Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.8Km 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.

Himart - Cheonggu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (하이마트 청구점)

2.8Km 2024-04-18

210, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Geumdwaeji Sikdang (금돼지식당)

2.8Km 2024-10-17

149 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Geumdwaeji Sikdang is renowned as one of the top three pork restaurants in Seoul, specializing in pork dishes. Its signature menu item is the nunkkon moksal (grilled pork shoulder), known for its marbled appearance resembling snowflakes. Bonsamgyeop (grilled bone-in pork belly) and deungmoksal (short loin and pork shoulder) are also popular choices. They offer fragrant basil wraps as a side dish, which perfectly complements the slightly grilled basil with the juicy and flavorful meat, creating a harmonious taste sensation that is considered a delicacy at this establishment.

Samcheonggak(삼청각)

2.8Km 2020-12-24

3 Daesagwan-ro Seongbuk-gu Seoul
+82-2-765-3700

You can enjoy Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote) in a beautiful natural environment. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is Korean table d'hote.

Olive Young - Cheonggu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 청구역)

2.8Km 2024-04-18

A section of 1F, 168, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Innisfree - Hansung Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이니스프리 한성대)

2.8Km 2024-04-18

3, Dongsomun-ro 7-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

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Hwanghak-dong Flea Market (Dokkaebi Market / Manmul Market) (황학동 벼룩시장 (도깨비시장/만물시장))

2.8Km 2020-05-12

11-7, Majang-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was named after the way how merchants travel from one place to another all over the country, as if like fleas hopping around from one spot to another, to collect rare and valuable items. This market was once a haven of antiques and collectibles, but with the formation of old-fashioned art street in 1983 in Janganpyeong, many classic art shops had moved out, leaving only used item and general goods stores. Now, visitors can find stores selling antiques, used furniture, electronics, clocks, jewelry, musical instruments, camera, and machinery – pretty much anything one can name. Hwanghak-dong Flea Market is also referred to as Dokkaebbi Market, to describe how even the most rundown items become just like new, as if like the work of a dokkaebi (Korean folk goblin).

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

2.9Km 2024-04-22

189, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

2.9Km 2024-04-23

#103, 117, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Changuimun Gate - Jahamun Gate (창의문(자하문))

2.9Km 2020-04-02

118, Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Changuimun Gate was often called Jahamun Gate. It was one of four mini-gates in the north surrounding the walled city of Hanyang (Seoul) during the Joseon dynasty. After the closure of Sukjeongmun Gate, one of the four main gates, Changuimun Gate became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m² in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, another of the four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede.

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