Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

4.5Km 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.

Club Espresso (클럽에스프레소)

4.5Km 2024-02-20

132 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Club Espresso is a café that opened in 1990, constructed with red bricks. They roast their own coffee beans, offering a diverse coffee menu. The Moon Blend, a blend of Colombian, Brazilian, Ethiopian, and Guatemalan beans, is a favorite among regulars and is made with the coffee bean ratio favored by former President Moon Jae-in. Nearby attractions include the Yun Dongju Hill (Cheongun Park) and the Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum, dedicated to the poet beloved by Koreans.

Jaha Sonmandu (자하손만두)

4.5Km 2024-03-06

12 Baekseokdong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-379-2648

Jaha Sonmandu is a mandu specialty restaurant located in Buam-dong. Their signature dish is mandu guk (mandu soup), which features dumplings filled with beef, pork, mung beans, and bean curd, boiled in a clear broth. The chewy mandu skin and the clean-tasting broth, flavored with homemade soy sauce, are highlights of the dish. Housed in a renovated residential building, the restaurant offers a refined yet homey atmosphere for dining. Through the windows, diners can enjoy a refreshing view of Inwangsan Mountain.

Waterworks Museum (수도박물관)

4.5Km 2025-01-17

27, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3146-5936

The Ttukseom Water Purification Plant (Waterworks Museum and Slow Sand Filtration Basin) was completed in August 1908 as the first water purification plant ever built in Korea. In 2008, it celebrated 100 years of history with the opening of the Waterworks Museum, which showcases the history and value of Seoul's public waterworks. The museum was recognized for its modern architectural design and designated Tangible Cultural Asset of Seoul No.72.

Buam-dong Gaeyeoalsa (부암동 계열사)

4.5Km 2024-02-21

7 Baekseokdong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Buam-dong Gaeyeoalsa is a chicken place that has received recognition in the Blue Ribbon Survey, the first restaurant guide in Korea. The representative menu is the fried chicken served in a bamboo tray with wedge potatoes. The chicken has a thin and crispy coating. Nearby attractions include the Yun Dongju Hill (Cheongun Park) and the Yun Dong-ju Literary Museum, dedicated to the poet beloved by Koreans.

Boobing (부빙)

4.5Km 2024-01-12

136 Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Boobing is short for "Buam-dong bingsu" (shaved ice). As such, it is a shaved ice restaurant that always has a long waiting line on weekdays or weekends. The main menu item is pat bingsu (shaved ice with red beans), made with red beans that are provided by a bean produce. They also serve their own original bingsu desserts that use ingredients like melon, mint chocolate, and gold pineapple. Their signature menu is Chodang corn bingsu, made with finely ground corn with milk ice on top. The cafe has a one bingsu order per person policy.

Hangang River (한강)

4.5Km 2024-10-29

257 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-120

The Hangang River is a iconic river in Korea that crosses Seoul from north to south. Various parks and cultural facilities are located along the river, attracting numerous people to enjoy leisure and relaxation. Many people enjoy walking, biking, and jogging along the river. Water sports such as fishing, kayaking, and sailing are also popular, and the night view of the river from a cruise ship makes it even more beautiful. Events such as concerts, drone festivals, and fireworks displays are also a must-see.

Sosohan Punggyeong (소소한 풍경)

4.5Km 2024-02-20

75 Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Sosohan Punggyeong is the first restaurant that received the restaurant guide, Blue Ribbon Survey, in Korea. It is located in a renovated house with a courtyard. They offer a course menu featuring appetizers to desserts. One of the signature dishes is the gaji jjim (spicy eggplant soup), a dish made with eggplant and meat. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, as many guests prefer to book ahead.

Olive Young - Seoul Forest Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 서울숲역점)

4.5Km 2024-06-26

1F, 50, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

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Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

4.6Km 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.

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