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

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.3Km    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.

Tonymoly - Euljiro 3(sam)-ga Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (토니모리 을지로3가역점)

2.3Km    2024-06-27

B3-14, 131, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회)

Buchon Yukhoe (부촌육회)

2.3Km    2024-03-04

200-12 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Buchon Yukhoe is a renowned restaurant located in Gwangjang Market's Beef Tartare Street, selected by the Michelin Guide in 2023. It specializes in yukhoe (beef tartare), a Korean-style raw beef dish marinated with sesame oil and pear. The restaurant uses fresh Korean beef supplied daily, ensuring a delightful and nutty flavor. The simple seasoning enhances the natural taste of the ingredients, and the yolk-topped yukhoe adds visual appeal to the dish.

Baekje Samgyetang (백제삼계탕)

Baekje Samgyetang (백제삼계탕)

2.3Km    2024-03-11

8-10, Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-776-3267

Located in Myeongdong Street, Baekje Samgyetang is renowned for samgye tang (ginseng chicken soup). This long-standing establishment has been in business for two generations since 1971 so it has been featured on TV in Korea and other countries. In addition to samgye tang, they also serve chicken dishes such as dakdori tang (spicy braised chicken), roasted chicken, and jeonbok juk (abalone porridge), attracting numerous patrons.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

2.3Km    2024-07-08

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more. The most popular section of the market is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. The food street caters to a wide range of patrons due to the plethora of menus available. It is also one of the most recommended tourist attraction for international travelers.

Horangii (호랑이)

Horangii (호랑이)

2.3Km    2023-12-22

157 Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Horangii Coffee, located in Euljiro, Seoul, boasts a retro yet hip atmosphere. Furniture and picture frames with traces of time gone by and impressive props with the concept of a tiger come together to create a distinct atmosphere unique to this place. There are tables both inside and outside the cafe, but due to its small size, it is always crowded with customers. The signature menu items here are Horangii Latte and Fruit Sando. Horangii Latte has an impressive savory yet sweet flavor. Fruit Sando, made with whole fresh seasonal fruits, combines with soft whipped cream for a unique taste.

Manjok Ohyang Jokbal City Hall (만족오향족발 시청)

2.3Km    2024-03-12

134-7, Seosomun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-753-4755

Located close to City Hall station, Manjok Ohyang Jokbal specializes in jokbal (braised pigs' feet). The restaurant has been recognized for its quality by being included in the 2023 Michelin Guide. It is recommended to try jaengban guksu (jumbo sized buckwheat noodles) and riceballs, which are perfect for pairing with pork feet. Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, and Namdaemun Gate are nearby, so visiting them will enrich one's cultural experience. 

European Christmas Market (유러피언 크리스마스 마켓)

European Christmas Market (유러피언 크리스마스 마켓)

2.3Km    2024-12-03

B1 Samseongyo-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2241-6381

European Christmas Market aims to exchange and promote cultural values with international visitors and local residents by celebrating Christmas according to its area of origin, Europe. Visitors can experience European Christmas through food, music, performances, and other enjoyable events.

PAIK's NOODLE Myeongdong (홍콩반점0410(명동점))

2.4Km    2024-03-08

13, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
02-778-0410

Located in Myeongdong Street, PAIK's NOODLE is a Chinese restaurant that serves Korean-style Chinese cuisine. The price is affordable so that both Koreans and foreigners can easily enjoy chinese dishes. The restaurant focus on jjajang myeon (black bean sauce noodles) and jjamppong (Spicy seafood noodle soup). It's a great place to grab a bite to eat when you're hungry while sightseeing in Myeongdong.

James Cheese Deunggalbi Myeongdong (제임스치즈등갈비 명동)

James Cheese Deunggalbi Myeongdong (제임스치즈등갈비 명동)

2.4Km    2024-03-11

13, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-318-0192

Situated on Myeongdong Street, James Cheese Deunggalbi specializes in deunggalbi (grilled pork galbi). The main dish here is grilled back ribs with cheese, which is characterized by the harmonious combination of Korean food and cheese. Served with bokkeum bap (fried rice) and gyeran jjim (steamed eggs) riceballs, the dish has a richer flavor with less spiciness. The best part is that customers can choose the amount of cheese and the spiciness of the dish, so they can personalize it to their liking.