Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

Seosomun Historical Park (서소문역사공원)

1.3Km    2023-08-11

5, Chilpae-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

The Seosomun Gate area, which is located outside Seosomun Gate, was used as a persecution site in the 19th century before it turned into the local park of today. Many Catholics were suppressed and martyred here, making the area a holy site for Korean Catholics. Seosomun Gate was a gateway to Chilpae Market located near Namdaemun Gate. It was always busy with passerbys and the persecution site was established outside the gate to set an example of crime punishment to all the witnesses.

On May 15, 1999, a memorial tower was raised at the center of the park in honor of the martyrs. In 2013, Seoul's Jung-gu district also founded Seosumun Holy Shrine History Museum with a memorial exhibition hall in their honor.

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi (순라길 예 & 비비)

1.3Km    2025-01-23

55 Seosulla-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Situated in Sulla-gil, the Sulla-gil Yeah Café & Bibi is a roaster café where each bean is handpicked. It also offers a range of wine selections. The café is a perfect place to relax after exploring downtown Seoul. The cozy atmosphere of the café with the added charm of the stone wall visible from café, makes visitors feel at ease and relaxed. The evenings here turn into a music and movie session, adding a lively atmosphere to the space.

Insa-dong (인사동)

Insa-dong (인사동)

1.3Km    2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion (남산 팔각정)

1.3Km    2021-06-19

105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pavilion was built in 1959 to commemorate Rhee Syngman. It was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960 and was rebuilt on November 11, 1968. This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirety of Seoul below. As it is a prime spot to view the first sunrise of the year, the annual sunrise festival takes place every New Year's Day.

Jeongdong Guksi (정동국시)

Jeongdong Guksi (정동국시)

1.4Km    2024-06-19

5 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Jeongdong Guksi features a rich soup with a clean taste, created by carefully removing the oil dozens of times while boiling Korean beef bones for 15 hours. The restaurant uses this same beef bone broth in their mandutguk (dumpling soup), something not many restaurants do. The rich flavor of the broth combined with the soft dumplings, made in-house daily, is a must-try. The restaurant is also surrounded by many cultural and artistic spaces, making it a great addition to tours in the area.

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

Gwanghwamun Hanokjip (광화문한옥집)

1.4Km    2024-10-15

7, Saemunanro5ga-gil, Jongro-gu, Seoul

A store with rooms reproducing a traditional kitchen. The best menu at this restaurant is napa wraps with pork. This is a Korean cuisine located in Gwanghwamun Gate, Seoul.

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

1.4Km    2025-10-23

1 Tongil-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul

Culture Station Seoul 284 opened in 2011 by restoring the old Seoul Station. The complex holds various programs including exhibitions, performances, cultural events and workshops. It holds over 100 years of history with Namdaemun Station being the original name of the station in 1900 and changing to Gyeongseong Station, Seoul Station, and now Culture Station Seoul 284. The look of 1925 Gyeongseong Station offers visitors a flashback to the past, providing a fun and special experience.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm
This is where Mok-ha (played by Park Eun-bin) waited for Ki-ho (played by Chae Jong-hyeop) with flowers in the TV series "Castaway Diva." As the restored historic Seoul Station, it also appeared in "Reply 1994" as the location where Samcheonpo (played by Kim Sung Kyun) first arrived in Seoul.

SAEWHA HOSTEL(세화호스텔)

SAEWHA HOSTEL(세화호스텔)

1.4Km    2024-06-20

50 , Samil-daero 32ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located in Jongno, in the heart of Seoul, Saehwa Hostel offers a variety of guest rooms, including ondol rooms and bedrooms, for up to 3 people. There’s a bathtub in each room. Shared PCs, massage chairs, microwave ovens, washing machines and dryers are all available free of charge. A simple free breakfast is provided, plus a free international phone service and a foreign language guidance service. Seoul Station is 15 minutes away by subway, and the airport limousine bus stops at Jongno 3-ga station. Changdeokgung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine, and downtown shopping streets are all reachable on foot.

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

Seoul Museum of History (서울역사박물관)

1.4Km    2025-01-17

55 Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Seoul Museum of History covers everything about Seoul's history and culture from the prehistoric era to modern times, focusing especially on the Joseon era. The museum aims to raise cultural awareness and build a strong bond within the community by collecting, preserving, researching, and displaying artifacts and materials related to Seoul as well as promoting the city's history and culture to an international audience.

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

Matthew Chang Anguk (메튜장 안국)

1.4Km    2025-07-14

33 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Matthew Chang Anguk flagship store uses the whole space to bring the brand's philosophy to life through fragrance. Located in Anguk, the heart of Korea's tradition and aesthetics, the store's tranquil atmosphere sets the mood for visitors to try on and experiment with the brand's carefully selected perfume collection. The staff provides assistance in recommending the perfect scent according to visitor's preference, mood, and nostalgia. The store also has a section dedicated to body care products, such as hand wash and body lotion.