Destinations by Region
Seodaemun Independence Park (서대문독립공원)
- Address
- 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동) - Type
- Parks
- Inquiries
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• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• For more info: +82-2-3140-8305
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Information
Introduction
Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Guchiso (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 1960. 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 are Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated Historic Site No. 32. 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, which has been designated Historic Site No. 33. 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.
Opening date
August 15, 1992
Closed
N/A (Open all year round)
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Parking Facilities
Available
Admission Fees
Free
Available Facilities
Visitors center (management office), martyrs’ monument, memorial of Seo Jae-pil, Independence Hall, March 1 Declaration of Independence Monument, Dongnimmun Gate, Seodaemun Prison History Hall, Lee Jina Memorial Libary
Restrooms
Available
Interpretation Services Offered
Not available
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