Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

3.0 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.

GOO STK733 (GOO STK 733)

3.0 Km 57 2021-03-26

101, Itaewon-ro 27-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-794-7339

It is the first steak house in Korea. This restaurant's signature menu is steak. This Western dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

KGC - Dongmyo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (KGC 동묘점)

3.0 Km 0 2024-04-22

347, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Hwanghak-dong Flea Market (Dokkaebi Market / Manmul Market) (황학동 벼룩시장 (도깨비시장/만물시장))

3.0 Km 43773 2020-05-12

11-7, Majang-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was named after the way how merchants travel from one place to another all over the country, as if like fleas hopping around from one spot to another, to collect rare and valuable items. This market was once a haven of antiques and collectibles, but with the formation of old-fashioned art street in 1983 in Janganpyeong, many classic art shops had moved out, leaving only used item and general goods stores. Now, visitors can find stores selling antiques, used furniture, electronics, clocks, jewelry, musical instruments, camera, and machinery – pretty much anything one can name. Hwanghak-dong Flea Market is also referred to as Dokkaebbi Market, to describe how even the most rundown items become just like new, as if like the work of a dokkaebi (Korean folk goblin).

Appe Seoul (아뻬서울)

3.0 Km 61 2021-03-24

1, Changgyeonggung-ro, 35na-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-7390-8742

You can eat honey cake that you cannot enjoy anywhere else. This cafe is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is coffee.

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art (삼성미술관 리움)

3.0 Km 100721 2022-12-15

60-16, Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2014-6901

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, exhibits traditional and modern art works by Korean and international artists. The museum itself is just as fascinating as the art works on display, since the museum's three buildings were designed by internationally renowned architects Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas.

MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and international artists.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

3.1 Km 3 2023-01-16

279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

The National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government was established to shine a light on the proud history of the Korean Provisional Government's independence and the spirit of a democratic republic and to pass it on to future generations. The four-story memorial building with three underground floors houses three permanent exhibits, one special exhibit, Larchiveum, Symbol Plaza, storage, multi-purpose hall, and rooftop garden over a total area of 3,656 square meters, a total floor area of 9,703 square meters and a total exhibition space of 2,240 square meters. The permanent exhibits consist of a series of historic events from the March 1st Movement, which served as a turning point for the formation of the Provisional Government, to the foundation of the Korean Government that succeeded the mantle of the provisional government, while the special exhibit on the 1st floor currently hosts a special opening exhibition under the title of 『The Return of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea』. Moreover, a symbolic wall installation under the theme of "Waves of History" is displayed in the outdoor plaza on the 1st floor of the memorial expressing the Provisional Government’s desire for independence and the dynamics of the past, present, and future of Korea.

Hostel Vanilla2

3.1 Km 1711 2021-04-09

34-8, Jong-ro 57-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-9945-1944

Hostel Vanilla 2 is a guesthouse in a residential house located in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The 2-story house has 9 cozy rooms. Over 90% of the guests are from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Japan, and most of them are in their twenties. Since it is within a 10-minute walk from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, most guests – particularly those who came to Korea to shop during their tour - stay there for three or four days. All the guestrooms are for two and are kept clean at all times. The guesthouse provides free luggage storage service even after the guest has checked out, which is very convenient to the shoppers. Because the guests are young, the guesthouse owner communicates with the guests through various social network services and apps.

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

3.1 Km 1 2024-03-06

172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.

Kim Koo Museum & Library (백범김구기념관)

3.1 Km 18286 2022-08-30

26, Imjeong-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-799-3400

Kim Koo Museum & Library was built in Yongsan-gu, Seoul to commemorate Baekbeom Kim Koo (1876-1949), a highly respected Korean independence activist. It opened on October 22, 2002 to commemorate Kim Koo's efforts and achievements in Korean history. The main hall is comprised of two floors, exhibiting relics related to his entire life. A statue of a seated Kim Koo is situated in the central space of the first hall.

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