Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

18.0Km 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.

Lunette Eyewear - Mapo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (루네뜨안경 마포)

18.0Km 2024-04-17

1F, 24, Dohwa-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

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April 19th National Cemetery (국립4.19민주묘지)

18.0Km 2023-01-02

17, 4.19-ro 8-gil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-996-0419

Located at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the April 19th National Cemetery was established in memory of the 224 people who lost their lives during the 4.19 Revolution in 1960. The cemetery features a memorial hall and a traditional wooden structure that houses the grave of the historic figure Yu Yeongbong.

At the cemetery is a pond surrounded by sculptures such as "Symbolic Door," "Roots of Democracy," and "Sparks of Justice" and a memorial tower bearing an inscription for the brave patriots who lost their lives during the revolution. Groves of pine, juniper, yew, and maple trees and the well-kept hiking path add a natural charm to the overwhelming ambiance of peace and serenity. Many people visit to see the spring blossoms in May, and throughout the year to take in the glorious scene of the sunset over Bukhansan Mountain.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

18.0Km 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.

Seoul Garden Hotel (베스트웨스턴 프리미어 서울가든호텔)

18.0Km 2021-05-07

58, Mapo-daero, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Seoul Garden Hotel is the only 4-star hotel in the Mapo area. Conveniently located near Yeouido’s business center and the shopping area of Itaewon, the hotel is a prime accommodation for business travelers as well as leisure guests. The hotel is between two subway stations on four different lines, including the Airport Railroad, making it easy to get to the hotel. Guests can be assured of quality of accommodations at reasonable rates. The hotel includes restaurants, banquet halls, a business center, a fitness center, and more.

Baeksasilgyegok Valley (백사실계곡)

18.0Km 2020-08-31

115, Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1114

Baeksasilgyegok Valley in Seoul is a well preserved cultural and natural site, being home to Baekseokdongcheon, Historic Site No. 462, as well as a habitat to diverse animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul.

The valley gets its name from the site of a villa of Yi Hangbok. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.

Olive Young - Soongsil Univ. Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 숭실대입구역)

18.0Km 2024-04-18

358, Sangdo-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

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Art Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 아트코리아)

18.0Km 2024-04-17

1F, 231, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Daepyeong Galbi (대평갈비)

18.0Km 2021-03-27

83, Pyeongchangmunhwa-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-5288

With a large hall, it is a good place for group gatherings and group dinners. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The representative menu is grilled jumbo sized beef ribs/grilled jumbo sized spareribs.

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

18.1Km 2021-03-09

46, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-3222

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-story museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and a small garden on the second floor with a great view of the mountains.

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