prison tour seoul

How To Visit Seodaemun Prison In Seoul, South Korea

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: October 16, 2023

The Seodaemun Prison History Hall is an interesting museum located in western Seoul within Independence Park . This prison has a dark history and it showcases Japanese cruelty over Korea which occurred during the occupation from 1910-1945 with numerous exhibits, audio and video footage.

In this guide, we’re going to show you everything you need to know about visiting Seodaemun Prison including tips for your trip and how to make the most of your time.

Our Seoul Experience

We spent 14 days exploring Seoul in  March 2023 and during our trip, we personally visited Seodaemun Prison . While this prison might not be at the top of everyone’s Seoul Bucket list , there is so much to see and learn within this unique museum.

It’s very easy to visit the prison because you can use an informational brochure to follow a general walking route around the complex . The majority of the information is displayed in Korean, but we thought there was enough English translation to make it worth visiting. Read more  about us .

What Is Seodaemun Prison?

Opened in 1908 by Japanese imperialists, Seodaemun Prison was originally known as Gyeongseong Prison . It was built to imprison independence activists until the liberation of Korea in 1956. Sadly, the facility was initially used as a place of punishment for anti-Japanese activists who spoke out during the Japanese colonial period.

After Korea’s liberation from Japan, it became the Seoul Detention Center to jail activists who tried to fight against Korea’s military rulers and dictators. In 1987, the Seoul Detention Center was eventually moved to  Uiwang , Gyeonggi-do Province .

At the time, no one knew what to do with the empty grounds, but descendants of the activists opposed the demolition of the complex . So it was reopened on November 5th in 1998 as Seodaemun Prison History Hall to educate visitors about Korea’s turbulent past.

Seodaemun Prison Tickets

If you plan to visit, Seodaemun Prison History Hall is located on the western side of Seoul . The best subway station for visiting is Dongnimmun Station along Line 3 and then take exit 5 for the most direct route.

It’s open every day of the week except Monday from 9:30am to 18:00 March to October and 9:30am to 17:00 November to February. You can visit the official website here to verify information before visiting.

Admission tickets for the Seodaemun Prison cost:

• 3,000 KRW  (US$ 2.26) for adults ages 19-64
• 1,500 KRW  (US$ 1.13) for teenagers ages 13-18
• 1,000 KRW  (US$ 0.75) for youths ages 7-12

Group tickets are also available for 20 or more visitors. We purchased our tickets onsite, but you can book education programs and exhibition commentary on the official website here .

If you don’t sign up for a program, the only way to visit the prison is with a self guided tour. You’ll see the administration building, interrogation rooms, prisoner playground and execution building.

Travel Tip : The last admission to the prison is 30 minutes before closing.

What To See At Seodaemun Prison

When you visit the prison, you’ll be given an informational brochure to tour the entire complex with a suggested route displayed by arrows on the ground or nearby buildings . There are four main sections including the exhibition hall, prison exhibition, outdoor exhibition and independent activists exhibit.

We loved that visitors can freely walk throughout the grounds because you can go at your own pace depending on what interests you. Here’s what you should look for during your visit:

1. Administration And Security Office

The first building you’ll encounter is the Administration and Security Office. Built in 1923, this is the main building of the complex featuring two floors and a basement. The Administration Building is the best place to start your tour .

Originally used as an office, the first floor is now home to the Prison History Room . It showcases information about the judicial system and the expansions of prisons in Korea. We also loved the documentary video located within this section.

After going through the first floor, you should visit the second floor next . This space was used as a meeting room and director’s office. Today, the second floor exhibits various National Resistance Rooms . You’ll see house relics and prisoner cards from the independant activists as well as models of the execution room and morgue.

However, the basement in this building is the hardest area to visit because it’s primary purpose was to apprehend suspects. You’ll see both the investigation and interrogation rooms. We found it very difficult to read the testimonials of torture.

2. Central Prison Buildings

After making your way through the Administration Building, you’ll continue on to the prison blocks . This is where you can see the actual jail cells that once housed prisoners. Here you can read exhibits about the prison life including organizational structure, monitoring tools and daily routines of inmates.

While most of the stories were heartbreaking, we liked being able to read stories about the individual prisoners because we learned about the challenges they faced on a daily basis.

Travel Tip : A panopticon was built to connect prison buildings 11 and 12 which allow the guards to oversee both buildings at the same time.

3. Labor Building

Built in 1923, this is one of the factory buildings used for forced labor which often consisted of woodworking and manufacturing clothes. Inside the building, you can watch actual footage of prisoners being made to manufacture goods . Additional exhibits also display records and relics illustrating the forced labor inmates faced.

4. Leper’s Building

Located away from the main buildings on a small hill within the complex, the Leper’s Building was used to isolate prisoners who were suffering from leprosy . You can not go inside this building, but you can read a small informational board nearby.

5. Reverence Space

The Reverence Space is an art exhibit dedicated to the memory of anti-colonial independence activists who lost their lives. You’ll find it just past the Leper’s Building.

6. Execution Building

One of the most shocking buildings inside Seodaemun Prison is the execution house . Constructed in 1910, this small house was used to carry out the death sentence during the Japanese colonial period until 1987.

This Japanese-style wooden building contains one floor above and one floor below ground. We did not include a picture of the actual building to respect those who lost their lives here, but you can still see inside this unsettling structure today.

There is a small lever which was used to open the floor boards during a hanging when appropriate. After the execution, the floor boards would close and bodies could be recovered in the cellar. At the back of the execution building, you’ll see the back entrance from the basement.

7. Corpse Removal Exit

Just behind the execution grounds, you’ll find the corpse removal exit. This secret door and passage was used to remove a corse after execution . In 1992, part of this passage collapsed when Independence Park was created, but about 40m of the tunnel has been restored . The original passage was said to be about 200m when it was used.

8. Gyeokbyeokjang

Gyeokbyeokjang is located in the middle of Seodaemun Prison and it was used a playground for the inmates so they could get some exercise. Partitions or bulkheads were used as a means of control to separate and monitor prisoners to prevent them from talking or escaping.

This stone facility was demolished in 2011, but it was restored to its original appearance about 20m from the first location which is the one we can see today.

9. Women’s Prison Building

Also known as Yeooksa Temple , the women’s prison building was constructed around 1916 as a detention center for female prisoners. You can go inside this building and we encourage you to read the harrowing stories about the brave women who found themselves imprisoned here.

10. Watchtower

Last but not least, t ake note of the two watchtowers you’ll find on the grounds during your tour. Originally, this complex had six watchtowers, but there are only two remaining.

These watchtowers were built to help monitor prisoner movements to prevent them from escaping. Each watchtower is 10m high and the best one to visit is right near the main entrance gate .

The Morgan Conclusion

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a unique museum that now serves as a tribute to independent activists and helps to showcase the road to freedom in Korea. If you’re interested in history, visiting this prison is a great way to learn about the difficulties Koreans faced under the Japanese occupation.

Is Seodaemun Prison worth it ?

Yes, Seodaemun Prison is worth visiting because it memorializes many Koreans who lost their lives fighting for peace. We thought this museum was extremely well put together and good for visitors who want to learn about the history of South Korea. Prior to visiting, we did not know what happened under the 1910-1945 Japanese occupation of Korea.

While not all exhibits are displayed in English, you can still find enough information to understand what’s going on. If you plan to explore all of the buildings and outdoor exhibits, you should plan about 1-2 hours to visit the Seodaemun Prison .

Our Seodaemun Prison Photos

We enjoyed our visit to this prison and took many photos. Here are a few to help you understand more about what you can see at the complex:

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We hope this guide featuring the best things to do at Seodaemun Prison Museum helps with planning your visit to Seoul!

Please let us know if you have any questions about visiting this prison or South Korea in the comments below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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SEOUL - north  |  SEOUL - south

Day Trips from Seoul  | Busan  |  Best Collections

🌸Festivals ( Seoul • Busan )

Seodaemun Independence Park 서대문독립공원

& prison history hall 서대문형무소역사관.

서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 | 251, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seodaemun Prison History Hall:

Mar-Oct: 9:30 - 18:00 Nov-Feb: 9:30 - 17:00 Last admission: 30 mins before closing. Closed every Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed on Tuesday),  Seollal (Lunar New Year's Day) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) .

 Independence Park: 24hrs

Adult (age 19-64): 3,000 won, Teenager (age 13-18): 1,500 won, Child (age 7-12): 1,000 won

Free for Adult above 64 and Child under 7

  Independence Park : Free

Dongnimmun Station (line 3, exit 4/5). For Seodaemun Prison History Hall, take exit 5 and walk 50m to Prison's entrance.

www.sdm.go.kr ,  parks.seoul.go.kr &  sphh.sscmc.or.kr (for Prison History Hall)

The Independence Park is an important historical and cultural site to commemorate the Korean patriots and independence activists during the Japanese colonial period that lasted for 35 years, from 1910 to end of World War II in 1945.

Prior to the park's opening on 15 August 1992, access to the area was strictly forbidden and avoided by local residents.

There are various memorials, statues of patriots, monuments, library and a prison museum in the park.

a) Seodaemun Prison History Hall

One of the main places to visit at Seodaemun Independence Park is the museum, Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

Seodaemun Prison was built by the Japanese Empire to house political prisoners and independence activists during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945).

The prison was first named as Gyeongseong Prison in 1908, renamed to Seodaemun Jail in 1912, Seodaemun Prison in 1923, Seoul Prison in 1945, Seoul Penitentiary in 1961 and Seoul Detention Center in 1967.

When Seoul Detention Center was relocated in 1987, the area was redeveloped as a memorial Park, Seodaemun Independence Park .

To retain its historical significance, Seodaemun Prison History Hall was opened as a museum to the public on 5 November 1998.

Visitors can learn about the history and sacrifices made by Koreans toward democracy and freedom at Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is also a popular filming location for many Korean dramas on scenes when the characters are released from the prison.

These K-dramas include Goblin (2016-17),  Father, I'll Take Care of You (2016-17), Hide and Seek (2018), Doctor John (2019), etc.

Among the buildings preserved include the Leper’s Building for isolating inmates contracted with leprosy, Execution Building , Corpse Removal Exit for taking bodies out from the prison and Underground Interrogation Room .

b) Gate of Independence (Dongnimmun Gate) & Independence Square

The Independence Gate was built as a symbol of Korea's independence. Measuring 14.28m high and 11.48m wide, it is the first Western-style building in Korea modelled after the Arc de Triomphe in France. It was designated as Historic Site No. 32 on 21 January 1963.

c) Statue of Seo Jae-Pil

The statue was erected to honour Seo Jae-Pil whom devoted his life to Korea's independence movement. He published Korea's first private newspaper , 'The Independent' in 1896 and founded the Independence Association .

d) Independence Hall (Dongnipgwan)

The Independence Hall was originally built in 1407 to receive Chinese envoy during Joseon Dynasty.

It was later used as the meeting place of the Independent Association. The building was then demolished by Japan Imperialism to oppress any Korean independence movement.

The building was only restored in 1997.

e) Declaration of Independence Monument

The Declaration of Independence Monument was originally located in Tapgol Park and was restored at Independent Park in 1992.

Thirty-three names of the independence activist leaders and the verse of Independence Declaration were engraved on the wall.

f) Patriotic Martyr Monument

Patriotic Martyr Monument was erected on 15 August 1992 to commemorate the ancestors' hardship and struggles for Korea's independence from Japanese invasion.

g) Lee Jina Memorial Library

In memory of their daughter, Lee Jin-a whom passed away in an accident, her parents donated funds to build the library. The library was opened on her birthday.

h) Miscellaneous: Visitor Center, Convenience Store & Rest Area

Other facilities at Seodaemun Independence Park for visitors' convenience include the visitor center, rest area, convenience store and toilet.

Recommended Attractions Nearby

A) ansan jarak-gil trail & beacon mound (summit).

Follow the path next to  Lee Jina Memorial Library to get on the  7km long raised wooden deck that encircles the entire circumference of Ansan Mountain. You will be rewarded with breathtaking sights along the way.

Alternatively, you can also ascend to Beacon Mound , the near summit of Ansan Mountain for panoramic view of Seoul.

b) Yeongcheon Market

Across the road from Independence Gate is the local traditional market, Yeongcheon Market.

Enjoy the many famous eats in this market like the freshly-made Kkwabaegi (Twisted Korean Doughnuts) , Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) , Twigim (Tempura) , Steamed Buns or even King Crabs !

Map of Seodaemun Independence Park

Map of Attractions around Seodaemun Independence Park

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29 Mar - 29 Apr 2024

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12 Apr - 7 May 2024

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Incheon Day Tour (1 flower spot, Songdo Central Park & Songdo Triple Street)

26 Mar - 30 Apr 2024

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Other KoreaToDo Collection that you may like:

Ansan jarak-gil trail  - raised wooden deck that encircles ansan mountain. enter from seodaemun independence park, gyeonghuigung palace - 23 mins walk from seodaemun independence park, yonsei university  - exit from ansan jarak-gil trail, still looking explore koreatodo handpicked collection of:, popular & unique day trips from seoul under 3 hours, seoul - north of han river, seoul - south of han river.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

The Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a museum and memorial that honors those who suffered and gave up their lives for Korea during the Japanese occupation. The institution was used by the Japanese to house independence and pro-democracy activists. It also represents the suffering of the Korean people as they struggled to archive independence and democracy.

Many people gave up their lives here for their country. This prison hall is a memorial and a stark reminder of those sacrifices.

Construction on the prison started in 1907 during the last years of the Great Korean Empire or Daehan Empire. When completed on October 21, 1908, it was known as Gyeongseong Gamok (Gyeongseong Prison). The name was changed to Seodaemun Gamok on September 3, 1912. The name was changed again on May 5, 1923 to Seodaemun Prison (Hyeongmuso).

On August 29, 1910, the Great Korean Empire was colonized by the Japanese.

For many decades, activists fought against the injustice of the Japanese occupation. Though brave, their numbers were too few to threaten Japan’s imperialistic and brutal rule. The Japanese attempted a cultural genocide on the Korean people including making them learn and only speak Japanese, making them pray to the gods of Japan, and making them adopt Japanese names.

When opened, the prison covered 1,600 square meters (17,222 square feet) and was designed to house some 500 prisoners and Korean independence fighters. At the height of the anti-Japanese movement around March 1919, the prison packed in up to 3,000 people. By the 1930s, the prison was expanded approximately 30 times due to the increase of incarcerated Korean independence activists.

In total, about 40,000 freedom fighters passed through the front gate of the prison. Of those, about 400 were executed or died from other reasons while incarcerated here. The Japanese continues executing and torturing inmates until liberation in 1945.

One of the most well known prisoners who was executed here was Ryu Gwansun. In 1919, Ryu was a student at Ewha Womans University, a university in western Seoul.

Ryu was one of the first organizers of the anti-Japanese movement known today as the March 1st Movement. She planned a demonstration against the Japanese occupation on March 1, 1919 with over 2,000 demonstrators. Japanese police quickly arrested Ryu and later sentenced her to seven years at Seodaemun Prison.

While in prison, Ryu continued to protest the occupation of Korea and for independence. Not surprisingly, she received constant beatings and was even torture by Japanese guards. She was often placed in solitary confinement cells that were no larger than 3.3 square meters (36 square feet). These cells had no electricity, no toilets, and no sunlight. It was in these cells were inmates were tortured.

She died here on September 28, 1920.

Korea was liberated on August 15, 1945, also known as Victory over Japan Day.

The prison has changed names multiple times since liberation including Seoul Hyeongmuso (November 21, 1945), Seoul Gyodoso (December 23, 1961), and Seoul Guchiso (July 7, 1967).

Seodaemun Prison operated as a prison for eight decades from 1908 to 1987.

On August 15 1992, the prison site was unveiled to the public as the Seodaemun Independence Park.

In 1995, the park was renovated and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall was opened.

Seven of the prison’s original fifteen buildings still stand today and have been designated historical monuments (No. 10, No. 11, No. 12, and the execution building).

Today, the memorial pays tribute to those who gave up their lives and serves as a reminder for future generations of the brutal history which occurred here for independence.

Table of Contents

What to see at Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Execution building.

The wooden building behind this wall was the execution building of patriots and activists at Seodaemun Prison. Many activists and patriots of Korea who struggled and suffered for the independence of Korea from Japan were sent here. They gave up their lives in the building for the love of their country.

The structure was built in 1923.

After being executed, the Japanese would dispose of the body using a secret tunnel known as the corpse removal exit.

Corpse Removal Exit

The corpses removal exit is a secret tunnel used by the Japanese to discretely dispose of activists after being executed at the nearby execution building. It was here were the dead bodies of independence activists were disposed. Japanese imperialists used this tunnel to conceal their activities.

The tunnel was discovered in 1992. Approximately 40 meters (131 feet) of the secret exit and tunnel were resorted.

Reverence Monument

The Reverence Monument by Lim Seung-O, known as Pot with the Soul of Nation, is dedicated to those who gave up their lives for the independence of Korea.

The monument has the names of those independent activists who sacrificed their lives for their country while imprisoned at Seodaemun Prison History Hall.

Seodaemun Prison History Hall Hours

How to get to seodaemun prison history hall.

Take Subway Line 3 to Dongnimmun Station (Exit 5)

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Last Updated on Jul 5, 2023

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Top choice in Northern Seoul

Built in 1908, this former prison is a potent symbol of Korean suffering at the hands of Japan during colonial occupation in the early 20th century. However, it was also used by Korea's various postwar dictators up until its closure in 1987. You can tour the original cell blocks where independence fighters and democracy campaigners were held, as well as the nightmarish interrogation and torture rooms. An execution block dating from 1923 features a concealed tunnel to remove the dead.

Designed to house 500 prisoners, during the height of the anti-Japanese protests in 1919 up to 3500 prisoners were packed inside. A memorial lists the names of 90 Koreans known to have died here, but between 300 and 600 nameless others are thought to have perished from torture, execution, malnutrition and disease. The most famous of the victims is Ryu Gwan-sun, an 18-year-old Ewha high-school student, who was tortured to death in 1920.

251 Tongil-ro

Get In Touch

https://www.sscmc.or.kr/culture2/foreign/eng/eng01.html

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Korea, seoul – seodaemun prison.

Nestled between the mundane, grey buildings that make up most of Seoul sits Seodaemun Prison. It’s a solemn, yet striking scene. These well-maintained grounds are a stark contrast to the modern apartment buildings surrounding it, and an emotionally charged place that highlights an important part of Korea’s past. With no previous knowledge of Korea’s history, I arrive at Seodaemun Prison on a beautiful fall day. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and I am curious.

Seodaemun Prison

This travel guide is part of our series on South Korea Travel and East Asia Travel . It was originally created on February 25, 2015. It has been maintained and updated (as of December 28, 2018) to reflect current viewpoints and travel trends.

A Glimpse into Seoul’s Dark History

Finding Beauty in Unexpected Places

I step through the massive front gates, and emerge into a courtyard. “Wow, its beautiful!” is the first thought that pops into my head, and guilt immediately sets in. Describing a prison as beautiful seems hypocritical, but really, it is. Paths connect well-kept brick buildings to bright green and perfectly manicured lawns; trees and flowers cluster together at one end of the grounds; Ingwansan Mountain, in its colorful autumn beauty, stands guard above.

I follow the arrows on the ground directing me to the first building; the exhibition hall. Here, all the positive vibes I’m feeling quickly disappear as I learn the horror and brutality that took place at this prison.

Resilient and Patriotic Koreans

Not too long ago, from 1910-1945, Korea was a forced part of the Japanese Empire. During this time Koreans were forced to work, change their names and speak Japanese in effort to totally eliminate Korean culture. Koreans did not just sit back and let the Japanese wipe away their heritage, instead they actively launched independence movements around the country to gain back what was rightfully theirs.

Koreans who resisted the Japanese government were sent to Seodaemun Prison, and in an attempt to suppress the Independence Movement; the Japanese used these grounds to enact ruthless torture on Korean Patriots.

Inside the Prison Walls

With my newfound knowledge of the brutality that occurred in this prison, I make my way through the three restored buildings. The halls are quiet; no words needed to convey the sadness that once filled this place. Very realistic mannequins guard the two floors of tiny jail cells from the catwalk above. Chills run up my spine, and I find myself constantly looking over my shoulder to make sure they aren’t, in fact, real.

Designed to hold just 500 prisoners, Seodaemun was home to almost 3000 at its peak. I step into one of the cells and am floored by how small it really is; barely enough room for myself, let alone multiple inmates. The cells, totally exposed to the outside elements, have no heating or cooling system, and all contain just a bucket for a toilet. On this crisp fall day, the air inside the brick building is chilly; I cannot imagine surviving the frigid Korean winter in this place.

Violence Below Ground

In the basement of the main prison building sits the torture chamber, and site of interrogations, isolated cells and extreme acts of violence. Fingernail torture, peeling off skin, rupturing of internal organs, cutting off extremities, and water torture are just a few ways the Japanese tortured Koreans. The exhibits have frighteningly realistic models of Japanese guards inflicting unthinkable acts of violence on the inmates. Like the guards in the jail cells above, these models are so realistic; I have to work up the courage to look inside the cells.

The displays, photos and interactive experience of it all is unsettling. A feeling of dread encompasses me and I must get out. I emerge into the sunlight from the depths of the underground torture chambers. Quite shaken by the brutality that occurred in this very place, I continue my exploration of the prison grounds, and head toward the execution hall.

Execution Hall & The Wailing Poplar

The execution hall is where I feel the most emotion today. The place where so many Koreans headed to their death emanates sorrow. Two poplar trees straddle the wall that encloses the execution hall. The poplar tree on the outside is tall and strong, the one on the inside is small and frail. Stories say that prisoners being sent to their deaths grabbed these trees and wailed with deep sadness for their inability to secure independence, and the tree on the inside is stunted because of the terrible things that took place inside the walls. I believe it. The black and skinny poplar tree, and the eeriness of it all convey so much tragedy.

Visiting this prison opens my eyes to the history of the Korean people, and helps explain some of the anti-Japanese attitudes I so often hear. It is an emotional experience discovering this harrowing side of Seoul . The fact that Seodaemun Prison, filled with dark history, sits among the modern buildings that make up the Seoul of today is just a powerful reminder of the background of Korea and the strength of its people.

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Katie McGrain

Katie McGrain was an elementary school teacher who packed up her classroom and her life in Vermont to venture around the world. Constantly searching for a tasty morsel or a mountain to climb she is currently based in South Korea. You can find Katie's adventure stories, food discoveries and travel tales at <a href="aroundtheworldinktdays.com">Around the World in KT Days</a>

15 thoughts on “ Korea, Seoul – Seodaemun Prison ”

Really well written, and so relatable to the experience of visiting Cheolsang in Cambodia. The atrocities seem to have never left the place and the chills down your spine have you looking over your shoulder. As sad as it is, I absolutely love this post.

What a terrible tragedy. I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t know any details about why there is so much anti-Japanese talk in my hagwon, and among many older Koreans that I’m friends with. Because of you, I now have a deeper understanding of why there is such a generational hatred. Although of course we cannot hate an entire country for something in its history, but I can certainly understand why one would. It sounds like visiting this prison was very difficult, but I think I would like to do it myself to pay respects to a country I live in as a foreigner.

Awesome of Katie to put the Seodaemun Prison experience into such precise words. This is a really great post and does a good job at highlighting the atrocious nature of the places melded with the uncomfortable beauty in its well-kept grounds. We were struck with similarly haunted yet comfortable feelings, but Katie has done a great job describing this place and its history. We often fall short in providing adequate explanations for the history that we barely understand but this post does a great job of summarizing history in an accurate, yet concise way. Great read.

I read this when you posted it in February, when coincidentally I happened to be in Seoul. I REALLY wanted to find it and check it out but I had no time. I think visiting a place like this would be awesome / errie! I hope to find it on my next trip to Seoul.

Thanks! Next time, its worth visiting! Lots to do in the area as well!

Katie and Carl,

This is a great post and I’m so happy you shared your experience with us. I had no idea this place existed in Seoul, and it’s now been added to my list of places to see in the next four months (I feel like time in slipping through my fingers).

So cool, interesting, and saddening at the same time. It really does explain so much of why Koreans feel a certain way about Japan (generally speaking).

What a powerful piece! Well written of a terrifying history. I knew about Seodaemun prison when I lived in Seoul, but i never got around to visiting there. Maybe I should finally add it to my list. Thanks for telling the story so well.

Definitely worth a visit. Lots to learn and in an easily reachable spot!

Wow, Katie! Just… wow… this post hits like a punch in the gut. I would have a rough time walking through that prison, thanks for sharing what I’m sure must have been a tough post to write. It’s strange to think how recently these things occurred. I would get frustrated by some of the friction between the two countries, but it’s easy to forget how raw the wounds between them are.

Fantastic job!

Thanks Nathan! I had been putting off writing it for a long time as I wasn’t sure how to express what I learned!

Wow……….such an morbid story, but history has a place in today and even our future. I truly feel saddened by the evil that was done to the Korean people. I’m glad that this prison is no longer needed for its orginal purpose.

I know for a fact that they also employed “comfort” women, which is basically forced prostitution. To this day the survivors are seeking an apology from the Japanese government and none have been offered. Such inhumane treatment and can’t even acknoledge that it was done in the past.

Thanks for sharing this story with us.

Hey Charisse! Yes, I read about the “comfort women” after visiting the prison, as I was interested in more history. It wasn’t said much at Seodaemun, though there was a separate section for all of the women prisoners.

Great piece Katie and thanks for sharing with us. I do not know much of Korea’s history and now understand a bit more of the anti-Japanese sentiment I sometimes hear.

I’m not sure I could visit the prison myself (as I’m still having flashbacks of the prisons in Cambodia), but am glad you shared the story so I know a bit more about what happened when the Japanese occupied Korea.

Thanks Lindsay! It was an eye opening experience, as I knew nothing about the history with Japan previously. Very glad I went and learned about this part of the history.

I’ve been to Seoul many times but have never been here. Will have to put it on the list. Thanks for the interesting post.

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Seodaemun Prison History

Operating Hours

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured and later executed Korean Independence Movement followers. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you’ll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell where Yu Gwan-sun an historic figure during the independence movement died. The 1st floor is “A Place of Reverence,” where you can learn about Seodaemun Prison through a video. A large screen shows the background of its founding and the transition periods in its history. The Reference Room has displays and information on Korea’s history. The museum also holds special exhibits. The 2nd floor is “A Place of History,” where you can view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” This floor shows examples of how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing to hold on to their hopes and resolve for freedom. “A Place of Experience” is the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic. At the Seodamun Independence Park nearby you can visit the Independence Hall, the Patriotic Martyr Monument, the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument, relic no. 32 and no. 33.

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Seodaemun Prison Walking Tour

• May 21, 2022 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

• Seoul, South Korea
• info@anzakorea.com

Thanks for visiting our new ANZA Korea page. The Australia and New Zealand Association (ANZA) of Korea is a non-profit association that supports expatriates, and Koreans with an interest in Australia and New Zealand.

Living and traveling in Korea

The Seodaemun Prison & Independence Park In Seoul Are A Must See

There are numerous museums in the capital city of Seoul in Korea with some devoted to the arts, history, and science, but there are also museums devoted to the numerous wars that have befallen the country. Whether you’re a tourist or someone coming to live in Korea for even a short amount of time, you’ll hear about the wars and if you want to learn more about what happened in Korea, there are a few great places to check out.

The War Memorial of Korea is a huge and FREE museum in central Seoul that showcases over 13,000 pieces of war artifacts and memorabilia but there is also a smaller museum that shows a more gruesome side of history. This museum is called the Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관) and it sits in Independence Park.

This park and museum provide a unique perspective and really showcase more poignantly what the activists in Korean history went through during the Japanese occupation. The Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관) is great for history buffs and enthusiasts as well as budget travelers because the entrance fee is very minimal for this historic site here in Seoul.

What you’ll find in this post:

How To Get There

Basic info you should know.

• The History Of Seodaemun Prison

What To Expect In The Prison History Museum

What to expect in independence park, other related sites in korea that you might be interested in.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

The Seodaemun Prison History Museum sits in the Independence Park. You can walk through the trees of the park and follow the paths to find some other historical sites before finding the prison itself. It’s fairly easy to spot in the park though.

Address: 251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 251 (현저동))

By Subway: Head to Dongnimmun Subway Station, exit 5. Turn left out of the station and walk through a small thicket of trees and bushes and you’ll come to the prison.

Hours: March – October: 9:30AM – 6:00PM; November – February: 9:30AM – 5:00PM

Closed on January 1st, Seollal, Chuseok and every Monday. If a holiday falls on Monday, the museum is closed on the following Tuesday.

Independence Park Admission:  FREE

Seodaemun Prison History Museum Admission: W3,000

Discover Seoul Pass: Note that this is a spot that you can gain entrance to with the Discover Seoul Pass. If you’re planning to purchase this pass specifically for tourists, plan to visit when you have the card! You can purchase the card here.

Amenities: Wheelchair rental, bathrooms, parking (parking fee is W1,000), English and Japanese tour guides are available but must be reserved one week in advance by calling 82-360-8586

The History of Seodaemun Prison

Seodaemun Prison was originally built in 1907 and opened in 1908 to imprison Korean independence fighters who resisted the Japanese colonization. Originally called Gyeongseong Prison, at its height held more than 2,000 prisoners when it was only meant to house 500.

At the time, even the capability to house 500 inmates made this a huge prison as the entire capacity of all of the prisons across the country at the time only totaled 300. Inmates not only died from torture and starvation but because of the cramped space and lack of basic human necessities, died of heat stroke in the summers and froze to death in the winters.

I’ve visited in both winter and summer and it’s easy to see how this would happen with the barren cells. Visit in the winter and you yourself will definitely feel the chill even as you walk through the interior spaces.

In 1987, part of the prison was moved to Uiwang, Gyeonggi-do but the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th prison halls as well as the leper house and the execution building were left in the area because of their historical significance.

The area around the prison became a park in 1988 and monuments were relocated and erected and in 1992 the block became known as Seodaemun Independence Park. The park and prison are worth a visit to learn more about the history between Korea and Japan and the Korean fighting spirit.

After purchasing a ticket, visitors follow signs throughout the eerily quiet complex that is unsettlingly beautiful with the red brick against the bright blue skies that Seoul often enjoys. The first building is the museum itself which offers three floors of information.

The first floor is “A Place of Reverence” to learn more about the prison and its history. Visitors then follow the signs up to the second floor which is “A Place of History” with one room that might be the darkest of all, three walls covered from top to bottom with photographs of those that died here and finally the signs lead into the basement where the torture scenes are depicted.

Videos and lifelike mannequins portray what the imprisoned went through and though the English subtitles and translations are lacking they are unneeded with these representations.

After this in depth look at the grounds and the history, arrows lead visitors into the prison halls. The doors swing open and some rooms house mannequins to allow visitors to see how they communicated by knocking on the walls and how they got through the daily struggles housed here.

The dimly lit dank feeling of the prison gives visitors an overwhelming feeling of loss and hopelessness especially when one tries to picture how 2000 activists could possibly be housed here at one time.

After the prison halls have been visited, the arrows lead to the execution chamber and a small tunnel. The dead bodies were removed through this tunnel so that the executions could be concealed.

The area surrounding the Seodaemun Prison Museum is now well maintained and lush with green areas, walking paths and statues commemorating the path to independence.The area became a park in 1988 and the monuments and statues were relocated and erected here in 1992.

One of the biggest things to stand out in the park is Dongnimmun Gate which was built in 1897. The gate was built by the Independence Club after the Gabo Reform which aimed for internal and systematic reform of the Joseon government, according to the signage in the area.

The reforms ultimately failed due to foreign powers taking over, but the gate still stood. The granite gate that stands 14.28 meters high and 11.48 meters wide was designed by Korean architect Sim Uiseok who modeled it after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The gate is now historic site number 32.

Just in front of the gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate which are historic site number 33. The remnants once sat at the front gate of Mohwagwan in this area during the 7th year of King Taejong’s reign. The gate was later dismantled by the Independence Club.

If you walk toward the prison from Dongnimmun Gate you’ll come to a statue of Suhr Jae Phil an activist for independence who published Korea’s first private newspaper “The Independence” in 1896. He had a large role in the Civil rights movement in Korea during the 1880s and 1890s and ultimately when they failed he took refuge in the US and became the first Korean to gain American citizenship.

Suhr Jae Phil is also credited with organizing the Independence Association with Yun Chi-ho and Lee Sang-Jae and together they pulled down Yeongeunmun Gate which was a symbol of Korea’s foreign policy with China as this was where envoys from China were met and welcomed. They sought to change the gate into a symbol of Korea’s independence by building Dongnimmun’s Independence Gate.

After WWII, he returned to Korea to act as the chief adviser to the US Army Military Government of South Korea at the time. He had a tremendous impact in the fight to independence in Korea.

The park is often filled with students from the nearby schools riding their bikes and eating snacks and older folks enjoying a snack on the seats and benches that are strategically placed. It’s a great place to spend a few hours not only enjoying the weather, but also learning about some of Korea’s history and historical figures.

If you want to visit another historic park in the city, don’t miss a visit to Tapgol Park which is right downtown at the end of the popular Insadong Street . Tapgol Park was the site of the first Declaration of Independence here in Korea.

• T he War & Women’s Human Rights Museum : This museum in the Mapo-gu area is dedicated to teaching future generations about the comfort women, their past, and what they’re doing today. This is a must visit if you’re interested in Korean history and how it effected the women of this country specifically.
• POW Camp On Geoje Island : If you’re headed down to Busan, Korea at some point during your stay, make time to visit Geoje Island and see the POW camp there. It once held 173,000 prisoners.
• Cheorwon DMZ Tunnels : There are a few different spots on the DMZ that you can visit to see the tunnels the North Koreans tried to build but Cheorwan really stands out for also featuring the North Korean Labor Party Building and some other historic sites that you can only visit with a guide.
• The DMZ In Paju : If you don’t have much time, the Paju DMZ sites are the closest to Seoul, Korea and are where most tourists go to see North Korea and learn more about past struggles. The area is also home to numerous sites devoted to the hopeful reunification.
• Camp Greaves : This American military installation was given back to the people of Korea and is now home to a museum as well as artistic installations promoting reunification between North and South Korea. It’s a very unique stop to learn more about war on the peninsula.

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• Home > Places > Korea, South > Seoul > seodaemungu > Attraction > Seodaemun Prison History Hall ( 서대문 형무소 역사관 )

Seodaemun Prison History Hall ( 서대문 형무소 역사관 )

Place Category: Attraction and Historic Sites

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured and later executed Korean Independence Movement followers. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you’ll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell.

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Seodaemun Prison History Hall Tour (morning/afternoon)

Reservation

10:00~12:00 (morning) / 14:00~16:00 (afternoon)

• You will get explanations from a wireless audio guide! Easy and comfortable way to be guided while moving around.
• A tour guide who is an expert in world history analysis will also provide you with historical stories in depth that are easy to understand.
• The tour guide is experienced enough in storytelling to get you interested in captivating Korean art and culture.
• Person who wants to spend time with loved ones while exploring history
• Person who has interest in various in-depth stories of history

Point 1: Storytelling tour

Grab the chance in this program to experience the spirit of Korean patriotic martyrs at a site with painful history.

Look around Seodaemun Prison preserving heartbreaking memories of 100 years ago and question yourself how you could deal with painful history.

(Tour course: exhibition hall-central prison building-prison building No. 11 and 12-labor building-leper’s building-execution building-corpse removal exit-Gyeokbyeokjang (exercise yard)-‘female prison building)

Point 2: Tour guided by a guide who is an expert in world history analysis

Learn about Korean art and culture with easy storytelling from an expert guide.

An audio guide will also provide you with comfortable explanations on the exhibition while you are moving around.

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7 Totally Free Walking Tours In Seoul

Kelly Hayes-Raitt

• Budget Travel
• Destinations
• South Korea
• Types of Travel

Nothing beats walking to find the soul of a city. So, when I visited Seoul, South Korea, in December 2019 while I was housesitting, I signed up for several walking tours — all of which were offered free of charge!

Some tours of the more traditional tourist sites are organized by the Seoul tourism offices, while some off-the-beaten-path tours are guided by Korean university students who want to practice their English, show off their favorite “hidden gems,” and earn a few won in tips.

There are actually about 60 free walking tours offered (29 are offered by the city of Seoul alone!), but here are seven to get you started. So, break out your sneakers and get ready to walk, stroll, climb, and savor Seoul!

Here are my favorite free walking tours:

1. Sky Park, Seafood Market, And Street Food Tour

Guided by 24-year-old art major Rim Jeonghye, this tour found me and fellow tourist Pierre, an American vacationing from teaching English in China, panting up 292 steps to Haneul Sky Park and its fabulous views of the Han River and Seoul’s towering skyline. A reclaimed landfill, the park is best known for its silver grass, which is celebrated during a festival every fall.

After working up an appetite, we headed to the extensive Mapo Agricultural and Marine Market. Pierre had heard that eating live octopus (called sannakji ) is a special Korean delicacy, so Rim led us to an octopus vendor who chopped up a small octopus and doused it with sesame oil. Since the dismembered tentacles were still wiggling on the plate, I passed.

Next up was a stroll through Mangwon Market, a local, non-touristy food market with raw and prepared foods. Rim knew every stall that offered free samples, so we had our own private — and free — street food tour!

Tip: Wear layers to shed as you hike up the stairs. And come hungry!

Additional Tour Info

Other free tours offered by TodaysFriend include guided walks around Dongdaemun Culture Park , the Ikseon-dong neighborhood , and Deoksu Palace and Seoul’s City Hall .

TodaysFriend.com | Sky Park Tour | [email protected]

2. Seochon Tour: Where Old Alleys Meet New Galleries

The City of Seoul offers 29 free walking tours conducted by trained volunteer guides featuring subjects from the healing arts to architecture. Visit palaces, gardens, traditional villages, royal tombs and more during these free two-hours tours.

I walked around Seochon , one of Seoul’s art-oriented neighborhoods, on a City of Seoul walking tour. Dotted with art galleries and trendy coffee shops, this hilly area features the Sangchonjae Hanok House, a refurbished traditional home with 19-century underfloor heating (called ondol , a feature still used today). My guide and I took a break at the base of the Suseongdong Valley before window-shopping along a boutique-lined alley.

Tip: Since these volunteer guides do not accept tips, treat them at a coffee shop. We stopped at an en-route cafe for the most sumptuous dark hot chocolate drinks!

Reservations must be made online at least three days in advance.

VisitSeoul.net | Seochon Tour | [email protected]

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Built in 1395, the Gyeongbokgung Palace, whose name means “The Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven,” is nestled between Mount Bugaksan and Mount Namsan. Today, surrounded by high-rise office buildings, it stands as a monument to fortitude: The Palace has been destroyed and rebuilt three times.

There are many local tour companies that charge for their guided tours, but free English tours are offered at the palace three times each day at 11 a.m, 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. No reservations are necessary.

Tip: Deck yourself in hanbok (traditional Korean attire) from one of the nearby clothing rental shops and enter the palace grounds for free. Otherwise, the cost is 3,000 won (about $2.50).

See the Gyeongbokgung Palace Management Office’s official site .

4. Bukchon Tour: Where History Lives

Bukchon is a well-preserved neighborhood of hanok — traditional Korean homes — that are now a network of private residences, traditional craft workshops, guesthouses, cafes, tea houses, and boutiques. The Soul Free Walking Tour starts at the Bukchon Traditional Cultural Center , which is an actual hanok with rice paper doors and underfloor heating.

As we wandered the narrow streets, my three guides stopped for a street food treat and for photo ops at spectacular views over the gracefully up-turned arched roofs. We went on to Chung-Ang University , a former kindergarten that served as a secret meeting spot for Korean dissidents during the Japanese occupation.

Finally, we stopped at the Dong-Lim Knot Workshop , where I had the option for 7,000 won ($6) to create my own bracelet using traditional garakji knots. (It’s a lot harder than it looks!)

My guides — three smart, personable students studying microbiology, international relations, and fashion design — and I were having so much fun, we lunched at a traditional Korean restaurant.

Tip: Bukchon is hilly, so be prepared to climb. Also, these guides do not accept tips, so a coffee or street treat is appreciated!

Other free tours offered by Seoul Free Walking Tours include a political tour of the Gwanghwamun area to explore Korea under the Japanese occupation and a tour of Bongeunsa Temple to explore Korean Buddhism.

SeoulFreeWalkingTour.wixsite.com | Bukchon Tour | [email protected]

5. President’s Garden Tour

With at least three weeks’ notice, foreigners can schedule a tour of the Republic of South Korea’s President’s gardens outside Cheong Wa Dae, the official residency and administrative compound of the president and first lady.

Colloquially called the Blue House because of the shiny blue tiles that make up its roof, this is where cabinet meetings, receptions for state guests and diplomatic events take place. The one-hour tour covers Nokjiwon (the Green Grass Garden, which features a 170-year-old pine tree and is where public events are held), the site of the original Cheong Wa Dae building, and Yeong Bin Gwan (the State Guest House).

You must apply online and provide your passport information. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email and code.

Tips: Remember to take your passport; you will be asked for it several times. But leave behind large bags and political leaflets. Also, read up on the Blue House before you go, as there are no live bilingual guides, although a brief English-language recorded audio guide is provided (free). I recommend listening to the audio guide before your tour (there are several minutes waiting in an auditorium before the tour starts).

Cheong Wa Dae, President’s Residence Official Web Page | [email protected]

6. Seodaemun Prison Tour

During a sobering tour offered by the university students volunteering with Seoul-Mate Tours, you can visit Seodaemun Prison. The prison was built by the Japanese during their occupation of Korea from 1910 to 1945 and was where 3,000 Korean freedom activists were tortured, imprisoned, and executed.

Four students led my tour, each explaining one section of the prison — and of Korea’s dark history under the occupation. Korean men were conscripted to serve in the Japanese Army and Korea’s women were conscripted to serve as sex slaves (or what the Japanese called “comfort women”). One of the students spoke about the experiences of her grandmother, who was forbidden from speaking Korean during the occupation and was forced to adopt a Japanese name.

Hangeul , the Korean alphabet, was outlawed, and highly educated Koreans wrote in Chinese; some of the prisoners’ Chinese-language correspondence is on display. In fact, some of the prisoners were poets who were arrested for writing in hangeul .

The tour is extensive, allowing visitors to go into isolation cells, to stand in coffin-like sensory deprivation boxes, and to enter into an execution chamber where prisoners were hung. The prison grounds also included factories where prisoners made their own uniforms and, later, supplies to support the Japanese war efforts.

Seoul-Mate offers 14 other walking tours — all less intense than this one — including walks through and around the National Hangeul Museum and the Seoul City Wall .

Tip: Again, these students do not accept tips, so treating them to coffee is not only appreciated, but a further opportunity for them to practice speaking English and for you to interact with these smart, well-traveled students.

Seoul-Mate.com | [email protected]

7. Gwangmyeong Cave Tour

Go underground at the Gwangmyeong Cave, a former gold mine, during one of Korean Transit Tours six walking tours for short-term visitors passing through Seoul. With a layover of up to 24 hours, you could walk off jet lag at Jeondeungsa Temple, the hip area of Insa-dong, the Triple Shopping Street, the World Cup Stadium, or one of Seoul’s food markets.

Tip: Be sure to be on time at your meeting spot, or risk paying a hefty fee for a taxi back to the airport to catch your flight!

Airport.kr | [email protected]

General Tips To Enhance Your Seoul Walking Tour

• Be on time. Other visitors may be taking the tour, too, and the guide might not be able to wait.
• Check your travel time on Rome2Rio . Seoul is deceptively huge and it can take an hour or longer to reach a meeting point, which is usually the specific exit of a metro stop. Be sure to head to the correct exit number, or risk being several blocks out of your way.
• Get the guide’s What’s App number ahead of time so you can text if you get lost — or to contact them the morning of if the weather looks dicey.
• Tip the guide at the end … or at least treat them to coffee or a street food treat.
• Be patient. Some of the guides are not professionally trained; they are students practicing their English. Help them out! Chat them up!
• Plan ahead. Some tours require two or three days’ notice, others a few weeks. Some tours run only on certain weekends.
• Contact the tour group if you need to cancel so the volunteer guide isn’t stuck waiting for a no-show.
• Be sure to respond if you are sent a reconfirmation email, or your reservation might get canceled.
• Finally, these tours really are walking tours, so limit your carrying load and wear comfy shoes and weather-appropriate clothes.

What a way to walk off all that fabulous Korean barbecue and street food!

Visiting South Korea? Read up on 7 beautiful places in Seoul , plus 13 things I wish I knew before visiting the city.

Kelly Hayes-Raitt jokes she sleeps around – usually with animals. As an international petsitter, she’s been traveling full-time for more than a decade. She coaches authors and has written the book How to Become a Housesitter: Insider Tips from the HouseSit Diva , available in soft cover or Kindle at Amazon or as an ebook from her web site, HouseSitDiva .

Seodaemun Prison History Hall

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• (0.15 km) Ediya Coffee - Dokripmum Branch
• (0.44 km) Daesungjip
• (0.50 km) Rooter Cafe
• (1.99 km) Gouga Gwanghwamun
• (0.07 km) Seodaemun Independence Park
• (0.37 km) Dongnimmun Gate
• (0.50 km) Inwangsan Mountain
• (1.21 km) Food & Culture Academy
• (3.05 km) Seoul Metro

Seoul Mate Tour Course

Introduction of our tour

We offer a variety of tour products that take into account your various tastes. Whatever package you choose, we promise you it will be the best travel experience. Please contact us now to book a tour.

Dive into K-POP in Korea

​Tour course: HiKR Ground -> Cheonggyecheon Stream -> Ikseon-dong Hanok Village​

* If you like, you can wear Korean student uniforms during the tour! Feel free to talk to the guides!

​HiKR Ground is a Korean tourism publicity center where visitors can experience K-Pop and view media art at the same time. It provides Korean tourism content in multiple ways for the younger generation to enjoy.​

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an 11 km-long stream that runs through downtown Seoul. The stream starts from Cheonggye Plaza, a popular cultural arts venue, and passes under a total of 22 bridges before flowing into the Hangang River, with many attractions along the way.​

The Ikseon-dong Hanok Village is home to all kinds of fusion-concept cafes, restaurants, and shops that contrast with the more traditional vibe of the neighboring Insadong area. In fact, it's one of the most popular sights for dating in the city! 

Seodaemun Prison Tour

Remember the tragic history​

Tour course: Seodaemun Prison​

Seodaemun Prison was used to intern Korean patriots during the Japanese occupation. Until the Liberation of Korea on August 15, 1945, it was known as a clandestine mecca for the anti-Japanese resistance fighters, where they were tortured and executed.It consists of a historic exhibition hall, a central prison, jail cells, a hospital, the patriot memorial, an execution room, a tunnel through which corpses were carried, a watchtower, and a basement jail cell where the female patriot, Yu Gwansun, was tortured and killed.

Jamsil Tour

Date at Seoul, Now and Then

Tour course: Seoul Baekje Museum -> Seokchon Lake Park

The Seoul Baekje Museum is a history museum that was established at the prehistoric site of Baekje-era ruins in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The museum preserves and studies the relics of Baekje and prehistoric Korea. It has an extensive collection of artifacts and relics, and there are also educational programs to participate in and enjoy.

Seokchon Lake Park is a resting place loved by the citizens of Seoul. It is divided into West Lake and East Lake based on Songpa-daero. Visitors are able to see various sights such as Lotte World Adventure, Cafe Street, and Bangi-dong Food Alley while exploring around.

Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour

Walking along the King's road

Tour course: National Palace Museum of Korea -> Gyeongbokgung Palace

The National Palace Museum of Korea showcases 500 years of history with roughly 45,000 artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty. Artifacts on display include texts and poems that were handwritten by kings of the past, robes worn by royalty, jewelry, and other items from the royal courts of Korea.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first and largest of the royal palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Built in 1395, Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of the newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The Korean government has invested much time and effort into rebuilding, restoring, and maintaining the palace for future generations. These efforts include work to rebuild and restore the buildings that were destroyed during the Japanese occupation.

The War Memorial of Korea Tour

Remember Korean War

Tour course: The War Memorial of Korea

The War Memorial of Korea was established to remember the Korean War (6. 25. 1950 - 7. 27.1953) and to symbolize the desire for peaceful reunification of Korea. The museum consists of 6 individual exhibition halls and a combat experience room, a screening room and an outdoor exhibition area with memorial statues. The Statue of Brothers located in the south-west corner of the outdoor exhibition area at the museum symbolizes the Korean War and the hope for reunification. The statue depicts a scene where a family’s oldest son, a South Korean soldier and his younger brother, a North Korean soldier meet on a battlefield. Their embrace expresses reconciliation, love and forgiveness.

Namsan Tour

Shining Lights

Tour course: Namsangol Hanok Village -> Namsan Seoul Tower

Namsangol Hanok Village is a collection of five hanok (traditional Korean houses) from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), recovered from different parts of the city and relocated to the northern foot of Namsan Mountain.

At Namsangol Hanok Village, visitors can see the important figures of hanok, participate in traditional Korean activities such as archery and enjoy traditional Korean performances as well.

Namsan Seoul Tower was built in 1969 as Korea's first integrated transmission tower beaming television and radio broadcasts across the capital. Since opening to the public in 1980, it has become a much-loved Seoul landmark. The tower's main attractions include multi-colored digital art projected onto the tower at night, a digital observatory, a roof terrace, the HanCook restaurant, the n.Grill restaurant, and the Haneul (Sky) Restroom. Namsan Seoul Tower's mountain surroundings on Namsan Mountain have made it a popular place to unwind for locals and tourists alike. 

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Rotting Fruit, an Animatronic Mouse and Other Highlights of the Venice Biennale

A tour of the international exhibition, which opened last week and runs through November.

Photographs and Video by Jason Schmidt

The Venice Biennale, the art world’s most prestigious exhibition, opened last week to some fanfare, some criticism and a number of protests . Viewers generally look to the Biennale as a reflection of its time, and this one arrived at a fraught moment in history defined by political unrest and distrust for traditional systems of power. (And not for nothing, Indigenous and African artists, historically underrepresented in Venice, are notably more visible than in previous iterations of the show.) Here, a look at some of the standouts from the 2024 edition.

The Holy See Pavilion

The Vatican’s Holy See Pavilion organized an exhibition based on the theme of human rights, titled “Con i Miei Occhi (With My Eyes),” at the Giudecca Women’s Detention Home, an active prison for female inmates. The show includes works by the feminist art collective Claire Fontaine, the Brazilian textile artist Sonia Gomes, the American artist Corita Kent and the Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan (whose new fresco “Father,” depicting a pair of wounded feet, graces the building’s facade), all of which contemplate, in some way, the desire for freedom. Several inmates are giving guided tours and, on April 28, Pope Francis will stop by, making him the first Pontiff in history to visit the Biennale.

The Nigeria Pavilion

For the country’s second-ever pavilion in Venice, eight Nigerian artists installed site-specific works at the Palazzo Canal in a show organized by the London-based curator Aindrea Emelife. Their projects — including Yinka Shonibare’s replicas of the Benin Bronzes that were plundered by the British in the late 19th century, and a sculpture by Ndiki Dike commemorating protests against police in 2020 — look at the violence of colonial history, as well as charting a path out of it.

The Japan Pavilion

Sook-Kyung Lee, the director of the Whitworth gallery at Manchester University, organized this installation, titled “Compose,” by the Tokyo-based installation artist Yuko Mohri, known for working with ready-made materials and incorporating sound into her sculptures. Largely using objects sourced from grocery stores and flea markets around Venice, Mohri addresses issues of environmental collapse and sustainability. In one part of the show, called “Decomposition,” a series of hanging lights are connected to electrodes inserted into rotting pieces of fruit, whose moisture creates electric signals that power the bulbs. The fruit will eventually be composted.

The South Korea Pavilion

The artist Koo Jeong A is representing South Korea at the Biennale with an original commission called “Odorama Cities.” The artist, who is known for exploring smell, worked with a Seoul-based perfumer in an attempt to capture the scents of the Korean Peninsula. The installation includes a bronze sculpture that emits a variety of fragrances based on more than 600 responses, which the artist gathered from people who live in or have visited Korea, to the question, “What is your scent memory of Korea?”

The Israel Pavilion

The new-media artist and filmmaker Ruth Patir, working with the curators Tamar Margalit and Mira Lapidot, closed her already installed exhibition “M/otherland” at the Israel Pavilion on the day it was set to open in protest of the war in Gaza. Visitors to the show, which considers the idea of fertility, are greeted with a sign posted at the entrance that reads: “The artist and curators of the Israeli pavilion will open the exhibition when a cease-fire and hostage release agreement is reached.”

The Fondazione Prada

At the Fondazione Prada’s venue, the 18th-century palazzo Ca’ Corner della Regina, the Swiss artist Christoph Büchel, perhaps best known for building a functional mosque at the 2015 Venice Biennale, has installed an immersive show called “Monte di Pietà” that explores the themes of debt and finance. (The show is named after a centuries-old money lender that used to operate in the same building.) In addition to a room showing CCTV footage seemingly from active war zones in Gaza and Kyiv, a collection of lab-grown diamonds and a stripper pole, the sprawling exhibition includes a fictitious bankrupt pawnshop.

The U.S. Pavilion

In his show “The Space in Which to Place Me,” the New York-based painter and sculptor Jeffrey Gibson, representing the United States, draws on themes of identity and Indigenous histories that he’s explored for much of his three-decade-long career. Included in the pavilion are sculptures, works on paper, videos and multimedia paintings that celebrate the artist’s Mississippi Choctaw and Cherokee heritage. There’s also a dance program featuring members of the Colorado Inter-Tribal Dancers and Oklahoma Fancy Dancers. Gibson is the first Native American to represent the United States with a solo show at the Biennale.

The Australia Pavilion

For his exhibition “Kith and Kin,” the Aboriginal artist Archie Moore has covered the walls of the Australia Pavilion with a meticulous chalk drawing of a First Nation family tree that calls upon some 65,000 years of the artist’s family history. In the center of the room, floating in a moat of water, are stacks of government documents that detail the deaths of Indigenous Australians in police custody. The work won the Golden Lion, the prize for the best national participation at the Biennale.

The Canada Pavilion

The Paris-based, Canadian-born artist Kapwani Kiwanga, who makes intricate installations concerned with the African diaspora and questioning the traditional canon, used small glass spheres called conterie , or Venetian seed beads, as the primary material for her installation “Trinket” at the Canada Pavilion. She strung together thousands of them, in a variety of colors, to create a dramatic, cumulative effect, turning the seemingly insignificant objects into something vast and dramatic.

The artist Ryan Gander’s installation at Palazzo Grassi.

Humans are, in fact, time travelers — the very ability you have been coveting in literature and science for centuries. You just do it cognitively, not physically. However, the ability to imagine a past and a future and various scenarios for yourselves also comes with consequences. The penalty is being able to imagine your own demise. You are all going to die, and none of you really know when.

The Palazzo Grassi

At the 18th-century Palazzo Grassi, also the site of a retrospective by the painter Julie Mehretu, the multimedia artist Ryan Gander has installed an animatronic work subtle enough to miss if you aren’t paying close attention. Positioned just above the floor, it comprises a moving life-size model of a mouse, which seems to poke through the wall of the Venetian Classical-style building and philosophize about the inevitability of death and the struggle to find meaning in life.

Inside the Venice Biennale

The 2024 venice biennale features work by more than 330 participating artists from some 90 countries scattered throughout the city..

Photos:  Our photographer is on the ground covering the spectacle that makes the Biennale  one of the premier events in the art world’s global calendar.

Critiquing and Representing the U.S.:  Jeffrey Gibson’s history-making turn at the Biennale  brings the gay and Native American artist center stage with works of struggle and freedom.

Protests Go On:  Israel’s exhibition was already closed after its artist refused to display her work  until there was a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza. But that didn’t calm the discontent .

Can Adriano Pedrosa Save the Biennale?:  Balancing diplomacy and geopolitics is hardly new for the first Biennale curator from Latin America. He isn’t scared to make a strong statement  on contemporary art.

A Match Made in Venice:  An American institution is sponsoring an exhibition by a Chinese artist in collaboration with a Japanese architect at a centuries-old Venetian building. Here’s how Tadao Ando and Zeng Fanzhi came together .

Criticism Meets Optimism:  The group show “Nigeria Imaginary” will be one of the most ambitious African presentations  ever at the Biennale.