Overview
At dawn on 1 September 1939, the German battleship Schleswig-Holstein shelled the Polish military outpost here, marking the start of World War II. The 182 Polish defenders held out heroically for seven days against overwhelming German forces, and their stand became a symbol of Polish courage. A 25m memorial stands on the site, and the ruined barracks and guardhouses remain as tangible reminders of history. Free entry. Reachable from the Old Town by ferry (about 40 minutes) or bus 106.
Travel Tips
Taking the ferry is recommended for scenic river and harbour views along the way. There are no vendors on site, so bring water.
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🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers
Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Gdańsk, Poland from Seoul (ICN).
Korean Passport · Visa
Check visa rules for Poland on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.
Flight from Incheon (ICN)
Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Gdańsk on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.
KRW ↔ Local Currency
Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.
Korean Community · Korean Food
Many cities have an active Korean community in Gdańsk with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Gdańsk 한인" before you go.
Attractions near Westerplatte Memorial
Tap a pin on the map to jump to that attraction.
European Solidarity Centre
A modern museum dedicated to the history of Poland's Solidarity movement.
📍 4.9km away
St. Mary's Basilica
The world's largest brick church, whose tower offers a panoramic city view.
📍 6.5km away
Things to Do in Gdańsk
Old Town Canal Cruise
Cruise the Motława River past Gdańsk's historic port, medieval crane, and Granary Island, taking in the colorful waterfront architecture.
Sopot Beach & Pier Walk
Stroll along Sopot Molo, Europe's longest wooden pier (511m), and enjoy the Baltic Sea views. Just 20 minutes from Gdańsk by SKM train.
European Solidarity Centre Visit
Visit this modern museum documenting the Solidarity movement, with interactive exhibits tracing the journey from communism to democracy.