Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

11.9Km 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.

Iryeong Station (일영역)

11.9Km 2025-12-16

25 Iryeong-ro 647beon-gil, Jangheung-myeon, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Iryeong Station is a train station that once served the Gyooe Line north of Seoul.
Passenger services ceased in 2004, and after the station master retired in 2013, it saw only occasional freight traffic before closing. In 2025, plans to reopen the line led to the restoration and reopening of the original station building, which now also houses a tourist information center displaying artifacts that showcase the railway line's past.

With its weathered signs and grass growing along the tracks, Iryeong Station has become a memorable tourist destination accessible from Seoul and a filming location for many movies, commercials, and music videos. One notable example is the 2001 film "My Sassy Girl (2001)," in which The Girl (Jun Ji-hyun) and Gyeon-woo (Cha Tae-hyun) bury a time capsule together at the station before going their separate ways.

Buam-dong (부암동)

12.0Km 2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Lotte Mart - ToysRus Seoul Yangpyeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데마트 토이저러스서울양평점)

12.0Km 2024-04-22

138, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

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Lotte Mart - Seoul Yangpyeong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (롯데마트 서울양평점)

12.0Km 2024-04-22

138, Seonyu-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

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Seoul Marina Club & Yacht (서울마리나 요트&클럽)

12.0Km 2025-04-14

160 Yeouiseo-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-8400

Located right behind the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, this marina facility has a rather unique scenery that one cannot easily find in Korea, thanks to the view of the Hangang River and the yachts moored at the marina. Professionals operate the yachts here, so safety is guaranteed. Yacht rides here are popular because one can enjoy a sailing experience in the city center. Another draw of the yacht rides here is the scenery of Seoul, especially at night.

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

12.0Km 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.

Mok In Museum Mok Seok Won (목인박물관 목석원)

12.0Km 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.

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

12.0Km 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.

Ewha Womans University Museum (이화여자대학교박물관)

12.1Km 2022-09-14

52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3277-3152

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.

Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Since 1996, the museum also held special exhibitions that focus on other themes related to cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.

A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.

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