Dongnimmun Gate (독립문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

2.0 Km    30799     2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Dongnimmun stands at the location originally known as Yeongeun, where envoys were once treated. When a Chinese envoy visited, the King would go out through this door to greet. In 1898, to announce the independence from Japan, Dongnimun was constructed with the fund collected by the citizens. The traces of the past still remain on Dongnimmun with two pillars in front of Dongnimmun being the remains of Yeongeunmun.

The Arc de Triomphe in France can be recalled in comparison to Dongnimmun. Dongnimmun was built using granite with a passageway x_height of 14.28 meters. On the top it is written ‘Dongnimmun’ in Korean with the national flag drawn on each side. On the inner-left side there are stone stairs leading to the attic. The national flower Mugunghwa are planted around Dongnimmun. Now it is surrounded by roads and it is eye-catching to view when passing by.

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

2.0 Km    155856     2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-360-8590

Seodaemun Prison was built under the Japanese administration to imprison independence movement activists. It first opened on October 21, 1908 under the name Gyeongseong Prison. Eventually, so many activists were imprisoned that the building had to be expanded. At that time, the name changed to Seodaemun Prison on September 3, 1912. Eighty years later, the prison was turned into Seodaemun Independence Park on August 15, 1992 to commemorate the Korean patriots who were tortured in prison, giving their lives for freedom. Of the many buildings, only seven were preserved for their historical significance, among which three prison buildings and the execution site were designated as a Historic Site. In 1998, the park underwent another transformation into today's Seodaemun Prison History Hall to educate the public on the importance of Korea's independence and the sacrifices of those who fought to achieve it.

Gohyang (고향)

Gohyang (고향)

2.0 Km    129     2021-03-22

15, Jong-ro, 31ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-9191

A place where you can try various Korean dishes. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is bulgogi.

Uga Yukhoe Bulgogi (우가육회불고기)

Uga Yukhoe Bulgogi (우가육회불고기)

2.0 Km    113     2021-03-19

198-2, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2286-6656

This Korean cuisine is located near Jongno 5(o)ga Station, Seoul. It is located at Yukhoe Alley in Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s representative traditional markets. The representative menu is sliced raw beef.

The Museum of Medicine (서울대학교병원의학박물관)

The Museum of Medicine (서울대학교병원의학박물관)

2.0 Km    34785     2024-03-18

101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Museum of Medicine is located in the building of the former Daehan Medical Center, the oldest modern hospital in Korea. It is a medical museum that provides a comprehensive view of the development of modern medicine in Korea, the history of medical devices, and the transformation of Seoul National University Hospital. Through permanent and special exhibitions, the museum showcases medical artifacts and documents related to the history of medicine.

Haemul Saryeongbu (해물사령부)

Haemul Saryeongbu (해물사령부)

2.0 Km    122     2021-03-19

10, Jong-ro 31ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-763-8882

Blowfish broth is used for all dishes. The representative menu is braised beef short ribs and seafood/braised spareribs and seafood. This is a Korean cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.0 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.

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

Gwangjang Market (광장시장)

2.0 Km    546244     2024-07-08

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Gwangjang Market was the first permanent market in Korea and continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination today. The name Gwangjang means "to gather from afar and keep altogether." The market began as a small trading center that brought in goods from nearby regions, but has now grown into a large wholesale market selling a variety of goods, including upholstery, imported goods, groceries, dried fish, traditional goods, and more. The most popular section of the market is the food street connected to the East Gate, North Gate 2, and South Gate 1. The food street caters to a wide range of patrons due to the plethora of menus available. It is also one of the most recommended tourist attraction for international travelers.

Eunseong Hoejip (은성회집)

Eunseong Hoejip (은성회집)

2.0 Km    141     2021-03-29

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-6813

You can enjoy Daegu maeuntang (fish stew), which is perfect for hangover. This restaurant's signature menu is sicy codfish stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Seoul Daehan Hospital (서울 대한의원)

Seoul Daehan Hospital (서울 대한의원)

2.0 Km    12208     2021-12-23

101, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1842

Daehanuiwon (Daehan Medical Center) is an antique two-story brick building within the grounds of Seoul National University Hospital. It was established under the direct administration of the Uijeongbu (State Council), combining the Gwangjewon (under the Home Ministry), Gyeongseong Medical School and the Korean Red Cross Hospital (under the Royal Household). Built in the Madubong Hill area, this location where Hamchunwon, the outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace, once stood in 1484 (15th year of King Seongjong), was also once the site of Gyeongmogung Palace, where King Jeongjo enshrined the mortuary tablet of his birth father Crown Prince Sado Seja in 1776 (the year King Jeongjo ascended to the throne).

These places that held importance for the royal family were destroyed as the Japanese built Gyeongseong Empire University in its place. In 1907, with the announcement of the plan to establish Daehan Medical Center, construction began on the main building, seven wards and affiliated buildings. Construction was completed in November 1908.

The Daehan Medical Center opened in Gwangjewon, but upon Japanese colonization in 1910, its name was changed to the Japanese Viceroyalty Hospital. In 1926, it was included as a part of Gyeongseongjeguk University to become a university hospital. Since the liberation of Korea in 1945, it has been a hospital affiliated with Seoul National University.