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

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

3.1Km    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)

3.1Km    2024-12-02

251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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.

HILLS & EUROPA (힐즈앤유로파)

HILLS & EUROPA (힐즈앤유로파)

3.1Km    2025-11-05

35 Sinheung-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Haebangchon's Hot Place
Singer Lee Hyori's OTT entertainment program 'Seoul Check-in' was filmed, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of Haebangchon properly. The low wooden ceiling and walls filled with unique objects and LPs from all over the world create a unique and cozy atmosphere. It is always full of customers as you can enjoy great visual cocktails and delicious dishes against the backdrop of various genres of music. During the day, it is good to enjoy coffee and dessert like a cafe. It is famous for its delicious cream caramel pudding, along with coffee that makes use of the taste of coffee beans from each region of origin. There are also various types of signature cocktails, but we recommend the unique visual 'Cigar in a Glass' that Lee Hyori and Park Narae drank.

Olive Young - Hwanghak Sageori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 황학사거리)

Olive Young - Hwanghak Sageori Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 황학사거리)

3.1Km    2024-04-17

410, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

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K-medi Spring (한강애봄)

3.1Km    2025-12-09

6th Floor, 63 Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

HanGang AeBom is a certified agency specializing in attracting international patients, offering customized programs that combine Korea’s advanced medical services with tourism. The agency collaborates with medical institutions to arrange consultations, interpretation, accommodation, and travel itineraries.

Cheongun Literature Library (청운문학도서관)

3.1Km    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.

CheongKwanJang - Sinseol-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 신설동점)

CheongKwanJang - Sinseol-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 신설동점)

3.1Km    2024-06-27

9, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

3.2Km    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.

Seoul Folk Flea Market (서울 풍물시장)

Seoul Folk Flea Market (서울 풍물시장)

3.2Km    2025-04-11

21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2232-3367

The Seoul Folk Flea Market is located around Cheonggyecheon Stream's Hwanghakgyo Bridge and Sinseol-dong Station and is on its way to becoming a famous tourist attraction along with the already famous Cheonggyeocheon Stream. The Seoul Folk Flea Market is one of the major folk flea markets preserving the culture of the traditional Korean marketplace and drawing in visitors with a range of folk items that embody the unique charm of Korea. Folk items include everyday items, souvenirs, traditional goods and even traditional foods, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping and eating all under the same roof.

The Seoul Folk Flea Market originated from the flea market in Hwanghak-dong where many street shops and vendors gathered around Cheonggyecheon Stream before it was restored and modernized into its current state. The market was relocated to the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park (Formerly Dongdaemun Stadium) while the Cheonggyecheon Stream was undergoing restorations, and was moved back to Cheonggyecheon Stream sometime later. Seoul City aims to market Seoul Folk Flea Market as a new shopping spot at its current location, the former site of Sungin Girls' Middle School on Cheonggyeo 8-ga Street, near Cheonggyeocheon Stream to develop the Korean representative folk flea market-related tourism industry.

The main items of the Seoul Folk Flea Market include a diverse range of folk items, traditional crafts, local specialties and fashion items. You may also enjoy a range of foods and snacks including traditional Korean food and fusion cuisine from all over the world. What is special about the market is that you can find rare goods and authentic traditional items that cannot be found at other markets. The market atmosphere is a mix of old, revered traditions and modern aspects, providing visitors with a great shopping experience. The Seoul Folk Flea Market is truly a traditional flea market well worth visiting.

Seoul Folk Flea Market  - Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio (서울풍물시장 전통문화체험관)

Seoul Folk Flea Market - Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio (서울풍물시장 전통문화체험관)

3.2Km    2021-08-12

21, Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2232-3368

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio in Seoul Folk Flea Market was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea first-hand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.