Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

2.6Km 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)

2.6Km 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.

Yejiwon (예지원)

2.6Km 2022-09-19

72, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2253-2211

The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners.

Most programs offered are short-term classes, and reservations can be made on the homepage up to 15 days in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 10 or more and classes are instructed in Korean only, so it may be a good idea to be accompanied by a guide.

HOTEL QB (호텔큐비(호텔QB))

2.6Km 2024-12-23

322-10 , Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-743-1294

Hotel QB in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is conveniently located a 3-minute walk from Dongdaemun subway station and close to the airport bus stop. Rooms range from single rooms for individual travelers to a quad room, and there is a studio and fitting room where selfies and photos can be taken. The hotel cafe has a microwave, water purifier and refrigerator, and customized travel consulting and free luggage storage are provided in the lobby. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, Dongmyo Flea Market and a variety of fashion wholesalers are all nearby.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.6Km 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.

Bukjeong Village (북정마을)

2.7Km 2024-02-15

132-3 Seongbuk-ro 23-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Bukjeong Village, situated along the slopes of Seongbuk-dong, offers a glimpse into Korea's old alleyways. The village expanded as refugees from the Korean War (1950–1953) and people from various regions settled, building houses under the collapsed walls of Hanyang doseong (Seoul City Wall). Presently, the village is home to young artists, and the broad street in front of the village bus stop hosts various community events.

Golfzon Market - Yaksu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (골프존마켓 약수)

2.7Km 2024-04-19

214, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Seungjin Toy (승진완구)

2.7Km 2025-01-06

30, Jong-ro 52-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-1900

Seungjin Toy is a toy store that carries almost every kind of toy imaginable from stuffed animals to character dolls and much more. What makes this store even more attractive to many customers is that their merchandise is, on average, 30% cheaper than that of their competitors.

Soul (소울)

2.7Km 2025-08-20

B1, 35 Sinheung-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Soul is a fine-dining located in Hannam-dong. It presents reinterpretations of Korean cuisine, drawing inspiration from traditional dishes. The menu is structured into lunch and dinner courses. Known for its ability to artistically express familiar flavors encountered in daily life, Soul was selected for the 2023 Michelin Guide Seoul. Operating on a reservation-only basis, bookings can be made via phone.

Dongdaemun Stationery Store Street (동대문 문구완구거리)

2.7Km 2024-03-15

21-1, Jong-ro 52-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

Dongdaemun Stationery Store Street houses nearly 120 stores selling stationery products like notebooks, crayons, pencils, backpacks, as well as other products like children’s gifts, decorations, and party products. Products can be found at prices nearly 30 to 40% lower than the consumer products, which can be lowered even further when buying in bulk. Products past the season may see the prices drop by more than half.

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