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

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

5.6Km    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.

Mosim (모심)

Mosim (모심)

5.6Km    2025-05-20

8 Gaeunsa-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

Mosim is a Korean table d’hote restaurant that offers a variety of menus to choose from depending on the kind of dishes and the number of side dishes. The set menu, which includes main dishes, such as hwangtae gui (grilled dried pollack) and galbitang (galbi soup), and side dishes, such as salad, japchae, and seasoned vegetables, is plentiful in amount and variety enough to fill the table. There are menu items that can be enjoyed individually, such as samgyetang, bibimbap, and yukgaejang (spicy beef soup). The restaurant’s menu comprises nutritious dishes that soothe one's tired mind and body. The restaurant has private rooms that can accommodate 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 30 people, so it is a good option for guests seeking a quiet meal with the family or group gatherings.

Seoul Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사 (서울))

5.6Km    2024-10-24

531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3218-4800

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located north of COEX, and was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple and renamed it Bongeunsa Temple.

Originally located near the Royal Tomb of King Seongjong, the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. The temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee. The Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa is held on the ninth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, where monks march carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).

HappyMedion ((주)해피메디온)

5.6Km    2025-10-23

(#401), 323 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

HappyMedion, a global hospitality specialist, is a medical tourism company established with the goal of becoming the world's No.1 cultural tourism group. 

We focus on wellness medical tourism based on health checkups, plastic surgery, and beauty services. With over 80 global networks and strategic partnerships, we proudly position ourselves as 'The World Best Group.'

We are committed to enhancing foreign patients' satisfaction with our differentiated premium services by providing personalized concierge solutions.

Our one-stop concierge services for medical tourism include support for obtaining medical visas, transportation between international airports and hospitals, assistance from medical tourism coordinators, and tax-free service support.

JW Plastic Surgery (제이더블유(JW)정원성형외과의원)

5.7Km    2025-10-23

(3rd-7th Floors), 553 Samseong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

JW Plastic Surgery aims to provide the best possible cosmetic results for our patients with the belief that "the difference in skill is the difference in results." For patients who struggle with repeated revision surgeries, we help make it their last. To break the chain of repeated revision surgeries, it is critical to accurately identify and address the cause of failure in the original surgery. We have decades of experience in revision surgery to help you feel satisfied and confident. JW Plastic Surgery maintains a specialized treatment system based on thorough safety management and professional medical staff. With zero medical accidents reported since opening, we consider the safety of our patients as our top priority. Discover a new and beautiful yourself at JW Plastic Surgery Center. We are here to share the precious moment of change with you.

Dojeong Yukgwan (도정육관)

Dojeong Yukgwan (도정육관)

5.7Km    2025-10-27

42 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Dojeong Yukgwan is a Korean BBQ restaurant in Gangnam. Every morning, fresh rice is milled on-site to cook the rice, and carefully aged meat is served alongside. The meat is aged at a consistent temperature and humidity, resulting in a tender texture and deep flavor. The meat is grilled over charcoal, with staff grilling the meat to serve it in optimal condition. A variety of side dishes are served alongside the food. The interior features warm lighting and wooden interiors, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.

K-medi Spring (한강애봄)

5.7Km    2025-12-09

6th Floor, 63 Dongsomun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

HanGang AeBom is a certified agency specializing in attracting international patients, offering customized programs that combine Korea’s advanced medical services with tourism. The agency collaborates with medical institutions to arrange consultations, interpretation, accommodation, and travel itineraries.

BBQ Yul (고깃집열)

BBQ Yul (고깃집열)

5.7Km    2025-12-16

48 Seocho-daero 78-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul

BBQ Yul, a Korean barbecue restaurant in Gangnam, boasts deep flavors of pork aged for 336 hours and charcoal. All meats are sourced domestically and cooked by the skilled staff to ensure optimal cooking and flavor. The interior is composed of warm lighting and wooden decor, and opening the folding door reveals an open space like a terrace.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

5.8Km    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.

Will Spa (윌스파)

5.8Km    2025-01-08

524, Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3466-8100

Willspa operates 24 hours in the Gangnam area, featuring luxurious spa that is equipped with suitable size, facility, and programs for foreign visitors’ taste.