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

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.

Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관)

2.8Km    2023-08-16

40 , Jahamun-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Cheongun Literature Library is located at the foot of Inwangsan Mountain and can be reached by following the mountain's walking trail starting from Changuimun Gate along the fortress wall. This public hanok library is designed in consideration of the sloped topography and the natural scenery of Inwangsan Mountain. The library consists of two floors: an underground floor and a ground floor. While the ground floor is designed as a traditional hanok, the underground floor is made of concrete to support the hanok building and the spacious outdoor yard. By implementing the natural slope in the library's design, the underground southern entrance is exposed, allowing sunlight to enter. The underground floor features a wide collection of books while the ground floor serves as a place for reading. The natural environment surrounding the library adds to the hanok building's traditional and peaceful charms.

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

Olive Young - Yaksu Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 약수역)

2.8Km    2024-04-22

189, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Youngone Corporation [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 영원무역)

2.8Km    2024-04-19

159, Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

2.8Km    2024-04-23

#103, 117, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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BULGOGI BRITHERS Seoul Station(불고기브라더스 서울역)

BULGOGI BRITHERS Seoul Station(불고기브라더스 서울역)

2.8Km    2020-12-03

378 Cheongpa-ro Yongsan-gu Seoul
+82-2-363-3701

It is a place where you can enjoy various Korean-style bulgogi dishes. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is box lunch.

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

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

2.8Km    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).

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

2.8Km    2021-09-01

46-1, Changuimun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-722-5066

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won relocated in 2019 from Insa-dong to Buam-dong. Six exhibition halls offer visitors a look at wooden figures from around the world. Mokin refers to traditional wooden sculptures carved in shapes of human figures or various animals. The museum holds around 12,000 wooden folk sculptures including those used to decorate funeral carriages and temples mostly from the Joseon dynasty up to modern times. The museum also has an outdoor exhibition hall that harmonizes the sculptures with nature.

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

Sukjeongmun Gate (북악산 숙정문)

2.9Km    2020-06-19

1, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-2152

Of the Four Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by King Taejo in 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.

Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the king in 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.

The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bugaksan Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bugaksan Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul.

Soul (소울)

2.9Km    2024-02-26

B1, 35 Sinheung-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Soul is a fine-dining located in Hannam-dong. It presents reinterpretations of Korean cuisine, drawing inspiration from traditional dishes. The menu is structured into lunch and dinner courses. Known for its ability to artistically express familiar flavors encountered in daily life, Soul was selected for the 2023 Michelin Guide Seoul. Operating on a reservation-only basis, bookings can be made via phone.