Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)

2.9Km 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.

La Cucina (라 쿠치나)

2.9Km 2019-08-01

10, Hoenamu-ro 44ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-794-6005

La Cucina, located across from the main gate of the Grand Hyatt Seoul, is an Italian restaurant that opened in 1990. The kitchen of the restaurant is divided into five different sections each offering its own carefully selected cuisine. The main menu includes lobster spaghetti, Mediterranean seafood spaghetti and grilled lamb.

The restaurant offers over 700 bottles of wine from its cellar located in the basement of the restaurant. An in-house sommelier will assist you in choosing the best wine. At night, you may enjoy a fantastic view of the Namsan Seoul Tower while dining out on the terrace.

KGC - Dongmyo Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (KGC 동묘점)

2.9Km 2024-04-22

347, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

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Waryong Park (와룡공원)

2.9Km 2020-07-08

192, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2845

Situated in Myeongryun-dong in Seoul and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.

In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, plum blossoms, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.

A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bugaksan Mountain.

Seoul Hyochang Park (서울 효창공원)

2.9Km 2024-07-09

177-18 Hyochangwon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2199-7608

Hyochang Park covers 122,245 square meters spanning across Hyochang-dong and Cheongpa 2-dong. It is a historic landmark that once contained several royal tombs, and was known at that time as Hyochangwon. The cemeteries that were originally located in Hyochangwon belonged to Crown Prince Munhyo, King Jeongjo’s first son who died at the age of five; Royal Noble Consort Uibin of the Seong Clan, King Jeongjo’s royal concubine and Crown Prince Munhyo’s mother; Royal Noble Consort Sugui of the Park Clan, King Sunjo’s royal concubine; and her daughter Princess Yeongon. The royal tombs were moved to Seooreung Tombs in the waning months of the Japanese colonial period. The Japanese empire began the development of Hyochangwon into a park in 1924, and the Japanese governor-general officially assigned the site as a park in 1940.

Presently, several of Korea’s greatest leaders are buried in Hyochang Park. The remains mostly belong to independence activists including Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang, and Baek Jeong-gi, whose graves are collectively known as Samuisa Tomb. A statue of Lee Bong-chang has been built in the graveyard. Among the other patriotic martyrs who are interred in the park are Kim Gu and some of the key figures of the provisional government such as Lee Dong-nyeong, Cha I-seok, and Cho Seong-hwan. An ancestral shrine named Uiyeolsa has been built along the main gate and holds the portraits of the deceased independence activists.

Cacao Boom (Itaewon Branch) (카카오봄(이태원점))

3.0Km 2017-02-15

서울특별시 용산구 회나무로 3

Caocaoboom is a handmade chocolate shop. The Itaewon branch is famous for its traditional Italian gelato created by 1st generation chocolatier.

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang (인왕산 더숲 초소책방)

3.0Km 2024-03-06

172 Inwangsan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Inwangsan Mountain Chosochaekbang is a bakery and book café located along the trail of Inwangsan Mountain, remodeled from an old police station. Surrounded by glass walls within the forest, it blends seamlessly with nature, offering a panoramic view of Namsan Tower through the transparent windows. On the second floor terrace, guests can enjoy the scenic view of Seoul. Freshly baked bread and desserts are available daily, and the venue occasionally hosts book talks and music concerts.

Hwanggeum Kongbat (황금콩밭)

3.0Km 2023-10-10

9 Mapo-daero 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Hwanggeum Kongbat specializes in bean curd, using 100% Korean-grown soybeans and salt to make their bean curd fresh daily. The restaurant is famous for their method of making a bean curd that is smooth and maintains the nutty yet sweet flavor of the soybeans.

Hotel Elleinn (엘르인호텔)

3.0Km 2020-06-11

24, Hangang-daero 71-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul-si
+82-2-792-8700

Hotel Elleinn is a top-tier business boutique hotel. It is only ten minutes away from Seoul Station and Yongsan Station, so it is a convenient choice for travelers arriving or departing by KTX trains. It is also close to subway stations Namyeong (Line 1) and Samgakji (Lines 4 and 6).

The hotel features a European-style interior and various convenient facilities including a coin-operated laundry room for long-term guests, and a business center with a printer, a copy machine, and a fax machine. All guestrooms are equipped with up-to-date desktop computers with a high speed internet connection. A bar in the basement can be used for business meetings.

With many tourist attractions nearby, including Myeongdong, Itaewon, Namdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Market, Yongsan Electronics Mall Complex, N Seoul Tower, the War Memorial, and the National Museum, this is a very convenient hotel for business, sightseeing, and shopping.

Gyeongnidan Street (경리단길)

3.0Km 2023-01-18

Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Gyeongnidan Street refers to the 937-meter-long road from the main gate of MND Financial Management Corps to Grand Hyatt Seoul as well as all of the nearby streets and alleys. It is called Gyeongnidan Street because the Korean army's central finance corps, or Gyeongnidan in Korean, used to be located here, and has gained fame for presenting a different vibe than that of Itaewon despite being part of Itaewon-dong. Gyeongnidan Street is an area of culture and youth where people are able to enjoy diverse and special cuisine and dishes at unique restaurants and cafes. Although it resembles a typical neighborhood of Seoul, it features foreigners who have come from many different places around the globe living in natural harmony with Korean locals, which exudes a unique, exotic atmosphere. It is fun to walk along the various streets and alleys to discover novel and sophisticated shops.

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