Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

10.5Km 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.

Nam-Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) (서울시립미술관 남서울생활미술관)

10.5Km 2023-10-17

2076, Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
+82-2-598-6246

The Nam-Seoul Museum of Art offers visitors a meaningful opportunity to linger beside the traces of history. The building previously served as the Belgian Consulate during the Korean Empire (1897-1910) and has since been designated as a historic Site. It was first constructed in Hoehyeon-dong in 1905 and was relocated to its current location in Namhyeon-dong in 1983. The museum hosts public programs tailored for audiences from various backgrounds in rooms arranged along both sides of a long corridor in the two-story building.

Whanki Art Museum (환기미술관)

10.6Km 2024-03-04

63, Jahamun-ro 40-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-391-7701

Whanki Art Museum exhibits the works of Kim Whanki (1913-1974), the pioneer of Korean abstract art. Kim was inspired by traditional features such as Korean mountains and streams, the sky, moons and clouds, the white porcelain and traditional patterns, and worked to express them in abstract forms through points, lines, and surfaces. The main collection features nearly 300 works by Kim. One can also find an art shop and a café.

National Memorial of Korean Provisional Government (국립대한민국임시정부기념관)

10.6Km 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.

Buam-dong (부암동)

10.6Km 2024-03-15

Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1807

Buam-dong is a village located north of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is designated as a development-restricted zone due to its proximity to the Cheong Wa Dae, preserving the old neighborhood's appearance. There are numerous bakeries, cafés, restaurants, and small galleries housed in renovated traditional houses, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll. The nearby hiking trails connected to Bugaksan Mountain offer a tranquil journey through the forest, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

THE WELL SAEM HOSPITAL OF KOREAN MEDICINE (더웰샘한방병원)

10.6Km 2025-10-23

4th, 6th Floors, Hanil Plaza, 7 Namhyeon-gil (Namhyeon-dong), Gwanak-gu, Seoul

Integrative medicine, which links the strengths of Korea’s traditional medicine and Western medicine, is cutting-edge convergent medicine that provides optimal services for patients in most fields, except surgery and emergency medicine.
Traditional Korean treatments and modern medical treatments can deliver superior results compared to stand-alone therapies when applied in a patient-centered, multidisciplinary, and integrative manner. This is especially important for patients with intractable diseases such as cancer, severe chronic pain caused by aging and degenerative changes, and systemic symptoms resulting from recurrent inflammation and metabolic disorders. In such cases, integrative medicine represents a new paradigm that seeks not only physical health but also holistic recovery.
THE WELL SAEM HOSPITAL OF KOREAN MEDICINE pursues this integrative medicine, supporting patients’ faster recovery while also promoting the excellence of the Korean healthcare system worldwide, thereby aiming to create a pain-free, healthy world for all.

Taereung and Gangneung Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (서울 태릉과 강릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

10.7Km 2022-09-19

681, Hwarang-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul
+82-2-972-0370

Designated as a Historic Site, Taereung & Gangneung Royal Tombs is comprised of two tombs. Taereung Royal Tomb houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong who was the second queen of King Jungjong, the 11th King of the Joseon dynasty, and Gangneung Royal Tomb houses the burial mounds of King Myeongjong, the 13th King of Joseon dynasty, and Queen Insun. King Myeongjong ascended the throne after his elder brother, King Injong, when he was twelve years old at Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1545. The king’s mother, Queen Munjeong ruled behind the scenes, acting as guardian for eight years.

Starbucks Edae R (스타벅스 이대R)

10.8Km 2024-12-27

34 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Starbucks Edae R store is the first Starbucks store opened in 1999 and Korea's first Reserve only store

Starbucks Edae R store is the first Starbucks store opened in Korea. It is located 150 meters from the front gate of Ewha Womans University. The store has been loved by customers for over two decades since 1999. In celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, the store re-opened as Korea's first Reserve-only store. It specializes in offering specialty coffee and memorable experiences to many customers visiting Korea's first Starbucks store. As the leading store presenting the history and future of Starbucks, it offers high-quality coffee in a beautifully decorated setting, along with unique beverages and exclusive merchandise available only at this particular store.

Ewha Womans University Museum (이화여자대학교박물관)

10.8Km 2022-09-14

52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3277-3152

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.

Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Since 1996, the museum also held special exhibitions that focus on other themes related to cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.

A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.

Ewha Welcome Center (이화웰컴센터)

10.8Km 2022-09-13

52, Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3277-3277

Ewha Welcome Center opened in 2013 as the first promotional center and visitor center of its kind on a university campus in Korea, comprised of an information desk, exhibition lounge, and gift shop. The information desk offers useful information to help visitors get the most out of their Ewha campus experience. The exhibition lounge introduces the history, traditions, and vision of the present-day and future of the university year-round. Visitors can purchase university gear at the gift shop. Furthermore, foreign visitors can take part in a range of campus tour programs in English and Chinese for an enriching experience.

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