Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)
8.3Km 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.
Seoul Sajik Park (사직공원(서울))
8.3Km 2021-11-12
89, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-4149
Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Inwangsan Mountain, the park measures an impressive 188,710 m².
The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Yi Sung-gye made Sajik Altar (altar to the State deities) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at Sajik Altar.
In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yulkog Yi I, and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Inwangsan hiking path with relative ease.
Insa-dong (인사동)
8.3Km 2024-05-17
62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222
Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.
The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.
The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.
Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex·Dongdaemun Shopping Town (동대문 종합시장·동대문 쇼핑타운)
8.3Km 2025-06-30
266 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2262-0114
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is one of Korea’s most well-known markets. It was founded in December 1970 as the largest of its kind in Asia and has maintained that status for the last 40 years. Browsing the plethora of shops, you can find fabric and clothing following all the latest global fashion trends. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex continues to build up its reputation as a hub of international design.
Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)
8.3Km 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.
SAEWHA HOSTEL(세화호스텔)
8.3Km 2024-06-20
50 , Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-10-3780-5988
Located in Jongno, in the heart of Seoul, Saehwa Hostel offers a variety of guest rooms, including ondol rooms and bedrooms, for up to 3 people. There’s a bathtub in each room. Shared PCs, massage chairs, microwave ovens, washing machines and dryers are all available free of charge. A simple free breakfast is provided, plus a free international phone service and a foreign language guidance service. Seoul Station is 15 minutes away by subway, and the airport limousine bus stops at Jongno 3-ga station. Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and downtown shopping streets are all reachable on foot.
Gwanghwamun Gate (광화문)
8.3Km 2024-12-04
161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3700-3900
Built in 1395 under the reign of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty, Gwanghwamun Gate is the southern gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is also the main gate of the palace, therefore larger and fancier in comparison to the other gates. Gwanghwamun Gate consists of three arched gates; the center gate was used by the king, while the other two were used by the crown prince and royal officials. The tall granite walls of the gate serve as a platform for the wooden gate tower that watches over the city. The gate has a sign with its name written at the top center of the gate tower.
Gwanghwamun Gate went through several damages and restorations over the course of history. It was first severely damaged during the Imjin War (1592-1598) and was not restored until the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1864. Under the Japanese administration, the gate was demolished and relocated to the north of the palace's eastern gate, followed by series of damages during the Korean War (1950-1953). In 1968, Gwanghwamun Gate was relocated back to the south of the palace and was rebuilt using concrete; however, the gate’s position was shifted a few meters away from its original location. In 2006, a major reconstruction project took place to restore Gwanghwamun Gate to its original state and location, disassembling the structure completely and replacing concrete with granite and wood. After three years and eight months of construction, Gwanghwamun Gate was fully restored to its original form and was open to the public on August 15, 2010.
Tteok Museum (떡박물관)
8.3Km 2021-09-29
71, Donhwamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-741-5447
The Tteok Museum displays over 2,000 Korean kitchen utensils and tteok (rice cake) related items, arranged by various themes. The displayed utensils are handmade household necessities that are ingenuous, yet reveal the lifestyle of the working class. The elderly may relive fond childhood memories and the younger generation can experience the wisdom of ancestors through the rare kitchen utensils.
Seoulland Sledding Hills (서울랜드 눈썰매장)
8.3Km 2022-11-22
Makgye-dong, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-2-509-6000
Seoulland Sledding Hills offers two slopes, one for children (50 meters long) and another for adults (120 meters long). Amenities include food stands that sell various foods, including eomuk (fish cake) soup, resting lounge and medical office. Various performances are also prepared to entertain visitors at the main stage nearby the sledding hill.
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