Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

2.9Km 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.

Olens - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (오렌즈 약수)

2.9Km 2024-04-23

#103, 117, Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Angyeong Seonsaengnim - Jongno Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (안경선생님 종로)

2.9Km 2024-04-18

1F, 393-1, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.9Km 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.

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station (포포인츠 바이 쉐라톤 조선 서울역)

2.9Km 2022-06-09

366 , Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6070-7000

Four Points by Sheraton Josun Seoul Station is a modern and casual hotel for travelers. This business hotel has various types of rooms, a restaurant, fitness center, meeting room, coin laundry, business corner, and more. It is connected to Seoul Station Exit 12 and located near the Airport Railway, KTX, and Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4.

Olive Young - Twin City Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 트윈시티)

2.9Km 2024-04-18

Store #B109, #B110, GF Twin City Bldg., 366, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Sosohan Punggyeong (소소한 풍경)

2.9Km 2024-02-20

75 Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sosohan Punggyeong is the first restaurant that received the restaurant guide, Blue Ribbon Survey, in Korea. It is located in a renovated house with a courtyard. They offer a course menu featuring appetizers to desserts. One of the signature dishes is the gaji jjim (spicy eggplant soup), a dish made with eggplant and meat. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as many guests prefer to book ahead.

Chunpoong Brewery (춘풍양조장)

3.0Km 2025-03-14

101-3 Dasan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Chungpoong Brewery, a specialized brewery producing makgeolli, offers brewery tours and tasting sessions, conveying the value of Korean alcohol. Through these programs, the brewery shares Korean liquor culture and provides information about Korean alcohol. Visitors can also enjoy a dining and alcohol experience here.

Buam-dong (부암동)

3.0Km 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.

Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

3.0Km 2024-03-04

63, Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-391-7701

Whanki Art Museum exhibits the works of Kim Whanki (1913-1974), the pioneer of Korean abstract art. Kim was inspired by traditional features such as Korean mountains and streams, the sky, moons and clouds, the white porcelain and traditional patterns, and worked to express them in abstract forms through points, lines, and surfaces. The main collection features nearly 300 works by Kim. One can also find an art shop and a café.

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