Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.9Km 2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3140-8305

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Detention Camp. It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in the 1960s. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was restored and turned into a memorial park in August 15, 1992 to honor the sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, an execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno.

One of the most significant monuments of the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated a Historic Site. Nearby is Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan, which was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon dynasty. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with the names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, another Historic Site. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The main highlight of the park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former prison building that was renovated into a history museum.

Seoul Cruise (서울크루즈)

2.9Km 2025-12-04

231 Yeouidohanganggongwon-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Hyundai Cruise Line, Korea's first marine tourism cruise operator, was founded in 1983 and renamed Seoul Cruise after building a new terminal in Yeouido. With Yeouido Ferry Terminal as its base, Seoul Cruise is the only passenger cruise operator that can travel from the Hangang River to the West Sea, passing through the Ara West Sea Lock. The company currently operates from two terminals: Yeouido Ferry Terminal and Ara Gimpo Terminal. In addition to offering tours that showcase the scenic beauty of the Hangang River, Seoul Cruise also provides other options, such as the Dinner Fireworks Cruise, which lets passengers enjoy a fireworks show along the Ara Waterway in Gimpo.

Olivine Spa (올리바인 스파)

3.0Km 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.

Zara - Lotte Seoul Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (자라 롯데 서울역점)

3.0Km 2024-04-22

378, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Mapo-gu Office Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 마포구청역)

3.0Km 2024-04-16

196, World Cup-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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Jungin Myeonok Main Store (정인면옥 본점)

3.1Km 2024-03-15

1F, 10 Gukhoe-daero 76-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2683-2615

Jungin Myeonok, situated near Yeouido Hangang Park, is a culinary destination specializing in Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles). The restaurant offers two types of naengmyeon: the traditional Pyeongyang naengmyeon, which combines buckwheat with starch for a chewier texture, and sunmyeon, crafted purely from buckwheat. Both varieties are served in a deep, flavorful meat broth, complemented by the springy texture of the noodles, providing an authentic and satisfying dining experience.

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

3.1Km 2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

New York New York (Kensington Hotel) (뉴욕뉴욕(켄싱턴호텔))

3.1Km 2024-02-28

16 Gukhoe-daero 76-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

New York New York is a steakhouse located near Yeouido Hangang Park. Situated on the first floor of the Kensington Hotel, it offers authentic New York-style steaks. The signature course is called 'Love in New York,' featuring dishes such as ceviche with marinated king prawn, scallop bouillabaisse, grilled angus beef tenderloin, and steamed abalone. When ordering for two or more, a complimentary bottle of red wine and cake are provided. Nearby attractions include the The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea and Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park.

Olive Young - Dongnimmun Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 독립문)

3.1Km 2024-04-18

99, Songwol-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Marina Club & Yacht (서울마리나 요트&클럽)

3.2Km 2025-04-14

160 Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-8400

Located right behind the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, this marina facility has a rather unique scenery that one cannot easily find in Korea, thanks to the view of the Hangang River and the yachts moored at the marina. Professionals operate the yachts here, so safety is guaranteed. Yacht rides here are popular because one can enjoy a sailing experience in the city center. Another draw of the yacht rides here is the scenery of Seoul, especially at night.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원) - Area information - Korea travel information