Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

3.9Km    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.

Haneul Park (하늘공원)

3.9Km    2024-11-28

95 Haneulgongwon-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Haneul Park is one of five parks that make up World Cup Park, together with Peace Park, Nanjicheon Park, Nanji Hangang Park, and Noeul Park. It was established for the purpose of restoring the ecological environment so operates its facilities by using natural energy. It features a silver grass field, mixed grassland, rock garden, sunflower field, observatory rest area, and wind power generator. Among the various parts of the World Cup Park, it is located the closest to the sky and shows the transformation from a barren landfill restored to nature. In fall, silver grass forms a spectacle, and, here, visitors can get a clear, panoramic view of Seoul including Bukhansan Mountain and the Hangang River. It is also known as a place for beautiful sunsets and nightscapes.

Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

3.9Km    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)

4.0Km    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.

SEVEN LUCK CASINO - Seoul Dragon City Branch (세븐럭카지노(서울드래곤시티점))

4.0Km    2023-07-21

95, Cheongpa-ro 20-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

A special experience at the center of Seoul
Seven Luck Casino in Seoul Dragon City is located in Yongsan, Seoul, the center of Korean tradition and culture. This casino branch presents a grand x_height and wide space, decorated with a sensual interior design for elegance and comfort on a site of 3,146.96 m2. It is full of up-to-date casino facilities, such as Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Tai-Sai, Seven Luck Poker, Casino War, Electronic Table Games (ETG), and slot machines. There are many famous hotels, tourist sites, and cultural heritage sites nearby Seven Luck Casino in Seoul Dragon City. Besides the casino, visitors can experience various traditional and contemporary cultures of South Korea.


* Seven Luck Casino is exclusively for the use of foreigners.
* Must be 19 years of age or older to enter.
* Passports are required to verify the age and nationality of patrons.
* Metal detectors are used as an added safety precaution.

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

4.1Km    2025-05-21

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동)

Times Square (타임스퀘어)

4.1Km    2025-10-23

15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2638-2000

Times Square is a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various leisure, entertainment, accommodation, and dining establishments. The complex houses Shinsegae Department Store, which features a number of luxury brands and high-end local products, CGV Starium, which houses 12 movie theaters, including the world's largest screen, a multi-purpose performance center, Kyobo Book Center, E-Mart Discount Supermarket, Courtyard by Marriott, which features 273 rooms, Kolon Sporex Luxury Fitness Center, Amoris Banquet and Convention Center, I Like Dalgi Children's Theme Park, various dining establishments, and many more. In addition, several large outdoor spaces, which collectively span over near 14,850 ㎡, provide perfect spots for relaxation and enjoying the nature inside the metropolitan complex.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

4.1Km    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.

e-Sports Hall of Fame (e스포츠 명예의 전당)

4.1Km    2025-11-17

31 Maebongsan-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

The e-Sports Hall of Fame is operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea e-Sports Association to exhibit and honor the esports athletes who have made history for their amazing skills, making Korea synonymous with esports. Visitors can see the athletes' uniforms, gaming materials, trophies, and more, as well as try their hand at playing famous esports games firsthand.

Sealala Water Park (씨랄라 워터파크)

4.1Km    2024-03-20

(2nd underground floor), 164, Mullae-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1522-9661

Sealala Water Park is a water park at the heart of the city where one can enjoy water activities across the four seasons. Its name is a portmanteau of the sea and lala, symbolizing the fun one can have in the water park. Inspired by the Mediterranean, the water park has water flowing pool, slides, beach pools, the Kids Land, bath pools, and rotating slides. Amenities onsite include convenience stores, manhwa cafe, and a swimming equipment store. Nearby tourist sites include the Yeongdeungpo Park, The National Assembly Building, and the Yeouido Park.