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

Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

1.9Km    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.

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

Culture Station Seoul 284 (문화역 서울 284)

1.9Km    2024-12-04

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.

Cha Fertility Ceter - Seoul Station ((의)성광의료재단 차여성의원)

1.9Km    2025-07-07

(2nd Floor, Seoul Square), 416 Hangang-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Since opening in 2015, CHA Fertility Center - Seoul Station has served as Korea's leading fertility treatment center. Based on the know-how of CHA University Gangnam Medical Center, the first private hospital to deliver a test-tube baby in 1986, CHA Fertility Center - Seoul Station is conveniently located near the center of Seoul, making it convenient for domestic and international fertility clients. Foreign fertility patients who arrive in Korea via Incheon  Airport not only have easy access to the clinic via the direct rail linking Seoul and the airport but also benefit from the capital city's excellent infrastructure (transportation, tours,  accommodations, restaurants, etc.) for a safe and comfortable fertility treatment during their stay. In particular, many international residents in Korea, embassy officials, U.S. soldiers, and Koreans living abroad visit CHA Fertility Center for fertility treatment.

Mibo Jewelry (미보 주얼리)

Mibo Jewelry (미보 주얼리)

1.9Km    2021-06-15

183, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2273-7622

Mibo Jewelry carries a wide selection of necklaces, rings and earrings made with gold, silver and precious gemstones like diamond, ruby, sapphire, pearl, etc. The most popular items include diamond rings, luxury watches, gold rings and necklaces. Moreover, at Mibo Jewelry, customers may custom order their personalized jewelry.

Geumdong Hwaro Sutbulgui (금동화로숯불구이)

Geumdong Hwaro Sutbulgui (금동화로숯불구이)

1.9Km    2021-03-19

35, Toegye-ro, 41-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2264-3002

This Korean cuisine is located near Chungmuro Station, Seoul. The representative menu is spicy stir-fried boneless ribs. A Korean BBQ restaurant.

Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

1.9Km    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.

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

Gwangjang Market Hanbok Shops (광장시장 한복매장)

2.0Km    2019-09-16

88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2267-0291

Unlike many other traditional markets, Kwangjang Market has preserved its rich history and maintained the feel of a traditional market, shying away from modernization. Operated by kind-hearted merchants that embody the warmth of the Korean people, the market is a great place to eat delicious food and purchase various items at inexpensive prices.

Hanbok shops in Kwangjang Market focus on traditional hanbok rather than modernized hanbok, which are said to be more practical than their traditional counterpart. Beautiful hanbok are available at 30% off their average asking price.

EPAIS (에페)

EPAIS (에페)

2.0Km    2021-03-19

31, Jong-ro 31-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-747-8894

This is a Japanese cuisine located in Jongno, Seoul. The best menu at this restaurant is house-made pork loin cutlet. The favorite store of office workers.

Baekbeom Kim Koo Statue (Baekbeom Plaza) (백범김구선생상(백범 광장))

2.0Km    2024-10-22

Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Baekbeom Kim Koo Statue is located in Baekbeom Plaza in Namsan Park, Seoul. Erected in August 1969, the statue stands at a x_height of 10 meters. It commemorates the patriotic spirit of Kim Koo, who was both an independence activist and a politician in South Korea. During the Japanese colonial period, he actively participated in anti-Japanese movements, and after liberation, he played a leading role in the establishment of the government of the Republic of Korea.

Woo Lae Oak (우래옥)

2.0Km    2024-03-07

62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2265-0151

Woo Lae Oak is a Pyeongyang naengmyeon (Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles) restaurant established in 1949. Its signature dish is the Pyeongyang naengmyeon, known for their clean and light broth. Alongside the onmyeon (warm noodles), they also serve bulgogi, which complements the warm broth perfectly. The restaurant is renowned to the extent that customers often line up to dine, and it was selected for the Michelin Guide 2023.