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

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

3.4Km    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.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

3.4Km    2023-01-16

279-24, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

The National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government was established to shine a light on the proud history of the Korean Provisional Government's independence and the spirit of a democratic republic and to pass it on to future generations. The four-story memorial building with three underground floors houses three permanent exhibits, one special exhibit, Larchiveum, Symbol Plaza, storage, multi-purpose hall, and rooftop garden over a total area of 3,656 square meters, a total floor area of 9,703 square meters and a total exhibition space of 2,240 square meters. The permanent exhibits consist of a series of historic events from the March 1st Movement, which served as a turning point for the formation of the Provisional Government, to the foundation of the Korean Government that succeeded the mantle of the provisional government, while the special exhibit on the 1st floor currently hosts a special opening exhibition under the title of 『The Return of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea』. Moreover, a symbolic wall installation under the theme of "Waves of History" is displayed in the outdoor plaza on the 1st floor of the memorial expressing the Provisional Government’s desire for independence and the dynamics of the past, present, and future of Korea.

Seoul Hyochang Park (서울 효창공원)

3.5Km    2024-07-09

177-18 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2199-7608

Hyochang Park covers 122,245 square meters spanning across Hyochang-dong and Cheongpa 2-dong. It is a historic landmark that once contained several royal tombs, and was known at that time as Hyochangwon. The cemeteries that were originally located in Hyochangwon belonged to Crown Prince Munhyo, King Jeongjo’s first son who died at the age of five; Royal Noble Consort Uibin of the Seong Clan, King Jeongjo’s royal concubine and Crown Prince Munhyo’s mother; Royal Noble Consort Sugui of the Park Clan, King Sunjo’s royal concubine; and her daughter Princess Yeongon. The royal tombs were moved to Seooreung Tombs in the waning months of the Japanese colonial period. The Japanese empire began the development of Hyochangwon into a park in 1924, and the Japanese governor-general officially assigned the site as a park in 1940.

Presently, several of Korea’s greatest leaders are buried in Hyochang Park. The remains mostly belong to independence activists including Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang, and Baek Jeong-gi, whose graves are collectively known as Samuisa Tomb. A statue of Lee Bong-chang has been built in the graveyard. Among the other patriotic martyrs who are interred in the park are Kim Gu and some of the key figures of the provisional government such as Lee Dong-nyeong, Cha I-seok, and Cho Seong-hwan. An ancestral shrine named Uiyeolsa has been built along the main gate and holds the portraits of the deceased independence activists.

Bamseom Island (Ecosystem Conservation Area) (밤섬 생태경관 보전지역)

3.5Km    2025-04-29

Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0793

Located at the Hangang River, Bamseom Island derives its name from its chestnut-like shape (bam in Korean). The island was designated as an Ecosystem Conservation Area by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1999 and was later recognized as Ramsar Wetland in 2012. Now an uninhabited island, Bamseom Island was once home to around 443 people, who were relocated after the island was exploded as part of the Yeouido Development Project. Today, it is known as a habitat for numerous migratory birds and plant species. People can enjoy views of the Island from Bamseom Park.

Heroes of Independence Look at the Stars (독립의 영웅, 별을 보다)

3.5Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동)

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

3.6Km    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.

Olivine Spa (올리바인 스파)

3.6Km    2025-10-23

4-1 Tongil-ro 16-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Chosen as one of the 25 recommended wellness tourist destinations by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, Olivine Spa operates a luxury spa and a beauty & slimming center in downtown. The spa also provides professional pre-natal and post-natal massage, body shape care, and various beauty programs in partnership with Seran General Hospital and Olivium (a postpartum care center). Olivine Spa provides massages by top-tier therapists in the industry who will relieve fatigue and eliminate toxins accumulated through daily life. They will help your body become healthier and more balanced, ensuring customer satisfaction. Furthermore, Olivine Spa uses Swiss premium brands Les Nouvels Aroma and Darphin in their programs. Its beauty & slimming center provides customized consulting and various beauty-related medical programs in partnership with medical staff at Seran General Hospital.

Nanji Hangang Park MTB Course Site (난지한강공원 MTB코스장)

3.7Km    2022-10-26

162, Hangangnanji-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0611

Situated in Nanji Hangang Park, the MTB Course Site is perfect for MTB lovers as well as beginners who wish to enter the world of extreme biking with safety. The MTB Course Site is the nation's first MTB course site, established on a flatland, reproducing perfectly realistic mountain ridges and slopes.

Nanji Hangang Park (난지한강공원)

3.7Km    2025-01-07

162 Hangangnanji-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Nanji Hangang Park, situated north of the Hangang River near World Cup Park, provides a riverside space for leisure and recreation. The park offers Campgrounds, Water Leisure Sports Facilities, Bike Lane, Waterside Plaza, Mirror Fountain, Riverside Pool, a convenience store, and an information center. The Mirror Fountain emits a rainbow-like light with each water spray. The campgrounds are popular for their proximity to the city and affordable fees. Visitors can enjoy activities such as motorboating, water skiing, and wakeboarding on the Hangang River.

Youth Clinic (유스의원)

3.7Km    2025-10-23

(4th Floor, Islex), 108 Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

Youth Clinic is a single-room dermatology practice that sees only 20 patients per day. We offer dermatology care, obesity care, and petit plastic surgery. We operate at two locations in Cheongdam and Yeouido. Our staff consist of family medicine and dermatology specialists providing high-quality medical services, and our flagship procedures include 5G Lifting, which is a non-surgical anti-wrinkle and lifting procedure, Youth Double Skinny lipolysis, which treats partial obesity without surgery, Youth Fill collagen filler, which increases skin elasticity and volume at the same time, and Atos laser treatment, which improves pores and skin elasticity. Our signature procedures have won the 2014 and 2016 Medical Korea Awards, No. 1 in 2015 and 2016 Consumer Satisfaction Index, and the 2014 Beauty Industry Award. We have trademarks registered for all procedures.