Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

1.1 Km 28878 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.

Osulloc - National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오설록 현대미술관)

1.1 Km 1 2024-04-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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K.O.N.G Gallery (공근혜갤러리)

1.2 Km 0 2024-03-15

38 Samcheong-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul (Samcheong-dong)

Since its opening in 2005, the gallery has made a significant impact on the Korean photography scene by introducing world-class photographers to Korea. It relocated to its present site next to the Cheongwadae, Samcheong-dong, in 2010, adding spaces for painting, sculpture, video, installation, and other forms of contemporary art. The gallery focuses on artists based in Paris, London, and New York, presenting works that represent the current state of contemporary art in the 21st century. It also plays a vital role as a Korean gallery by discovering young Korean artists and supporting their overseas activities.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul [MMCA Seoul] (국립현대미술관 서울관)

1.2 Km 59024 2023-06-23

30, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3701-9500

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) opened in 2013 as a city venue of the MMCA, which opened in 1986 in Gwacheon. The museum site was where many of Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved, both during the Joseon dynasty and after the Korean War. The Seoul venue of MMCA stands out from other museums through its use of Korea’s traditional architectural concept of "madang," a spacious courtyard where people can come and gather to socialize. The exterior of the building stands in harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the museum is equipped with many facilities, including a reference center, project gallery theater, and multipurpose hall. MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public.

Africa Museum of Art (아프리카미술관)

1.2 Km 8532 2022-10-26

24-1, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-2430

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.

Gyeonghuigung Palace (경희궁)

1.2 Km 108529 2024-03-05

45, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-724-0274

Gyeonghuigung Palace, Historic Site No. 271, was originally called the large palace by Saemun Gate, or the Western Palace, for its location within the city. It was not until the eighth year of Gwanghaegun (1616) that the palace was used as a royal residence for the king, changing the name to Gyeongdeokgung Palace. The name later changed again to the current Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1760. The palace grounds included many halls but they were mostly all burned down in a fire in 1829. After the Japanese occupation began, all remaining buildings on the site were torn down and the palace grounds were turned into Gyeongseong Middle School (now Seoul High School). The school moved to Gangnam area in 1987, afterwhich the previous location was turned into a park. The palace grounds currently hold Seoul Museum of Art and walking paths, as well as a restoration of Heunghwamun Gate, the main gate of the palace, and Sungjeongjeon Hall, the main hall, completed in November 1994.

Aēsop - Samcheong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (이솝 삼청)

1.2 Km 0 2024-04-17

58-3, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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The Restaurant (더레스토랑)

1.2 Km 154 2021-03-27

54, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8441

It is a gallery-like restaurant where you can appreciate paintings drawn by famous artists. The best menu at this restaurant is spaghetti. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Kukje Gallery (국제갤러리)

1.2 Km 16755 2021-07-29

54, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-8449

The Kukje Galley has been committed to presenting the work of significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public since 1982. The gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits such as Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro, Cy Twombly, Edward Ruscha, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and Bill Viola, attracting enthusiastic responses from both the public and the media.

The gallery has placed emphasis on collaborations between artists, galleries, and art dealers around the world and nurturing upcoming artists by sponsoring their artwork and giving them international exposure.

The Hanok Smith Likes (스미스가 좋아하는 한옥)

1.2 Km 9072 2024-03-11

22-7 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-7003

The Hanok Smith Likes is a restaurant located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, housed in a renovated hanok. It offers a fusion of Korea's traditional beauty with Italian cuisine. Specializing in oven-baked pizza and pasta, it also features a variety of Italian dishes. The oven-baked pizzas are particularly popular, known for their chewy crusts and generous toppings. In 2023, it was selected for the Michelin Guide Seoul.

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