Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

Explanation

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.

Inquiry

+82-2-3140-8305

Information Use

Contact and Information : • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3140-8305

Opening day : August 15, 1992

Parking facilities : Available

Day off : N/A (Open all year round)

Hours : Open 24 hours

More information

Available Facilities
Visitors center (management office), Patriotic Martyr Monument, Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), Declaration of Independence Monument, Dongnimmun Gate, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Lee Jina Memorial Library

Admission Fees
Free

Restrooms
Available

Interpretation Services Offered
Not available

Location

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul