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

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

8.9Km    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.

Olive Young - Janghanpyeong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 장한평역)

Olive Young - Janghanpyeong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 장한평역)

8.9Km    2024-04-17

3, Janghan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동역)

Olive Young - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동역)

8.9Km    2024-04-22

127, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Jeongdong-gil Road (정동길)

Jeongdong-gil Road (정동길)

8.9Km    2024-06-19

2-1 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong-gil Road is one of Seoul's most famous walking paths, stretching from the intersection in front of Jeongdong Church to Saemunan-gil Road. The street holds importance in Korea's modern history, with the surroundings serving as a living museum of this. During the Joseon dynasty, the area developed into a residental space for distant members of the royal family, with a palace and royal tombs in the area. In 1999, the pedestrian walking area was expanded by turning the two-way road into a one-way road. Since then, the road has earned many awards and honors.

Daiso - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다이소 명동역)

Daiso - Myeong-dong Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (다이소 명동역)

8.9Km    2024-04-22

B2F, 124, Singomae-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

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Olive Young - Myeongdong Jungang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 명동중앙점)

9.0Km    2024-06-27

1F, 18, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Anjjang (안짱)

Anjjang (안짱)

9.0Km    2024-03-15

32 Tongil-ro 39-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

This Japanese-style bar and restaurant is run by a chef who studied abroad in Japan and serves delicious snacks that go well with alcoholic drinks. Spicy stir-fried soba, Japanese-style fried noodles with beef loin and vegetables, and grilled chicken, skewered chicken thighs grilled over a charcoal fire, are amazing. Be sure to check out today's menu, which changes every day. Some people try to order ramen because the restaurant was featured as a ramen restaurant in a K-drama, but ramen is not actually available. Besides highballs and sake, diners can also order a sour, which allows you to enjoy the freshness of lemon, citrus, and passion fruit. There is a cozy atmosphere created by unique props like cute dolls and mirror balls, making it a great place for a conversation.

Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (강북삼성병원)

9.0Km    2025-10-23

29 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Established in 1968, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital has over 50 years of history and is taking a new leap forward with a vision for its centennial year.
Through partnerships with renowned institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital in the United States and the BBDC in Canada, the hospital delivers advanced medical services while leading the public health arena. It is also committed to systematic research and the development of ICT-integrated digital healthcare, which will be the foundation for future medicine. With an excellent infrastructure that includes clinics and specialized centers (e.g., the Diabetes Center, Breast and Thyroid Cancer Center, Digestive Cancer Center, Musculoskeletal Disease Center, and Prostate Center), Kangbuk Samsung Hospital provides top-quality medical services focused on providing patients with satisfactory treatments. 

Adidas Original - Myeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아디다스오리지널 명동점)

Adidas Original - Myeongdong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아디다스오리지널 명동점)

9.0Km    2024-04-19

20, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Myeongdong Guesthouse Como (명동게스트하우스 꼬모)

Myeongdong Guesthouse Como (명동게스트하우스 꼬모)

9.0Km    2024-12-23

12 , Toegye-ro 24-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-755-5437

Como is a guesthouse in Jongno-gu, Seoul, just 3-minute’s walk away from Myeongdong Station on Line 4. Como is particularly popular with foreign travelers: staff are fluent in English and Chinese, and luggage storage is free of charge. Rooms come in different sizes to cater from single travelers to family groups, and all have a separate bathroom and toilet. Must-see local sights such as Namsan Seoul Tower, Sungnyemun Gate, and Namdaemun Market are easily reached by car or bus.