Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

3.1Km 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.

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.

Olive Young - Plus Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 플러스점)

3.1Km 2024-06-27

#B114~#B115, 372, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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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.

Zara - Lotte Seoul Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (자라 롯데 서울역점)

3.2Km 2024-04-22

378, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Hanok Stay Unnie house [Korea Quality] 한옥스테이 언니집 [한국관광 품질인증]

3.2Km 2024-08-14

13-3, Wangsan-ro 5-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-504-0904-2568

Unnie house ("Sister House") on Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, is a private hanok stay in the heart of the city. The house is inside an alleyway, where it’s quiet and tranquil. The accommodation consists of a living room, kitchen with exposed beams, lounge with a beam projector for watching movies, bathroom, bedroom, separate tea ceremony room, and yard. The absence of clutter and attention to detail in this space will heal and relax.

Art Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 아트코리아)

3.2Km 2024-04-17

1F, 231, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station (포포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 조선 서울역)

3.2Km 2022-06-09

366 , Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6070-7000

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station is a modern and casual hotel for travelers. This business hotel has various types of rooms, a restaurant, fitness center, meeting room, coin laundry, business corner, and more. It is connected to Seoul Station Exit 12 and located near the Airport Railway, KTX, and Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4.

Olive Young - Twin City Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 트윈시티)

3.2Km 2024-04-18

Store #B109, #B110, GF Twin City Bldg., 366, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Jeongneung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 정릉(신덕왕후) [유네스코 세계문화유산])

3.2Km 2021-02-09

116, Arirang-ro 19-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-914-5133

Jeongneung Royal Tomb is the tomb of Queen Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). The queen met a sudden death due to health complications. Although one of her sons was the crown prince, he was killed by a successive brother, Yi Bang-won, in order to obtain the throne. After Yi Bang-won rose to the throne as King Taejong, he relocated Queen Sindeok's tomb to outside of the city walls.

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