National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

2.6Km 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.

Seodaemun Culture & Sports Center Swimming Pool (서대문 문화체육회관 실내수영장)

2.6Km 2024-03-20

39 Baekryeonsa-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Culture & Sports Center Swimming Pool, covering 973 square meters, features a total of seven lanes with both adult and children's pools. The facility provides regular swimming lessons, survival swimming lessons, aqua aerobics, and more. The water quality is maintained using a natural salt electrolysis system. For free swimming, visitors can purchase tickets from the kiosk on the second floor, receive wristbands from the information desk, and enjoy the facility at an affordable cost.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.7Km 2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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.

Korean Martyrs' Museum (한국천주교순교자박물관)

2.7Km 2023-01-03

6, Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Korean Martyrs’ Museum was opened in October of 1967 as Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine, in memory of the Catholic martyrs who lost their lives during the Byeongin Persecution of 1866. The name of the museum changed to the current Korean Martyrs' Museum in August 2008. The museum displays artifacts and materials in exhibitions related to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea.

Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine (절두산순교성지)

2.7Km 2024-03-12

6 Tojeong-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is the site where many Catholic believers were executed in 1866 due to persecution. In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the martyrdom, the Korean Catholic Church opened the Memorial Hall in October 1967, exhibiting materials, relics, and souvenirs related to the Korean Catholic Church and operating a museum. Pope Johannes Paulus II visited the site in 1984, and Mother Teresa visited in 1985.

Mangwon Market (망원시장)

2.7Km 2025-07-11

27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangwon Market is one of the representative traditional markets of Seoul. Its proximity to both Mangnidan Street and Hangang Park makes it a great place to do some shopping in preparation for a riverside picnic. The market isn’t very large, but it is packed with delicious treats. One can find classics like the deep-fried and braised chicken, braised pigs' feet, crispy deep-fried green chili pepper, and other snack fare there, along with stores offering food and lifestyle items for some browsing.

Seoul Hyochang Park (서울 효창공원)

2.8Km 2024-07-09

177-18 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Hyochang Park covers 122,245 square meters spanning across Hyochang-dong and Cheongpa 2-dong. It is a historic landmark that once contained several royal tombs, and was known at that time as Hyochangwon. The cemeteries that were originally located in Hyochangwon belonged to Crown Prince Munhyo, King Jeongjo’s first son who died at the age of five; Royal Noble Consort Uibin of the Seong Clan, King Jeongjo’s royal concubine and Crown Prince Munhyo’s mother; Royal Noble Consort Sugui of the Park Clan, King Sunjo’s royal concubine; and her daughter Princess Yeongon. The royal tombs were moved to Seooreung Tombs in the waning months of the Japanese colonial period. The Japanese empire began the development of Hyochangwon into a park in 1924, and the Japanese governor-general officially assigned the site as a park in 1940.

Presently, several of Korea’s greatest leaders are buried in Hyochang Park. The remains mostly belong to independence activists including Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang, and Baek Jeong-gi, whose graves are collectively known as Samuisa Tomb. A statue of Lee Bong-chang has been built in the graveyard. Among the other patriotic martyrs who are interred in the park are Kim Gu and some of the key figures of the provisional government such as Lee Dong-nyeong, Cha I-seok, and Cho Seong-hwan. An ancestral shrine named Uiyeolsa has been built along the main gate and holds the portraits of the deceased independence activists.

Mangnidan Street (망리단길)

2.8Km 2025-05-20

Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Mangnidan Street is located near Poeun-ro, which can be reached in about 6 to 8 minutes of leisurely walk toward Mangwon Hangang Park from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station on Subway Line 6. Its name comes from the combination of Mangwon-dong and the Gyeongnidan Street in Itaewon, meaning the “Gyeongnidan Street of Mangwon-dong.” There are a variety of restaurants, cafes, dessert shops, and other small shops, each with their own charm, making it a great place to take the kids shopping or just get some rest. This place is quite close to Mangwon Market, so visitors can stop by the market if time allows. Another way to fit this area into the itinerary is as a pit stop for desserts or some shopping before heading to Mangwon Hangang Park.

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

2.9Km 2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

Always August Roasters (올웨이즈 어거스트 로스터스)

3.0Km 2025-08-20

19 Mangwon-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Located near Mangwon Market, this cafe is sandwiched between tranquil residential buildings, so it is a good place to enjoy a cup and some desserts in peace. The joint serves great coffee and desserts, which go even better together. Its placement on the first floor means that one can get some sun and feel the tranquil atmosphere of Mangwon-dong, a different side of Seoul as a city. Note that this place also offers alcoholic beverages in the form of wine, so if you are up for a longer stay, you can indulge in the wine card curated by the management.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관) - Area information - Korea travel information