Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

6.5Km 2022-12-15

251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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.

Alive Museum (Insa-dong Branch) [박물관은 살아있다(인사동점)]

6.5Km 2024-03-15

(B1 and B2, Daeil Building), 12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

The Alive Museum is a media theme park located in Insa-dong. The exhibition here is made up of optical illusion art, large objet, and digital media pieces, which allow you to delve into the land of mystery. It is made up of different sections like the Insadong Photo Studio, Game Village, and the Toy Village.

Dynamic Maze (Insa-dong) (다이나믹 메이즈 (서울 인사동점))

6.5Km 2024-03-15

12, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Dynamic Maze is an indoor space in Insa-dong dedicated to an exciting adventure: A maze filled with obstacles, requiring participants to work together and overcome the barriers through quickness and focus. Go through the hall of mirrors, climb the wall, and cross the suspension bridge to finally escape from the maze.

ATOP Plastic Surgery (에이탑 성형외과)

6.6Km 2025-10-23

4F-5F, 10 Gangnam-daero 94-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

ATOP Plastic Surgery provides various beauty solutions, including fillers, Botox, lifting, laser treatments, skin care, and body contouring, all tailored to each individual’s needs. The clinic focuses on providing truly customized treatments for each patient, rather than one-size-fits-all procedures, to reveal and harmonize the patient's unique beauty and personality. Discover your true beauty and uniqueness through procedures customized for your face, just like finding the perfect outfit for your body.
Since its establishment, ATOP Plastic Surgery has performed approximately 50,000 procedures, with an average of 1,300 procedures per month. Based on this expertise, the clinic provides personalized procedures (e.g., fillers, Botox, lasers, etc.) for each customer. Every day, over 100 patients from around the world visit the clinic to enhance their beauty.
ATOP Plastic Surgery is committed to high-quality treatments, continuous research, and engaging in academic activities and social contributions.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

6.6Km 2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Jongno 3(sam)-ga Jewelry District (종로3가 귀금속 전문상가)

6.6Km 2025-06-30

Jongno3-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul-si

There is an enormous selection of wholesalers and retail jewelry stores in this district, spread throughout Jongno 3(sam)-ga and 4(sa)-ga. The glittering showcases here are especially popular amongst young people and foreign tourists looking to find fine jewelry at affordable prices. Stores in the jewelry district have a selection of designs that are extraordinarily diverse and prices that are 20 to 40% lower than at other jewelry outlets in Korea.

Insadong Cultural Street (인사동 문화의 거리)

6.6Km 2023-12-26

Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Metropolitan City

Insadong Cultural Street is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all around the world, thanks to its numerous art galleries, restaurants serving Korean table d’hote, traditional teahouses, and street vendors lining the streets. Its most recognizable feature is the use of Hangeul (Korean script) in storefronts, which allows the visitors to really see just what makes this place so special. Unlike the nearby Ikseon-dong Hanok Street, Insadong Cultural Street has larger streets with wider stores, so it is much easier to traverse. On evenings and weekends, one can find buskers performing on the side of the road.

Seoul International Writers' Festival (서울국제작가축제)

6.6Km 2025-07-30

26 Insadong 9-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-70-8826-5207

Seoul International Writers' Festival was founded in 2006 with aims to lay a foundation for connecting Korean literature and international literature. This year's theme is "() Meets the Eye," inviting attendees to explore the beauty of literature that is much more than meets the eye.

Sewoon Plaza (세운상가)

6.6Km 2025-12-16

159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Makercity Sewoon is Korea's first comprehensive electronics market, established in 1968 and has a 40-year history. As a mecca in the urban electronics industry area located in Jongno, the center of Seoul, you can purchase various electronic products here.
Since 2014, Seoul's urban regeneration project has been underway, and a pedestrian overpass, rooftop observatory, plaza, and Makers Cube, where you can experience the 4th industrial revolution, have been created to provide unique attractions.

◎ Travel Information to Discover Hallyu’s Charm - K-Drama "Vincenzo (2021)"
"Vincenzo" depicts the story of Vincenzo (Song Joong-ki), an Italian mafia lawyer who teams up with the tenants of “Geumga Plaza” to protect a hidden stash of gold in the building from a powerful force. The building appearing as “Geumga Plaza” in the drama is none other than Seoul's Sewoon Plaza. Its retro-style aesthetic adds a unique ambience to the show and makes its scenes even more memorable.

Templestay Information Center (템플스테이 홍보관)

6.6Km 2022-10-17

56, Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Templestay Information Center offers various information and services regarding templestays and temple meals for domestic and international visitors. The center also operates traditional cultural experiences, such as tea time with a Buddhist monk, traditional culture activities and more.

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