Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

15.6Km 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.

Jaju [Tax Refund Shop] (자주)

15.6Km 2024-04-23

6, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Changuimun Gate - Jahamun Gate (창의문(자하문))

15.6Km 2020-04-02

118, Changuimun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Changuimun Gate was often called Jahamun Gate. It was one of four mini-gates in the north surrounding the walled city of Hanyang (Seoul) during the Joseon dynasty. After the closure of Sukjeongmun Gate, one of the four main gates, Changuimun Gate became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m² in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, another of the four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede.

Hottracks - Suyu Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (핫트랙스 수유점)

15.6Km 2024-04-18

348, Dobong-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

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Olive Young - Jangseungbaegi Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 장승배기역)

15.6Km 2024-04-22

#106, 11, Jangseungbaegi-ro 11ga-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

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Bugaksan Mountain (북악산)

15.6Km 2024-03-04

Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0297

Bugaksan Mountain is the mountain that one can see behind the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Cheong Wa Dae to the north. Hanyangdoseong, the city wall that surrounded the historic capital of Hanyang, was built by connecting the ridges of this mountain. These walls can still be found today, having been preserved quite well. Different trails weave through the area along the Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, and one can visit these trails at night as well. Bugak Skyway is a road that connects Changuimun Gate to Jeongneung Royal Tomb, and one can get a great view of Seoul’s city center from the Palgakjeong Pavilion on Bugak Skyway.

Raintree (레인트리)

15.6Km 2021-03-29

24, Ewhayeodae 2ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-6406-2172

It is a café with a comfortable, cozy atmosphere. This cafe is located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is pancakes.

Bulbap(불밥)

15.6Km 2020-12-24

11 Ewhayeodae 8-gil Seodaemun-gu Seoul
+82-2-362-9833

It is a restaurant serving dishes at affordable prices. This restaurant's signature menu is spicy chicken. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.

Jellycrew - Ewha Womans Univ. Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (젤리크루 이대점)

15.6Km 2024-06-27

26, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Tonymoly - Ewha Womans Univ. Branch (토니모리 (이대점))

15.6Km 2019-02-07

24, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-365-8557

Located right around Ewha Womans University, Tonymoly is a nice cosmetic shop remodelled in February 2010. Items in Tonymoly seek natural cosmetics reflecting the beauty of nature. High quality items are offered at inexpensive prices. It is a popular brand among Japanese and Chinsese tourists as well. It employes the Korean celebrity Kim Hyun-joong as its model.

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