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

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

1.4Km    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.

Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art (경인미술관)

Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art (경인미술관)

1.4Km    25776     2024-03-04

11-4, Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-733-4448

Kyung-In Museum of Fine Art is located in Insa-dong. It has six exhibition rooms, an atelier, an outdoor exhibition area, and a traditional tea house. It hosts outdoor concerts in spring and fall, and Q&A sessions with authors can also be found as well. The traditional tea house offers about 15 types of traditional Korean tea in a space that overlooks the garden.

Jeontong Dawon (전통다원)

1.4Km    18281     2024-03-18

11-4 Insadong 10-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-730-6305

Jeontong Dawon is a hanok-style tea house located in Insa-dong. It offers seating both inside the hanok and in the outdoor garden, allowing guests to choose their preferred spot. Visitors can enjoy various types of traditional Korean tea along with traditional Korean snacks such as yugwa (fried rice sweet). It is situated within the Kyung-in Museum of Fine Art premises, offering the opportunity to explore the museum as well.

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

1.4Km    28075     2021-03-09

46, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-3222

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-story museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and a small garden on the second floor with a great view of the mountains.

Lagidang [Korea Quality] / 락이당 [한국관광 품질인증]

1.4Km    0     2024-08-27

121, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-507-1358-3701

Lagidang is a foreigner-only guesthouse in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village in Jeongno-gu, Seoul. Public transportation links are good, with Exit 3 of Anguk Subway Station just a seven-minute walk away. The house has a fine view over Bukchon Hanok Village, and early-rising guests will also catch the sunrise in the south-eastern sky. The guesthouse is decorated with art works and Joseon-period antiques. 

Samwon Ilsik (삼원일식)

Samwon Ilsik (삼원일식)

1.4Km    173     2021-03-19

32, Mugyo-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-3680

This is a Japanese cuisine located in Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul. This restaurant is one of Mugyo-dong's best kept secrets. The best menu at this restaurant is codfish stew.

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

Dolsilnai - Insa Branch (돌실나이 (인사점))

1.4Km    14783     2022-12-26

35, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-737-2232

To popularize hanbok, Dolsilnai offers modified hanbok suited for daily use. Focusing on simple elegance, Dolsilnai hanbok is known for all-cotton fabrics and pigment dyeing. While it doesn't ignore the beauty of traditional hanbok, Dolsilnai hanbok also emphasizes functional and practical qualities essential for modern daily living.

The Place Seoul (traditional Korean-style guesthouse) [Korea Quality] / 복합한옥공간 곳 [한국관광 품질인증]

The Place Seoul (traditional Korean-style guesthouse) [Korea Quality] / 복합한옥공간 곳 [한국관광 품질인증]

1.4Km    600     2024-08-14

52-11 , Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-3255-1289

The Place Seoul in Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, is a meeting place of traditional and modern Korea. It has a yard with a beautiful 80 year-old dogwood tree, and a small garden in which guests can enjoy the passage of the seasons. The Place Seoul is an environment-friendly place which uses eco-friendly consumables such as toilet paper and shampoo. Breakfast is simple and healthy. There are many good cafes in nearby Bukchon, and local tourist attractions include the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Sadongmyeonok (사동면옥)

Sadongmyeonok (사동면옥)

1.4Km    17737     2021-12-17

9, Insadong, 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-735-7393

A store with over 35 years’ experience that sells Hwanghaedo-style dumplings. The best menu at this restaurant is dumpling hot pot. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

New Kukje Hotel (뉴국제호텔)

1.4Km    15623     2021-06-07

12, Sejong-daero 22-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-732-0161

New Kukje Hotel, located behind Seoul City Hall, provide guests with easy access to heritage sites such as Deoksugung Palace and Gyeongbokgung Palace, cultural attractions such as Gwanghwamun Plaza, Insa-dong and Cheonggyecheon Stream, as well as shopping districts such as Dongdaemun Market, Namdaemun Market and Myeong-dong. The hotel not only has unique interior designs, it also has various subsidiary facilities including a restaurant, banquet hall and more.