Seoul Yakhyeon Catholic Church (서울 약현성당) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seoul Yakhyeon Catholic Church (서울 약현성당)

2.8Km    2020-03-26

447-1, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-362-1891

Yakhyeon Catholic Church was established as a result of Korea gaining religious freedom in the 23rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1886) and the subsequent increase of the Catholic population. In 1891, Myeongdong Cathedral's head priest Doucet laid down the foundation stone in Hap-dong. Coadjutor bishop Coste was in charge of design and construction and the building was eventually completed in 1892. The church was named after "Yakjeonhyeon," or a hill of medicinal herbs. This is because the place where the church is located was once a hilly area covered with medicinal herbs. Later on, Yakjeonhyeon was shortened to Yakhyeon and it became the name of the hilly area between Malli-dong and Seoul Station.

Yakhyeon Catholic Church was the first Western-style church ever built in Korea. It's Gothic architecture features a 12-meter-wide and 32-meter-long cruciform construction with low arched windows and a pointed-arch entrance gate.

Heroes of Independence Look at the Stars (독립의 영웅, 별을 보다)

2.8Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동)

Sajo Tuna (사조참치)

2.8Km    2020-04-16

107-39, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-364-9838

Sajo Tuna is the perfect restaurant for tuna lovers. It serves fresh tuna served in varied styles to visitors. Chamdarangeo (bluefin tuna) Special Menu consists of the highest-grade tuna cuts along with unique decorations. Also, the standard menu includes gamasal gui (grilled tuna kama), braised tuna head, grilled tuna, and pan-fried tuna. In-house alcoholic drinks such as baengnyeoncho ju (perilla seed and prickly pear liquor) and insam sansuyu ju (ginseng and cornelian cherry liquor) are offered, making this restaurant more outstanding.

Bijindo Haemulttukbaegi (비진도해물뚝배기)

2.8Km    2021-03-30

53, Seosomun-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-312-2867

It is a place that many tourists, as well as office workers, visit. This seafood restaurant is located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is seafood hot pot.

Seodaemun Culture & Sports Center Swimming Pool (서대문 문화체육회관 실내수영장)

2.8Km    2024-03-20

39 Baekryeonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Culture & Sports Center Swimming Pool, covering 973 square meters, features a total of seven lanes with both adult and children's pools. The facility provides regular swimming lessons, survival swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and more. The water quality is maintained using a natural salt electrolysis system. For free swimming, visitors can purchase tickets from the kiosk on the second floor, receive wristbands from the information desk, and enjoy the facility at an affordable cost.

Mangnidan Street (망리단길)

2.8Km    2025-05-20

Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangnidan Street is located near Poeun-ro, which can be reached in about 6 to 8 minutes of leisurely walk toward Mangwon Hangang Park from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line 6. Its name comes from the combination of Mangwon-dong and the Gyeongnidan Street in Itaewon, meaning the “Gyeongnidan Street of Mangwon-dong.” There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and other small shops, each with their own charm, making it a great place to take the kids shopping or just get some rest. This place is quite close to Mangwon Market, so visitors can stop by the market if time allows. Another way to fit this area into the itinerary is as a pit stop for desserts or some shopping before heading to Mangwon Hangang Park.

Jeong’s Family (정스패밀리)

2.8Km    2025-03-15

16 , Hyochangwon-ro 8-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-10-6332-2043

Jeong's Family is a foreigner-only guesthouse in Hanseong Han River Apartments in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The apartment building is in a quiet residential area and has a fine view over the Han River and the riverside Hangang Park - which is a great place for walking or cycling. The two rooms are furnished with laptop PCs. Guests will recieve a welcome drink when they check-in, and a simple breakfast and dinner are provided upon prior reservation. The guesthouse is close to the airport bus stop, and convenient for public transport to tourist hotspots such as Gangnam, Hongdae, and Myeong-dong. There’s a key deposit system in operation.

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.

Daesungjip (대성집)

2.8Km    2021-03-27

5, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-4259

Daejungjip has specialized in Dogani tang (ox knee joint soup) for 60 years. Customers can feel a simple and familiar ambience at the restaurant.

Hosujip (호수집)

2.8Km    2021-03-30

443, Cheongpa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-392-0695

It is a restaurant where people wait in line as a hidden restaurant for locals in Chungjeong-ro. The best menu at this restaurant is spicy braised chicken. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jung-gu, Seoul.