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

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

6.1Km    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.

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)

6.1Km    2021-03-09

46, Changuimun-ro 5ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-395-3222

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan Mountain and Inwangsan Mountain makes it worth the effort.

Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-story museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and a small garden on the second floor with a great view of the mountains.

Poom Seoul (품 서울)

6.1Km    2024-03-07

6, Samseong-ro 126-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-777-9007

Poom Seoul brings together traditional Korean cuisine and contemporary inspirations. Based on the cuisine enjoyed in the royal court or among the aristocracy of Joseon, Poom Seoul offers Korean table d’hote course menus made with seasonal ingredients and natural seasoning in both lunch and dinner courses. The restaurant was included in the MICHELIN Guide Seoul 2020. Visitors must place a reservation at least a day in advance before the visit. Poom Seoul can be found near Exit 6 of Cheongdam Station. 

Olive Young - Ahyeon Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 아현역)

Olive Young - Ahyeon Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 아현역)

6.1Km    2024-04-18

10, Sinchon-ro 35-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

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Hanssem Flagship store - Nonhyeon Branch (한샘플래그샵 논현점)

6.1Km    2016-12-13

148, Hakdong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-542-8558

Hanssem Flagship store in Nonhyeon-dong opened in 2000 with a total area size of 5610㎡, featuring various furniture and household items available for one-stop shopping.
The showroom gives customers ideas of what they might like to see in their own homes or offices. There’s a wide assortment of items organized into collections such as furniture for newlywed couples, children of different ages and gender, home office, and luxury living. The store strives to provide a complete design experience for its customers by offering sales, assembly and service altogether.

Dream Forest Art Center (꿈의숲 아트센터)

Dream Forest Art Center (꿈의숲 아트센터)

6.1Km    2025-01-15

173, Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul

Dream Forest Art Center, located in Gangbuk, Seoul, is operated by the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. Composed of two performance venues (Performance Hall and Concert Hall), alongside with Sang Sang Tok Tok Art Gallery and Dream Gallery, there are also a Chinese restaurant, cafe and an observatory deck available for all visitors to enjoy.

Art Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 아트코리아)

Art Korea [Tax Refund Shop] (주식회사 아트코리아)

6.1Km    2024-04-17

1F, 231, Jahamun-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine (당고개순교성지)

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine (당고개순교성지)

6.1Km    2020-03-18

139-26, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-711-0933

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine is located on the small hill just five minutes away from Yongsan Eletronics Market. 10 Catholics were martyred on this hill during the Gihae Persecution in 1839 including Choi Gyeong-hwan (Francis)'s wife Lee Seong-rye (Maria).

Nine of the 10 martyrs are now recognized as saints. Lee Seong-rye, the mother of Father Thomas Choi Yang-eop (Korea's second ordained priest), has not yet been canonized although she did suffer martyrdom. The reason was that the mother briefly put aside her faith because of the pressures of raising five children after she had her oldest son, Thomas. However, the difficulty of combining these two interests was eventually overcome and she died a martyr.

Aside from serving as a memorial site, Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine also offers a commanding view of Seoul. Nearby tourist attractions include Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs, which is a Catholic church with Korean architecture, and Yongsan Family Park.

Childrens Museum of the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관 어린이박물관)

Childrens Museum of the National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관 어린이박물관)

6.2Km    2021-09-15

137, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2077-9000

The Children’s Museum of the National Museum of Korea is an experience-oriented museum where children can see, touch, and feel history through hands-on programs and games. The permanent exhibition hall displays replicas of historical items so children can learn about Korea’s cultural heritage in a fun and interactive way. Children can also experience the lifestyle and wisdom of the past through experience programs.

National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

National Museum of Korea (국립중앙박물관)

6.2Km    2025-06-30

137 Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The National Museum of Korea houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient times to the modern era in a wide range of topics, including art and culture. The museum houses a Children's Museum, where visitors can learn more about the nation's history through educational programs and experiences. The outdoor grounds feature pagodas and other stone artworks too large to be on display inside.

In addition to galleries with a wide array of national and international pieces, the National Museum of Korea is a stage for a number of cultural activities related to collection, preservation, research and analysis, social training, academic publications, intercultural exchange programs, concerts, and more.