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

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

2.5Km    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.

Yejiwon (예지원)

Yejiwon (예지원)

2.5Km    2022-09-19

72, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2253-2211

The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners.

Most programs offered are short-term classes, and reservations can be made on the homepage up to 15 days in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 10 or more and classes are instructed in Korean only, so it may be a good idea to be accompanied by a guide.

Sangchonjae House (상촌재)

2.5Km    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.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

2.5Km    2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

2.5Km    2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Dongnimmun stands at the location originally known as Yeongeun, where envoys were once treated. When a Chinese envoy visited, the King would go out through this door to greet. In 1898, to announce the independence from Japan, Dongnimun was constructed with the fund collected by the citizens. The traces of the past still remain on Dongnimmun with two pillars in front of Dongnimmun being the remains of Yeongeunmun.

The Arc de Triomphe in France can be recalled in comparison to Dongnimmun. Dongnimmun was built using granite with a passageway x_height of 14.28 meters. On the top it is written ‘Dongnimmun’ in Korean with the national flag drawn on each side. On the inner-left side there are stone stairs leading to the attic. The national flower Mugunghwa are planted around Dongnimmun. Now it is surrounded by roads and it is eye-catching to view when passing by.

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

Dong-Lim Knot Museum (동림매듭박물관)

2.5Km    2021-12-21

10, Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3673-2778

Opened in April 2004, Dong-Lim Knot Museum exhibits a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.

Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인)

Mary Jane [Tax Refund Shop] (메리제인)

2.5Km    2024-04-22

236-1, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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La:ppland [Tax Refund Shop] (라플란드)

2.5Km    2024-04-16

Bldg. Ga. 1F, 83, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

Yeonwoohouse [Korea Quality] / 연우하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

2.5Km    2023-09-12

5-13 , Bukchon-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-742-1115

Yeonoo House is a quiet and cozy traditional hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongno, Seoul. There are two small rooms, each with its own bathroom. Residents can access a superb panoramic view of Bukchon Hanok Village by mounting a ladder up to the roof. As Yeonoo is an old building, careful attention is paid to hygiene management. Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyeonggung Palace, and Changdeokgung Palace are all nearby.

Medical Avenue ((주)메디컬애비뉴)

2.6Km    2025-10-23

(#1433, Mapo T Town), 144 Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Since its inception in 2014, Medical Avenue has been a leading medical agency, providing world-class healthcare services in Korea to patients from around the globe. Our deep understanding of patients' cultural backgrounds and the Korean medical system allows us to minimize language and cultural barriers through the support of professional interpreters and multicultural coordinators. This dedication has resulted in over 5,000 patients receiving stable treatment with a satisfaction rate that boasts over 98% returning patients. Medical Avenue is committed to ensuring that patients receive comfortable and trustworthy care, continually striving to deliver the best medical services available.