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

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

6.8Km    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.

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁 다래나무)

6.9Km    2025-01-13

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3668-2300

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

Hanok Essay Seochon (한옥에세이 서촌)

6.9Km    2024-06-04

12 Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The area of Seochon features both traditional elements as well modern, showing the changes over time. A stay in one of the hanok houses here is the perfect way to feel this unique ambiance. Hanok Essay Seochon provides this experience, open to visitors of all ages.

La:ppland [Tax Refund Shop] (라플란드)

6.9Km    2024-04-16

Bldg. Ga. 1F, 83, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seochon Guest House [Korea Quality] / 서촌게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

Seochon Guest House [Korea Quality] / 서촌게스트하우스 [한국관광 품질인증]

6.9Km    2023-09-05

28-3 , Jahamun-ro 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-473-9680

Seochon Guest House in Seochon, Jongno, Seoul, consists of a 90 year-old hanok and a two-story Western-style house. A 6-cheop table is provided for meals, and travelers can use the 1st floor rooms and hall at any time. In the yard, Pansori performances are held twice a year, and residents can sample traditional music, wearing hanbok, and making Korean food; the guesthouse’s other name is Pleasure Valley (Jaeminan Gol)! There are programs for visiting Inwangsan-Bukaksan fortress trail, Gyeongbokgung and other royal palaces, and nearby traditional markets.

GRANDHAND. Gahoe (그랑핸드 가회점)

GRANDHAND. Gahoe (그랑핸드 가회점)

6.9Km    2025-12-04

61 Bukchon-ro 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Launched in 2014 at a small hanok in Bukchon Hanok Village, this Korean perfume brand now has nine stores around Seoul. With no advertisements or online sales, GRANDHAND has preserved its roots for years. GRANDHAND. Gahoe located amidst the beautiful surroundings of Bukchon Hanok Village and various art museums has customers of all ages and nationalities.

Of one book and stay (일독일박)

Of one book and stay (일독일박)

6.9Km    2024-12-23

11-1 , Pirundae-ro 3-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-504-0904-2340

Ildogilbak in Seochon Village, Seoul, is a private hanok stay that has been stylishly renovated with modern facilities. The bedroom, kitchen and dining room are located around the courtyard. Tired travellers can soak their feet in the small courtyard footbath while sitting on the veranda. There’s a queen size bed in the bedroom, and a large table in the dining room where you can read a book and chat. There is also an attic space where you can fall asleep looking at the stars through a small skylight. The kitchen is well equipped, and there’s a tub in the bathroom.

Wonder Place - Suyu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (원더플레이스 수유)

6.9Km    2024-04-22

308, Dobong-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

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The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea (국립민속박물관&국립민속박물관 어린이박물관)

6.9Km    2025-06-19

37 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Children’s Museum of the National Folk Museum of Korea, located within Gyeongbokgung Palace, showcases artifacts related to Korean traditional culture. This interactive museum allows children to experience and learn about various aspects of Korean traditional clothing, food, society, culture, and games firsthand. Especially catering to children from Asian countries, there is a service for renting items, and reservations are required for admission.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

6.9Km    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.