Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

7.3Km    2024-12-02

251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Prison was built under the Japanese administration to imprison independence movement activists. It first opened on October 21, 1908 under the name Gyeongseong Prison. Eventually, so many activists were imprisoned that the building had to be expanded. At that time, the name changed to Seodaemun Prison on September 3, 1912. Eighty years later, the prison was turned into Seodaemun Independence Park on August 15, 1992 to commemorate the Korean patriots who were tortured in prison, giving their lives for freedom. Of the many buildings, only seven were preserved for their historical significance, among which three prison buildings and the execution site were designated as a Historic Site. In 1998, the park underwent another transformation into today's Seodaemun Prison History Hall to educate the public on the importance of Korea's independence and the sacrifices of those who fought to achieve it.

Olivine Spa (올리바인 스파)

7.3Km    2025-10-23

4-1 Tongil-ro 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Chosen as one of the 25 recommended wellness tourist destinations by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, Olivine Spa operates a luxury spa and a beauty & slimming center in downtown. The spa also provides professional pre-natal and post-natal massage, body shape care, and various beauty programs in partnership with Seran General Hospital and Olivium (a postpartum care center). Olivine Spa provides massages by top-tier therapists in the industry who will relieve fatigue and eliminate toxins accumulated through daily life. They will help your body become healthier and more balanced, ensuring customer satisfaction. Furthermore, Olivine Spa uses Swiss premium brands Les Nouvels Aroma and Darphin in their programs. Its beauty & slimming center provides customized consulting and various beauty-related medical programs in partnership with medical staff at Seran General Hospital.

Heroes of Independence Look at the Stars (독립의 영웅, 별을 보다)

7.4Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동)

Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion (북악스카이 팔각정)

7.5Km    2024-12-31

267 Bugaksan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion exudes a tranquil, serene beauty regardless of the season. The pavilion, which sits on Bugaksan's 1,652,900 square meter summit at an altitude of 345 meters, was built in a traditional Korean-style and became a popular attraction within the city. There are also spaces for visitors to enjoy food and drinks.

Always August Roasters (올웨이즈 어거스트 로스터스)

7.5Km    2025-08-20

19 Mangwon-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1384-1622

Located near Mangwon Market, this cafe is sandwiched between tranquil residential buildings, so it is a good place to enjoy a cup and some desserts in peace. The joint serves great coffee and desserts, which go even better together. Its placement on the first floor means that one can get some sun and feel the tranquil atmosphere of Mangwon-dong, a different side of Seoul as a city. Note that this place also offers alcoholic beverages in the form of wine, so if you are up for a longer stay, you can indulge in the wine card curated by the management.

Mangwon Market (망원시장)

7.5Km    2025-07-11

27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangwon Market is one of the representative traditional markets of Seoul. Its proximity to both Mangnidan Street and Hangang Park makes it a great place to do some shopping in preparation for a riverside picnic. The market isn’t very large, but it is packed with delicious treats.  One can find classics like the deep-fried and braised chicken, braised pigs' feet, crispy deep-fried green chili pepper, and other snack fare there, along with stores offering food and lifestyle items for some browsing.

Seoul Battleship Park (서울함공원)

7.5Km    2025-07-14

407 Maponaru-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Seoul Battleship Park is the city's first-ever battleship-themed park established through a sisterhood relationship with the city of Seoul and by using three retired vessels - Seoul-ham, Chamsuri, and a submarine - that had retired after serving the mission of protecting Korea's waters for 30 years. The three vessels whose original appearances have been preserved intact offer unique exhibits and entertainment and aim to present a special experience to citizens who visit Seoul Hangang Park through new and exciting things to see and enjoy.

Heojun Museum (허준박물관)

7.6Km    2021-08-13

87, Heojun-ro, Gangseo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3661-8686

The Heojun Museum opened in honor of the academic accomplishments and charitable deeds of the renowned medical scientist, Heojun of the Joseon dynasty. Located next to Heojun Neighborhood Park, the museum collects and displays Heojun related materials.

Mangnidan Street (망리단길)

7.6Km    2025-05-20

Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangnidan Street is located near Poeun-ro, which can be reached in about 6 to 8 minutes of leisurely walk toward Mangwon Hangang Park from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line 6. Its name comes from the combination of Mangwon-dong and the Gyeongnidan Street in Itaewon, meaning the “Gyeongnidan Street of Mangwon-dong.” There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and other small shops, each with their own charm, making it a great place to take the kids shopping or just get some rest. This place is quite close to Mangwon Market, so visitors can stop by the market if time allows. Another way to fit this area into the itinerary is as a pit stop for desserts or some shopping before heading to Mangwon Hangang Park.

Sangchonjae House (상촌재)

7.7Km    2025-11-06

12-11 , Jahamun-ro 17-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sangchonjae House, run by the Jongno Cultural Foundation, is a traditional hanok cultural space located in Sejong Village, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu, and operates various cultural Korean programs such as exhibitions, educational experiences, and events to fully experience Korea's four seasons. The name Sangchonjae was conceived from the old name of Sejong Village, the western part of Gyeongbokgung Palace and the birthplace of King Sejong. The house reflects the lifestyle of an ordinary peasant during the Joseon dynasty. It consists of three buildings: the main building, the guesthouse known as sarangchae, and the annex. There is an experience center indoors offering tea ceremonies and traditional game experiences.