Dongnimmun Gate (독립문)

2.6Km 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)

2.6Km 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.

Seungjin Toy (승진완구)

2.6Km 2025-01-06

30, Jong-ro 52-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-1900

Seungjin Toy is a toy store that carries almost every kind of toy imaginable from stuffed animals to character dolls and much more. What makes this store even more attractive to many customers is that their merchandise is, on average, 30% cheaper than that of their competitors.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.6Km 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.

Dongdaemun Stationery Store Street (동대문 문구완구거리)

2.6Km 2024-03-15

21-1, Jong-ro 52-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

Dongdaemun Stationery Store Street houses nearly 120 stores selling stationery products like notebooks, crayons, pencils, backpacks, as well as other products like children’s gifts, decorations, and party products. Products can be found at prices nearly 30 to 40% lower than the consumer products, which can be lowered even further when buying in bulk. Products past the season may see the prices drop by more than half.

Zara - Lotte Seoul Station Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (자라 롯데 서울역점)

2.6Km 2024-04-22

378, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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Samcheonggak(삼청각)

2.7Km 2020-12-24

3 Daesagwan-ro Seongbuk-gu Seoul
+82-2-765-3700

You can enjoy Hanjeongsik (Korean table d’hote) in a beautiful natural environment. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is Korean table d'hote.

National Theater of Korea (국립극장)

2.7Km 2024-03-06

59, Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2280-4114

The National Theater of Korea opened in 1950 as the first national theater in Asia. It is the only production theater that takes traditional arts to recreate them as contemporary art. It offers various types of theaters, such as Haeoreum Grand Theater, Daloreum Theater (middle-size), Immersive Studio ByeolByeol (small-size), and Haneul Round Theater with a circular stage structure. In addition, the Museum of Performing Arts, Cultural Plaza, and other convenience stores and coffe shops offer pleasure and relax to its visitors.

Olive Young - Plus Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 플러스점)

2.7Km 2024-06-27

#B114~#B115, 372, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

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The Shilla Seoul (신라호텔(서울))

2.7Km 2021-05-31

249, Dongho-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2230-3311

The Shilla Seoul is a luxury hotel with an outdoor sculpture garden and Guerlain Spa. Other facilities include a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, business center, restaurants, and more. The hotel also offers guests a free shuttle bus to Myeongdong and Dongdaemun shopping centers.

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