Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

19.7Km 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.

Maeheon Citizen's Forest (매헌시민의 숲)

19.7Km 2022-12-21

99, Maeheon-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-575-3895

Maeheon Citizen's Forest, located near Yangjae Tollgate, was created in anticipation of the Seoul Asian Games in 1986 and the 24th Olympic Games in 1988. The forest provides a scenic habitat for 94,800 trees of 43 different species including pine, zelkova, purple bloom maple, horse chestnut, and nut pine. These trees are rarely seen in cities and the park is a popular date spot for couples. In the fall, the trees in the park bear an abundance of persimmons and quinces.

Amenities and facilities include an outdoor wedding hall, walking course, basketball court, volleyball court (also used for foot volleyball), tennis court, barefoot walking path, and outdoor workout equipment. Memorial sites and monuments like the memorial of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil can also be found scattered throughout the park grounds.

Childrens Museum of the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관 어린이박물관)

19.7Km 2021-09-15

137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2077-9000

The Children’s Museum of the National Museum of Korea is an experience-oriented museum where children can see, touch, and feel history through hands-on programs and games. The permanent exhibition hall displays replicas of historical items so children can learn about Korea’s cultural heritage in a fun and interactive way. Children can also experience the lifestyle and wisdom of the past through experience programs.

National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

19.7Km 2025-06-30

137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The National Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in a wide range of topics, including art and culture. The museum houses a Children's Museum, where visitors can learn more about the nation's history through educational programs and experiences. The outdoor grounds feature pagodas and other stone artworks too large to be on display inside.

In addition to galleries with a wide array of national and international pieces, the National Museum of Korea is a stage for a number of cultural activities related to collection, preservation, research and analysis, social training, academic publications, intercultural exchange programs, concerts, and more.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

19.8Km 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.

The National Library of Korea (국립중앙도서관)

19.8Km 2021-06-22

201, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-590-0500

The National Library of Korea collects and preserves many important documents and books, promoting a culture of appreciation for these cultural heritages. The library was founded on May 28, 1988 in the area of Seocho Park, later expanding to include an annex. The scenery of the park is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing, perfectly suited to the pursuit of knowledge. For further understanding, the library also offers guided tours for those interested in library science. Many materials have also been scanned and are accessible online through the digital library.

Banpo Hangang Park (반포한강공원)

19.8Km 2024-11-28

40 Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0541

Banpo Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the river centering on Banpo Bridge (Jamsu Bridge) between Hamnam Bridge (upstream) and Dongjak Bridge (downstream). The Rainbow Fountain built on both sides of Banpo Bridge was registered in The Guinness Book of Records in 2008 as the longest bridge fountain in the world with a total length of 1,140 meters. At night, over 200 lights create a fantastic view of a beautiful rainbow.

In addition, the park is equipped with sports facilities including bubble playground, in-line skating track, soccer field, and basketball court. You may also enjoy the gorgeous view of Hangang River and skyscrapers on the riverside from Gureum and Noeul cafes, lookout places located on the southernmost part of Dongjak Bridge.

Seoraeseom Island which connects from Banpo Hangang River Park is an artificially created island to provide a leisure space for Seoul urbanites. Every spring, the place is flooded with waves of canola flowers and people to enjoy picnic and spring events like ‘Searaeseom Butterfly, Canola Flower Festival’.

Your joyful experience in the park doesn’t end here - there are more things to see and enjoy including a nature experience field, boat quay, bike lane, and picnic spots.

Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain (반포대교 달빛무지개분수)

19.8Km 2025-08-07

647 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0578

The Rainbow Fountain plunges 20 meters into the water on both side of Banpo Bridge over the Hangang River. When the sun goes down, 200 lights illuminate the fountain as it sends out dancing, rainbow-colored jets of water in the air in synchronization with music. The fountain boasts spectacular views from the hills, the Hangang River observation deck, and the moon-shaped Moonlight Square. Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain operates every day from April to October, four to six times a day for 20 minutes.

Banpo Seoraeseom Island (반포 서래섬)

19.8Km 2018-02-02

40, Sinbanpo-ro 11-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Banpo Seoraeseom Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. Located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside, the island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more.

Soigné (스와니예)

19.8Km 2019-09-11

46, Banpo-daero 39-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3477-9386

Soigné is chef Lee Jun’s first restaurant featuring creative cuisines of Korean dishes motivated by France, Italy, America and other countries. "Soigné" is named after the French word, meaning "Well-made," or "Well-groomed."

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관) - Area information - Korea travel information