Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

3.1Km 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)

3.1Km 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.

Bugaksan Mountain (북악산)

3.1Km 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.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

3.1Km 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)

3.1Km 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.

CheongKwanJang - Sinseol-dong Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (정관장 신설동점)

3.1Km 2024-06-27

9, Wangsan-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

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Jaha Sonmandu (자하손만두)

3.1Km 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.

Buam-dong Gaeyeoalsa (부암동 계열사)

3.1Km 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)

3.1Km 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.

Youngone Corporation [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 영원무역)

3.1Km 2024-04-19

159, Mallijae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

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