Dongnimmun Gate (독립문) - Area information - Korea travel information

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

5.4Km    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.

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

5.4Km    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.

Mouse Rabbit (마우스래빗)

Mouse Rabbit (마우스래빗)

5.5Km    2025-10-30

10, Neungdong-ro 11-gil, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul

SUPER JUNIOR Yesung
SUPER JUNIOR’s Yesung, who loves coffee, opened this cafe with her younger brother. It is also called 'Yesung Cafe' and is visited by domestic fans as well as foreign customers. Yesung serves himself, and it is decorated like a hideout. The cafe building, which consists of the first basement floor and the second floor above ground, catches the eye with a different theme for each floor. Ssamanko Smoothie and Icy Blue Smoothie are popular menu items.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

5.5Km    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.

April 31 Plastic Surgery (4월31일성형외과)

5.5Km    2025-10-23

(April 31 Building), 707 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Established in 1999, April 31 Plastic Surgery boasts a long history and solid brand power. 

A unique name, April 31 Plastic Surgery

April 31 doesn't exist, so we came up with a special day that doesn't exist anywhere else. Our motto is to be the hospital that gives patients a new birthday. 

Our medical specialists and staff are committed to professionalism and patient satisfaction, continuously striving to meet patients' expectations.

Yongsan Family Park (용산가족공원)

5.5Km    2022-12-15

185, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-792-5660

Visitors to Yongsan Family Park can enjoy a relaxing time at a big grassy field beside a refreshing pond and well-organized walking paths. Yongsan Family Park spans an area of roughly 89,256.20 ㎡ in what was a section of the former golf course of the Eighth US Army Division. The park is comprised of various facilities such as a 2km-walking path, a natural education site, and Taegeukgi Park. Visitors can watch and feed pigeons and wild pheasants living at the park.

Madang Jokbal (마당족발)

Madang Jokbal (마당족발)

5.5Km    2024-10-15

175, Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-468-3030

It is a restaurant with an outdoor terrace. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is braised pigs' feet.

Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

5.5Km    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.

Hema Studio (헤마스튜디오)

5.6Km    2023-06-22

20-10 Nonhyeon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-70-7504-1415

Hema Studio is a place that provides experience services for K-pop lovers and is located in Gangnam, Seoul. Hema Studio offers products that allow foreign tourists to record their favorite K-pop songs and shoot personal music videos. You can go through the entire process from recording to cover music video shooting with a 1:1 director. After cover recording and music video shooting are complete, the completed work can be put on a USB and shared with friends and family. It is also possible to upload to SNS such as YouTube and TikTok. Hema Studio is located in the downtown area of ​​Gangnam, so it is easily accessible via public transportation such as subway and bus.

JaneDMCKorea (주)제인디엠씨코리아)

5.6Km    2025-10-23

(4th Floor), 51 Mallijae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Jane DMC Korea is an inbound travel agency and international patient recruitment organization established in 2006. Headquartered in Seoul, with branch offices in Busan, Indonesia, and India, the company develops and sells programs for international clients in 40 countries while also attracting international patients.