the Korea Daily that the Royals officially announced redevelopment plans for the Washington Square Park and Crown Center area in April.
“As a result, the Kansas City Council recently passed a resolution directing the city administration to evaluate potential relocation sites for the memorial,” Mun said. “The administration is expected to identify candidate locations and report back to the council by the end of this summer.”
Relocation Site and Funding Still Undecided
Once a new location is selected, the relocation process is expected to begin. However, finding a suitable replacement site remains one of the project’s biggest challenges.
Community leaders argue that the new location should maintain the memorial’s visibility and accessibility, ideally remaining in or near downtown Kansas City so that residents and visitors can continue to honor those who served.
Another unresolved issue is funding. Officials estimate that relocating the monument could cost several million dollars, but no agreement has been reached regarding who will cover the expense.
Mun said the parties responsible for initiating the redevelopment should also assume responsibility for relocation costs.
“We are working closely with city officials to ensure the memorial’s historical importance and symbolic value are fully preserved,” he said.
Nathan Willett, Kansas City’s 1st District council member, also addressed the issue in an interview with local television station KSHB.
“The relocation could cost several million dollars,” Willett said. “We are committed to identifying a permanent relocation site before stadium construction begins.”
Community Plans to Expand the Memorial
Rather than viewing the relocation as a setback, the Korean American community hopes it will become an opportunity to strengthen the memorial’s educational and historical impact.
The Korean Association of Greater Kansas City and other community organizations are considering adding new sculptures or statues honoring Korean War veterans at the future site. Their goal is to transform the memorial into a larger commemorative park where future generations can learn about the Korean War and the sacrifices made by American service members.
Mun emphasized that preserving the memorial goes beyond relocating a monument.
“The next generation must never forget that countless young Americans gave their lives to defend the freedom of South Korea,” he said. “Korean American organizations are working together to ensure their courage, sacrifice, and dedication continue to be remembered for generations to come.”
